University News

Photos: Relive an Evening To Remember UVA’s Tony Bennett

After watching a touching video tribute and a banner raised in his honor, Tony Bennett took to the microphone and quipped, “You sure know how to make a guy look good in front of his parents.”

Bennett’s parents, Dick and Anne, were among the sold-out crowd at John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday night to witness a celebration of a University of Virginia icon, who retired from coaching in October after 15 seasons leading the Cavaliers.

Bennett, UVA’s all-time winningest men’s basketball coach, was honored during halftime of the Cavaliers’ 75-61 win over Georgia Tech. It was a special evening filled with appearances from prominent former players, a declaration of “Tony Bennett Day” in the state of Virginia and even playing time for Bennett’s son, Eli, a member of the current Wahoos.

Check out UVA’s photo coverage from a memorable couple of hours in JPJ.

Bennett’s accomplishments reign over the rest at UVA. He won 364 games during 15 seasons in Charlottesville – most notably the 2018-19 national championship. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

A young fan displays a miniature version of Bennett’s banner. Each attendee of Saturday’s game received the souvenir to commemorate the special evening. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Former UVA men’s basketball players, left to right, Grant Kersey, De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome take in Saturday’s game. Hunter and Jerome, two key pieces to the Wahoos’ national championship team, are now reunited in the NBA as members of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Bennett enters the court through a tunnel of his former players. In addition to Kersey, Hunter and Jerome, other former Cavaliers in attendance included Jack Salt, Evan Nolte, Kyle Guy and Isaiah Wilkins. Though not at the game, Joe Harris and Mamadi Diakite delivered messages to Bennett that played on the HooVision video board. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

The banner, noting Bennett’s 15 seasons with UVA, is raised to the rafters at JPJ. It now sits next to the banner for Terry Holland, the Cavaliers’ second-winningest coach. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Bennett soaks in the halftime ceremony. “It’s a bit uncomfortable being honored like this, but the way I look at it is, this is a celebration of all the people that have been along with me on this journey,” he later told the crowd. “And to you the fans, thank you for your support over these 15 years for some of the hard losses, the great wins. You made this place one of the best places and most intense places.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

As his family looks on, Bennett addresses the crowd at JPJ. “A coach’s family sacrifices so much,” he said, “and all they’ve given me is unconditional love and support, and I’m so grateful for that.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

The Bennetts – Tony’s wife Laurel, son Eli, mother Anne, daughter Anna and father Dick – join UVA athletics director Carla Williams and President Jim Ryan for a photo at midcourt with the man of the evening. (Photo by Jamie Holt, UVA Athletics)

Former UVA basketball star Barry Parkhill shares a laugh with Bennett. Bennett’s banner is now in the JPJ rafters near Parkhill’s retired No. 40 jersey. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Eli Bennett, a walk-on player for the Cavaliers, dribbles across midcourt. Tony’s son gave the night its storybook ending with a steal that set up UVA’s final basket against Georgia Tech. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)