2009.03.30
Washington State confirms Bennett move
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Director of Athletics Jim Sterk confirmed that men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Virginia.
“Dick and Tony Bennett have elevated the men’s basketball program at Washington State to an unprecedented level of success,” Sterk said. “We will begin a national search for a coach immediately with the goal of finding someone with the integrity, experience, and values that Dick and Tony brought to the program.”
Sterk said that Virginia asked for permission to speak with Bennett last Friday. Monday afternoon Bennett informed Sterk and WSU President Elson S. Floyd of his decision to accept the position at Virginia. Following those conversations, Bennett informed his players of his decision.
--wsucougars.com--
Incredible. This hire is supposed to fill the Mauseleom at JPJ with excitement and anticipation? I hope the guy can recruit the west coast. Casteen and Littlepage just underwhelm in money sports.
Comment by Ralph Johnson — March 30, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
shock...like I have posted previously ..It's a three ring circus in C-ville .
Comment by Orrie — March 30, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
I am in shock! I can't believe with all of the big names out there such as Tubby Smith, Jeff Capel, heck even Bob Knight or Billy Gillespie, this is the best that UVA can find! Just when I think UVA Athletics can't do anything more idiotic, they go and do something like this. They have this nice new arena, so why not go out and get a coach with a name to get some recruits interested in the program???!!! But no, they go out and get a 38 year old who nobody has EVER heard of, coming from a school that most people don't realize even has a basketball program. Littlepaige needs to GO!!!!!!
Comment by Matt Smith — March 30, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
What a joke. Craig Littlepage the AD at UVA should have been shown the door about six years ago. Why the President at UVA will not fire the real problem with UVA coaches should be easy to figure out. "He was the first Black Athletics Director in UVa history. In 2003 and 2006, he was named the Black Coaches Association's "Athletics Administrator of the Year." He was also listed on Sports Illustrated's list of the 101 most influential minorities in sports in 2003 and 2004. Littlepage created a motto of "uncompromised excellence in intercollegiate athletics," and led Virginia athletics to achieving success in a broad range of sports." All this and they let Grant escape to Alabama, fail to go after Jeff Capel and pick a guy that has no chance of recruiting in the ACC. UVA will continue to get what they deserve and VA TECH can continue to enjoy having the dominate Football and Basketball programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At least tickets will be available when opposing teams come to town if you want to see those guys play.
Comment by hcallaway — March 30, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
Orrie,
You probably thought it was the crooner.
Comment by Doug Doughty — March 30, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
Naw Orrie, it's not A three ring.....maybe TWO ring....yeah, Doug,... "he left his team in B-Ball Limbo"...... Littlepage has made a STATEMENT!!!!!
Comment by eb — March 31, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Second thought......maybe the statement should be..."Littlepage Has Left The Building"....
Comment by eb — March 31, 2009 @ 1:21 am
Josh Smith (6-10, 270) Covington, Washington Kentwood High School, rivals.com's number one-ranked player in the high school Class of 2010, is from the state of Washington, and Washington State is one of the school's he's considering.
I'm not saying that that means anything whatsoever, but it's interesting: Tony Bennett does know him!
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Anyway, I don't mind us hiring Bennett.
We can't recruit against Duke and UNC on the east coast. Maybe we'd have more luck recruiting against them on the west coast?! [I'm aware of North Carolina's California pipeline, yes]!
I noticed that Washington State's roster has players from Australia, Germany and Serbia. Maybe he has some international connections!
Comment by Nelson — March 31, 2009 @ 2:40 am
Is this the guy that sings "I left my heart in San Francisco?
Comment by Robert — March 31, 2009 @ 9:54 pm