Tony Bennett stunned many on Thursday with his reported retirement . That includes those in the state with Glenn Youngkin, the governor of Virginia, now reacting to it.
Youngkin discussed Bennett’s sudden retirement on NEWSRADIO WRVA on Friday. He knows it’s sad news for their state, its university, and the school’s basketball program with who Bennett was as a coach and as a person.
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“My heart broke yesterday, like every other big basketball fan and Virginia fan. Tony Bennett is one of the greatest coaches that college basketball will ever see, and he’s also a great man. I was just heartbroken to see that he’s stepping down,” said Youngkin. “He’ll get a chance today to share with everybody why but we’re going to miss him.”
“This is a real loss for Virginia , for Virginia Basketball ,” Youngkin stated. “I mean, a two-time Naismith Coach of the Year, two-time AP Coach of the Year. National championship in 2019, ACC Championships. By the way, graduating players who you want to represent Virginia and the University of Virginia.”
Bennett, who’s just 55 years old , was entering his 16th season as head coach of the Cavaliers. In that time since the start of the last decade, he posted a record of 364-136 (.728) in Charlottesville. That career there also included eight titles in the ACC and the national title in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
Since that championship, Bennett hadn’t had the same level of success over the seasons prior to it. Still, he remained one of the better coaches in the country with his resumé of nearly two decades in collegiate basketball .
Bennett will have more to say later this morning at his press conference where he’ll make it official. Still, Virginia, the school and state, will be losing a lot with him doing so and no longer coaching.
“We’re going to miss this guy,” said Youngkin. “He has been a great, great leader in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
ACC’s Jim Phillips issues statement on Bennett’s retirement
Only hours after the reported retirement of Tony Bennett, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips released a statement on his decision.
“Tony Bennett is, first and foremost, a tremendous person who is also one of the most accomplished coaches in the storied history of ACC Basketball,” Phillips said . “He is a fierce competitor, but one who always leads with integrity, class and unwavering values. He has made an indelible impact on countless student-athletes and developed them not only in basketball, but also as young men.”
“(Bennett) is a legend who we will deeply miss having on the sidelines as well as his daily impact in the league, the sport and college athletics. We are incredibly thankful for all he did in making college basketball better with his steadfast dedication and commitment to the game. We wish Tony, his wife Laurel, and their entire family all the best in this next chapter.”
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