<body><div><figure><iframe height="360" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/MZ2PqHIF-Gqa7hx4c.html" width="100%"></iframe><figcaption>The 10 Most-Underrated College Towns (1:25) </figcaption></figure> College basketball fans received surprising news less than a month before the 2024-25 season tips off. On Thursday, <a href="https://x.com/UVAMensHoops/status/1847012207684366683" rel="nofollow"> Virginia revealed </a> that longtime men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett will announce his "immediate" retirement on Friday morning. Bennett had coached 500 games for the Cavaliers since joining the program in 2009. Observers responded to the unexpected news on social media. While the 55-year-old received well wishes, many expressed concern over his abrupt departure before Virginia's Nov. 6 season-opener. "WOW," <a href="https://x.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/1847011543793176700" rel="nofollow"> NBC Sports' Nicole Auerbach </a> wrote. "The timing of this makes no sense." "Don’t think I’ve been stunned by sports news quite like this," <a href="https://x.com/ZStatonSports/status/1847013545256669486" rel="nofollow"> Zach Staton </a> of WTKR News said. "Twenty&nbsp;days before the season starts. The best to ever do it at UVA calling it a career." "Whoa. Season starts in a couple weeks. Happy retirement, Tony, but I hope it’s on good terms," <a href="https://x.com/MattLoveless/status/1847011220005765256" rel="nofollow"> Matt Loveless </a> said. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0lHij2_0wBFEq9j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0lHij2_0wBFEq9j00" width="1199" height="800" ><figcaption>LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MARCH 30: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at KFC YUM! Center on March 30, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure> "Only a few weeks before the season. Extremely interesting timing. Say what you will about how the final few years of Tony Bennett’s tenure went, but he’s an absolute legend for his title win," Field of 68's <a href="https://x.com/SeanPaulCBB/status/1847010621860335711" rel="nofollow"> Sean Paul </a> wrote. "Tony is one of the most talented and toughest coaches we ever competed against," former Villanova head coach <a href="https://x.com/CoachJayWright/status/1847013117911253422" rel="nofollow"> Jay Wright wrote </a> . "We always respected him and his teams at the highest level. A class guy. Inspirational, spiritual and an incredible competitor." A two-time AP Coach of the Year, Bennett led Virginia to six ACC regular-season titles and two conference tournament triumphs. He steered the program to 10 NCAA tournaments and an NCAA championship in 2019. The Cavaliers went 23-11 last season, scoring the seventh-fewest points per game (62.9) but allowing the third-fewest (59.8). Bennett's tenure ended with a First Four loss to Colorado State. Bennett's retirement press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday. <a href="https://thespun.com/acc/virginia/legendary-virginia-basketball-coach-tony-bennett-is-retiring" rel="nofollow"> Related: Legendary Virginia Basketball Coach Tony Bennett Is Retiring </a></div></body>

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College Basketball Fans Stunned By Legendary Coach's Retirement Thursday

College basketball fans received surprising news less than a month before the 2024-25 season tips off. On Thursday, Virginia revealed that longtime men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett will announce his \"immediate\" retirement on Friday morning. Bennett had coached 500 games for the Cavaliers ...

College basketball fans received surprising news less than a month before the 2024-25 season tips off. On Thursday, Virginia revealed that longtime men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett will announce his "immediate" retirement on Friday morning. Bennett had coached 500 games for the Cavaliers ...