Virginia names Bennett coach

Mar 31, 2009 - 11:12 PM CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (Ticker) -- Tony Bennett, who guided Washington State to a 69-33 record over the past three seasons, was named the coach at Virginia on Tuesday.

Bennett's 69 victories established a Washington State record for wins during any three-year span. He established another school first by taking the Cougars to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007 and 2008.

"Tony Bennett comes to the University of Virginia with a plan to build our program," Virginia director of athletics Craig Littlepage said. "He is an outstanding basketball coach and is a perfect fit for UVa.

"He has all of the needed coaching and leadership skills along with an understanding of how to succeed in a highly competitive academic and basketball environment."

This season, Washington State slipped to 17-16, but still was selected to the National Invitation Tournament. On February 21, the Cougars posted an 82-81 win at UCLA, only the Cougars' second victory in their last 53 visits to Pauley Pavilion.

"When my wife and I visited (Virginia), we were both very impressed with how genuine Craig Littlepage and (executive associate director of athletics) Jon Oliver were - and the passion they have for the success of the men's basketball program," Bennett said.

"I look forward to working with the young men in this program to build something special in the long term."

However, Bennett is facing a major rebuilding project as Virginia is coming off its worst season in more than four decades.

Former coach Dave Leitao resigned two weeks ago following a 10-18 campaign, the Cavaliers' worst finish since they went 9-17 in 1967-68.