When UVA Basketball coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement on Oct. 18, it was the shot heard around the world of college basketball.
The timing of Bennett’s decision, even more shocking, at least to some.
The conspiracy mill was in full production.
Fans, former players, fellow coaches, all needed answers.
Heck, there were many in the media that still hadn’t figured it out, despite the visible handwriting on the wall for months.
Bennett answered the questions as to why he believed he was no longer capable of being the leader of the UVA Basketball program in a press conference on Oct. 19.
One huge question remained.
Where do we go from here?
In Monday’s media day, around the practice gym in JPJ, players spoke with the media for the first time since Bennett’s retirement.
The responses from the players I spoke with regarding the retirement was surprise, respect and gratitude.
And most importantly, confidence.
“A mix of emotions for sure,” junior guard Isaac McKneely said.
“I mean, Coach Bennett is the reason I came here. But you know, Coach Sanchez has, in some way, even brought us closer. We’re going to be ok,” added McKneely.
Duke transfer TJ Power, a former 5-star UVA recruiting target, said you know, it’s no secret, that if you choose to come to Virginia, it’s because of Coach Bennett.
“But the belief that I had in Coach Bennett, I have that same belief in Coach Sanchez and every coach on our staff, because they are all very like-minded,” Power said.
Players like Power, Elijah Saunders and fellow transfers Dai Dai Ames had little time with Bennett, a few weeks in the summer, a few more in preseason, but it was for certain meaningful.
Saunders, a transfer from San Diego State, said that while the top assistant who was appointed to serve as the interim head coach, Ron Sanchez, made the initial contact with him, it was time that he spent with Bennett that convinced him Virginia was the right fit.
“Coach Bennett, in my mind, could make me a more complete player. There were things I needed to work on to make my game, myself more complete, that’s why I came here,” said Saunders.
When asked about the sudden departure by Bennett, and the change to Sanchez, Saunders simply responded, “seamless.”
I asked each player, what they could see changing under Sanchez?
Not much, was the common response.
Sanchez made it clear when addressing the media earlier that UVA Basketball will still be based around the Pack Line defense.
The scheme is complex and often requires time for players to adapt.
With so many newcomers on this year’s roster, Virginia may face a steep hill to climb in to be effective in the Pack Line.
With so many fresh faces, many coming from programs running completely defensive schemes, how will Sanchez handle that potentially dangerous learning curve?
“It’s not just about the system, it’s about the details within the system,” Sanchez said. “Our guys are doing a great job of picking things up. There’s a lot of energy, they understand that this program is built on defense.”
As UVA Basketball turns the page on Bennett, it’s the understatement for the ages to say that Sanchez has big shoes to fill.
Monday, Sanchez and his players took the first step in making us feel that this coach, this team, will not simply continue the legacy of Bennett, but usher in a new era of success for UVA Basketball.
There might be a new coach at Virginia, but the commitment will be the same.
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