The sports world reacts to Tony Bennett’s retirement

Posted by Admin October 17, 2024 Sports

In one of the more shocking afternoons Virginia fans can remember, longtime Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett has announced his retirement, effective immediately.

The announcement comes as an absolute stunner closing in on the 2024-25 season opener and after Coach Bennett signed an extension in that was slated to keep in him Charlottesville through 2029-30.

The sports world has been buzzing this afternoon with coaches, former, players, and media members all reacting to the news.

Countless media members, including John Fanta, Mark Titus, and Tate Frazier, all longtime fans of Bennett and his consistency, acknowledging his great career and how he treated others off the court.

Tony Bennett was one of college basketball’s remaining elite longtime head coaching faces and authored the sport’s ultimate redemption story from going from humiliation — and handling it with class — to the mountaintop. One of the sport’s great humans. He will be very missed.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) October 17, 2024

Tony Bennett is all class and College Basketball will sorely miss him

— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) October 17, 2024

Whatever the circumstances, Tony Bennett will be missed dearly in college bball. Whether you liked his style of play (I did) or not, he was all class and a great ambassador for a sport that’s full of bad actors and far too often lends itself to cynicism. Here’s to God’s Plan. pic.twitter.com/q2HqzodvBG

— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) October 17, 2024

Speaking of class, former Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright, who retired earlier than most expected in 2022, was quick to chime in on the best coaches college basketball has seen recently.

Tony is one of the most talented and toughest coaches we ever competed against . We always respected him and his teams at the highest level . A class guy –
Inspirational – spiritual and an incredible competitor !! @UVAMensHoops https://t.co/aSgZxGFfAD

— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) October 17, 2024

Rick Pitino also shared his thoughts on Bennett’s retirement.

If the news is true, college basketball just lost a man with incredible class, humility, and dignity. Tony Bennett is an awesome teacher of our game. You will be deeply missed!

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) October 17, 2024

Bennett and his packline defense caused fits for every ACC coach he faced during his career, especially to the Hokies. It felt right to see former coach Seth Greenberg and current coach Mike Young touch on his winning career.

Players of recent have always talked highly about CTB as a mentor and a coach and were quick to thank him for all he’s done.

From transfers to four year player, it’s nothing but respect for the Wisconsin native.

NBA star Trey Murphy reacting in perhaps the best way anyone could as a former player. Since Bennett took the job in 2009, He’s produced 10 NBA draft picks.

As crazy and surprising as this news is, I hope fans and media members alike give Bennett his flowers he’s rightfully earned over the next few weeks. A national championship, 433 career wins, three National Coach of the Yea awards, and six-time ACC regular-season championships put the UVA program back on the map.

Thanks for the memories, Coach.