Love that man…what a mighty good man!
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Roger that. When we won the title in 2019 and my wife saw the look of confusion on my face, she said “Now you’re going to have to see a psychiatrist. Your whole life narrative just changed.”
And, for the what-did-you-appreciate-most-about-Tony list, which starts right here: you could always root for a Virginia player just from knowing he was the kind of kid who wanted to play for Tony.
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Still wear my 2019 gear on a weekly basis. Gonna be a lot of time watching highlights tonight. Will miss you Tony
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Not afraid to admit I shed a few tears earlier. I’m gutted.
This man has brought me the best sports memories of my life. From a tourney in a good year type of program, to one of the best programs in the country. He brought us a National Championship. A height I never thought we could reach. I’m beyond thankful for CTB. It’s a sad sad day
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I’ve been one of CTBs biggest critics but I am so glad he coached the University of Virginia. He led a team of high character that I never doubted I would be proud of. The 2019 title was the greatest day and moment of my life so far. And his teams fostered a stronger connection between my grandmother and me, as she became an avid fan and was until she passed a few years ago. So for all of that, CTB, I thank you
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This was the game that made me realize all of the potential was real. I kept saying to my wife that I never thought I’d see the Hoos win an ACC tourney in my lifetime. The late Harris transition 3…I lost it.
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Man today sucks.
As great as our lacrosse & soccer programs have been…BOC winning the CWS…Welsh giving football life from nothing…to me, TB will always be the GOAT because I am and always have been, a hoops first guy. And he did his best work when the ACC was a minefield of HOF coaches.
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This will take some time to process. He didn’t just resurrect our basketball program and take it to a new height, he totally changed the culture of the program (and really UVa sports to an extent).
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Incredible coach, even better human being. Taught us all the importance of patience and defense in the game of basketball and gave us a ton of great memories, great players, and a national title.
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i’m right there with you i shedded a few to , sad day in history
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I Love you Tony 
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I hope the statue is him kneeling when they won the natty. Can’t find the photo right now.
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In addition to being a phenomenal coach, Tony Bennett always made me feel proud to be a Virginia basketball fan. There was no better leader of young men, no better representative of the sport.
In fact in my mind one of his greatest coaching moments is his response to the UMBC loss. That loss was absolutely gutting, dreams crushed (that team was so good!), we were a national joke… and he responded with grace, equanimity, and wisdom. He was out there teaching life lessons, showing us how to get through tough times.
(He also won a national championship. But any retrospective of his career (I expect Eamonn will write one soon) is surely going to mention his response to UMBC.)
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Including the scissors. Scare the bejeesus out of everyone who walks by.
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Posted this as part of another comment on the retirement thread but wanted to make sure the positive sentiments get seen here so am pasting it again. Hope that’s ok.
And will just pass along my thanks (as others have). Will never forget the joy coach Bennett and team gave my father and me in 2019 before he died. My dad (82 years old) crying to me over the phone saying: “we did it Pres” as I walked down the stairs between concourses in Minneapolis is burned in my brain. Can hear it right now. Thank you Tony. God bless you.
Go HOOS.
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My best memory of UVA as a whole was sitting in a Buffalo Wild Wings while in the middle of moving houses, watching TB celebrate the national title that we clinched in OT. His leadership and tactfulness is part of the reason I grew up loving the whole school as much as I do. Without him, I doubt I’d be as dedicated to attending UVA as I am. He’s truly inspirational, and he will forever be ingrained in UVA legend as an amazing coach and an amazing guy.
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That court needs to be named TB court tomorrow
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Never been an easier man to cheer for. I still can’t wrap my head around the natty. The sadness hit first, but gratitude has temporarily, and eventually will permanently, won the day.
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This. Not an easier guy to root for and having him lead the team you love. We were certainly spoiled. Thanks for everything coach!
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