On Saturday, Virginia basketball will pause before tipoff to honor the man who built one of the most respected programs in college hoops. The court at John Paul Jones Arena will officially be named “Tony Bennett Court,” a tribute to the winningest coach in Cavaliers history and the architect of a basketball culture defined by discipline, humility, and championship-level success.
Fifteen minutes before Virginia hosts North Carolina in front of a sellout crowd, the spotlight will turn to Bennett. It’s a moment that’s expected to draw a host of former players, coaches, and fans who were part of-or simply witnessed-the transformation he led over 15 seasons in Charlottesville.
Current head coach Ryan Odom, who normally would be in the locker room prepping his squad, will instead be on the court with his team, joining the celebration.
“Oh man, that’s going to be a special day,” Odom said earlier this week. “We’re all excited for him and all of his staff that worked so hard to put Virginia basketball in an unbelievable position, a National Championship position.”
And that’s no exaggeration. Under Bennett, Virginia didn’t just win-they redefined what winning could look like.
His teams weren’t built on flash or one-and-done talent. They were built on grit, defense, and a team-first mentality that turned the Cavaliers into a perennial force in the ACC and on the national stage.
Bennett’s resume speaks for itself:
- 364 wins at Virginia, the most in program history
- 2019 National Championship, the school’s first
- Four-time ACC Coach of the Year
- Two ACC Tournament titles
- Six ACC regular-season championships
- Ten NCAA tournament appearances
- Three-time National Coach of the Year
- Overall career record of 433-169, including his time at Washington State
But if you ask those around him, the numbers only tell part of the story.
“I know how much our fans and players, people that love the school, appreciate what Coach Bennett has done for this program,” Odom said. “But not only this program-what he’s done for this university, he and Laurel.”
Laurel, Bennett’s wife, has been a quiet but constant presence throughout his run at UVA. Together, the Bennetts became part of the Charlottesville community, and their impact has extended far beyond the hardwood. From mentoring players to engaging with students and staff, their influence has been felt across the university and the city.
“This is just a small token of our appreciation for him and his family,” Odom added. “And he’ll tell you it’s not just him. I know Laurel has been a big part of this tremendous run that they’ve had, and they found a special home here, which is really cool for all of us.”
Even in retirement, Bennett hasn’t left. He still lives in Charlottesville, a fitting detail for someone who helped turn UVA into a basketball destination and a program synonymous with class and consistency.
“Coach Bennett built a culture rooted in integrity, discipline and excellence, one that elevated Virginia men’s basketball into a national power,” said UVA athletics director Carla Williams. “His impact on our university, our athletic department, and the broader community endures.”
Saturday’s ceremony isn’t just about honoring a coach-it’s about honoring a legacy. One that changed the course of Virginia basketball and left an imprint that will last long after the final buzzer sounds.