Tony Bennett Leaving WSU…for Virginia (??)

The Spokesman-Review reports that Tony Bennett is leaving Washington State to take the head-coaching spot at Virginia.

The third-year Washington State coach held a team meeting with the players at 2 p.m. at Beasley Coliseum to announce his departure, according to a source within the athletic department.

Bennett lead the Cougars to two NCAA appearances and an NIT run this year.  He was always able to get the best out of the talent he had available in Pullman.  It seemed like it was only a matter of time before he bolted for greener pastures, however I don’t know if anybody was expecting that Virginia was the school to lure him in.  He kind of shocked people by choosing to stay at WSU this last season after he was a candidate for some big-school openings.  I am wondering if he felt he owed Rochestie and Baynes one last year since they had helped make him a legitimate head coach and turn the program around.  Rochestie even gave up his scholarship his senior year so Bennett could bring in another recruit.  As a Husky fan, I considered him a threat to recruit away any in-state talent and to give the Dawgs a run for their money whenever they played.  I am glad he is gone.  His charisma and no-tie wearing ways were starting to make me appreciate the Cougs in a disturbing way.

Cougars young and old are drying up now that their heartthrob coach is leaving.