Seems like a hell of a first major hire for Walter, even if initially the title is a bit underwhelming. Watch your back JJ? Regardless, this guy is the real deal as others have said initially. 364-136 (.728) overall record. Bennett was the AP national coach of the year in 2007 and 2018. He led Virginia to six ACC regular-season championships. He previously coached at Washington State from 2006-09. “When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization,” Bennett said in a statement. “The Lakers carry a tradition that speaks for itself, so to be connected to it and assist Rob and the Lakers in any way I can is exciting.” Bennett played under his father, d*** Bennett, at Wisconsin-Green Bay before playing four years in the NBA, including three for Charlotte from 1992-95. He wasn't fired in 2024, he retired from College ball because of the changes and how it impacted what he did. AI: Tony Bennett retired as the University of Virginia's men’s basketball coach in October 2024 because he felt he could no longer fully commit to the demands of modern college athletics, citing the changing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. He felt his, and the game's, traditional approach no longer aligned with the current, more professionalized environment. Key reasons for his decision included: The Changing Landscape: Bennett expressed that the current state of college athletics is "not in a healthy spot," citing a lack of regulation, the need for collective bargaining, and intense pressure on player and coach mental health. Lack of Full Commitment: He stated that to lead the program, he needed to be "all-in," and realized he could not give the 100% effort required. Shift in Coaching Model: Bennett felt less equipped to navigate the new era of NIL and the transfer portal, believing it was best for the program to have someone else lead. Timing: He concluded, during a break with his wife, that it was simply "time" to step away and that staying would be unfair to the team. Bennett departed as the winningest coach in UVA history, having led them to the 2019 NCAA Championship. Ron Sanchez was named acting head coach for the 2024-25 season. No messing around deep pockets Mark, one would think, with the importance of what we do this off season, has likely given him a blank check to bring in whole bunch of guys HE knows and trusts their scouting abilities (and auditioning for Lakers jobs?)..... in an urgent push to get the best possible results for the Lakers' intel on this before the draft hits in just three and a half months on June 24-25 ???
