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Students are excited about the Tony Bennett era at Virginia. |
Tony Bennett’s arrival in Charlottesville has students on Grounds talking about basketball again. Especially following a disappointing football season, many students are placing hope in the new basketball coach and the rebuilding of the program at UVa. Fourth Year Adam Scates says, “I was excited about Tony Bennett coming to UVa. Prior to his arrival, attendance was down and many fans had slipped into a state of apathy regarding the program. I hope he can shake things up and bring some excitement.”
Kevin Dowlen, former president of the Hoo Crew shares Scates’ feelings of hopefulness with Bennett and his plans for the program.
“At first, I had no idea who Tony Bennett was. After reading up on his accomplishments at Wazzu (Washington State), I started thinking to myself ‘maybe this is the right guy’ because it seemed like he took over that program when it was in a similar state to this one,” Dowlen said. “A couple tournament trips later and a trip to the Sweet 16 speak very highly of his skills as a coach, so I had to be excited.”
Though there are not many students optimistic enough to predict a trip to the NCAA Tournament, most are encouraged that the atmosphere in the John Paul Jones Arena will continue to improve under Bennett.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Dowlen says, “but I think the blueprint Bennett has laid out will put the program back on track and get us back into the [Big] Dance within a few years. If Bennett can get all the guys to buy into his defensive philosophy then turn this big time 2010 recruiting class into college players, I think these next few years will be an exciting time to be a Virginia basketball fan.”
Students realize big results will take time, but have faith that Bennett will bring necessary changes to UVa basketball. So for now, like many Cavalier fans, most student fans are looking for small improvements.
“Bennett stresses defensive intensity, so I hope to see our team improve in that area,” Scates said. “Overall, I am just looking for inspired play and competitive games. And as a Fourth Year, I am looking forward to enjoying some competitive ACC games in a great arena.”
Fourth Year Paige Crosby agrees. “I think everyone is excited about having a new coach this year,” Crosby said. “We’re looking forward to a fresh start and hopefully seeing a successful season with Tony Bennett.”
Dowlen also acknowledges Bennett’s attempt to connect with the student fan base, specifically through the Hoo Crew, in an attempt to generate more excitement about the season: “It really looks like he’s made an effort to integrate himself into the University community, and he’s working to make Virginia a basketball school once more.”
