By Jerry Ratcliffe
Former Virginia coaching legend Tony Bennett has been hired as an NBA Draft advisor to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The club announced the move Wednesday, noting that Bennett, the winningest coach in UVA men’s basketball history, will help new Lakers president Rob Pelinka and L.A.’s front office with the club’s draft process.
Bennett was honored by Virginia last weekend when the school dedicated the John Paul Jones Arena as “Tony Bennett Court.” Bennett insisted that the names of all of his former players, coaches, managers and administrators have their names imbedded in his signature on the court.
During a 15-year career in Charlottesville, Bennett led the Cavaliers to six regular season ACC titles, two ACC Tournament championships, numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2019 National Championship. He developed several NBA players during his UVA career including Joe Harris, Malcolm Brogdon, De’Andre Hunter, Anthony Gill, Jay Huff and numerous others.
Bennett retired in 2024, citing issues with the changes in college basketball with the transfer portal and NIL. After playing at Wisconsin-Green Bay for his father, Dick Bennett, Tony was taken with the No. 35 pick of the NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, playing three seasons before moving into coaching.
