SPOKANE, Wash. – The Bennett basketball era at Washington State University is over.
Head coach Tony Bennett, who with his father Dick helped revive the moribund Cougar program, is leaving to become coach at Virginia.
Bennett, 39, made the surprise announcement on Monday, shortly after Washington State completed a rebuilding year by going 17-16 and losing in the first round of the NIT.
“Dick and Tony Bennett have elevated the men’s basketball program at Washington State to an unprecedented level of success,” Washington State athletics director Jim Sterk said. “We will begin a national search for a coach immediately with the goal of finding someone with the integrity, experience, and values that Dick and Tony brought to the program.”
Sterk said Virginia asked for permission to speak with Bennett last Friday. Bennett told Sterk and WSU President Elson Floyd on Monday of his decision.
He informed his players at a Monday afternoon meeting in Beasley Coliseum, according to The Spokesman-Review newspaper.
“I was so shocked,” freshman guard Klay Thompson told the newspaper. “But it’s life. I’ll adjust. As far as my future, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll see who they’re going to bring in.”
Bennett did not return telephone messages left at his home on Monday.
He replaces Dave Leitao, who resigned after four seasons.
Bennett posted a 68-30 record in three seasons at WSU.
He led the Cougars, based in Pullman, to consecutive 26-win seasons his first two years, and was named AP college coach of the year in 2007. He turned down the Indiana job after last season, and also rejected overtures from Marquette and Louisiana State.
Hoya Summers enters draft
WASHINGTON – Georgetown junior DaJuan Summers is skipping his senior year and declaring himself eligible for the NBA draft.
Summers is “in the process of choosing an agent,” Georgetown coach John Thompson III said Monday in a statement issued by the school.
“We wish DaJuan all the best in his future endeavors, wherever they may take him,” Thompson said. “He informed me that he is closing the book on his college career and focusing fully on the opportunity to play professionally.”
Summers averaged a team-leading 13.6 points for the Hoyas this season, along with 4.1 rebounds.
Calathes to test waters
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida guard Nick Calathes has decided to enter the NBA draft, but will keep open the possibility of returning to school next season.
Calathes announced his intentions Monday. He will not hire an agent, which would allow him to return to Florida if he’s unhappy with his draft stock.
The 6-foot-6 sophomore led the Gators in scoring this season, averaging 17.2 points. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists, and was the only player in the nation to average at least 15 points, five rebounds and six assists.