(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Bennett may have only three years of experience as a head coach, but there is certainly a great deal to like about the hire.
Bennett took a Wazzou program that had won zero NCAA tournament games in the past 30 years and gave them two back-to-back 26-win seasons.
The only other team to win 26 games was a team that came one game short of a national championship.
Sure, Bennett's team fell back a step this year but so did Leitao's. Both men had extremely young players but Bennett still managed a winning season, Leitao managed the lowest win total in decades for Virginia.
Most importantly, Tony Bennett brings an image of what Virginia basketball will look like. He has a plan, even if it is not the most glamorous.
Dave Leitao, for all his strengths, could never find a true identity for his team.
For evidence, look at his starting lineups.
In Virginia's 27 games, 12 players started at least one game.
Ten players averaged over 10 minutes per game.
That is not depth, that is confusion.
The Cavaliers had to adjust to every team they played as opposed to making teams adjust to them. That won't be a problem under Bennett.
From now on, when you play Virginia you know what you're going to get. Bennett's team shut you down and make you work for every possession.
His team is the gnat that constantly swarms around you, annoying you into frustration and mistakes.
Is it pretty? No.
Does it work? Yes.
Looking back at Virginia's golden years under Terry Holland and his heir apparent, Jeff Jones, Bennett's system is similar to the style that brought Virginia so much success.
Offense is so sporadic unless your team is loaded with All-Americans that defense is the only true basis for consistency.
In 1995, Virginia used its multiple defensive schemes to reach the Elite Eight. Their performance against Kansas was truly something special.
For further proof, look no further than Wisconsin.
Wisconsin was like Virginia, trying to win in the Big Ten playing their game. They tried to out-recruit Indiana and Michigan State, but it simply was not feasible.
When you have an identity, it's no longer about finding the Burger Boys, it's about finding those players that fit into your system. Once you do that, you make recruiting much easier.
Wisconsin adopted the tough defensive mind and became a stalwart in the conference, there is no reason to think Virginia cannot be equally successful.
Remember, Virginia knows it won't be able to topple UNC and Duke from the top of the ACC. The Cavaliers simply want their spot near the top. Bennett can get them there.
Lastly, the "blocker mover" offensive scheme is something that works pretty well with the current roster we have.
Simply put, Bennett's system is inverting the common themes of basketball. It is about big men being able to shoot and guards being able to bang down low and finish at the basket thanks to elaborate screens and ball movement.
Well, the ACC Rookie of the Year Sylven Landesberg will be able to finish down low as he already showed an amazing ability to get to the line last year.
Rising senior Jamil Tucker could also find an opportunity to have a breakout year since he has the best shooting stroke on the team.
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