The stories, speculation and rumors about Coach Tony Bennett being courted by Indiana University finally became a reality Saturday night. It's been reported by reputable sources that a Hoosier representative (more than likely their athletic director) put a call in to Bennett.
Word is that Indiana wasn't going to make the call if they weren't pretty darn sure Bennett would accept. Preliminary feelers would get a read for whether or not Coach Bennett wanted their job.
For whatever reason, the folks in the know around the Hoosier program want things to look pretty rosy with their selection for a new head coach. Who knows why it might be PR problem for one or two well placed candidates to decline? Then again, who knows what they were doing when hiring former WSU head man Kelvin Sampson? Now they are worried about image at Indiana? Oh my. Enough said.
After the phone conversation between the principals covered some preliminary points regarding the opportunity to be the next head coach for Indiana, Coach Bennett told them he didn't want to pursue their offer. Heck, that's a classy way of doing things.
Rather than get the folks at Indiana all lathered up about the prospects of snagging one of the top young coaches in the country, Bennett politely changed the topic to weather. Can't you picture how that chat might have gone?
Indiana: "What do you think about coaching in the Big Ten, the premier athletic conference in the nation and a school with five NCAA basketball championships?"
Coach Bennett, "That's quite a challenge, but actually the Pac-10 is tougher. And by the way, how cold is it back there? It's near freezing here in Pullman. You won't get me out on a night like this."
That said, Cougar Nation can now breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Yes, things have changed dramatically for WSU basketball fans. Used to be at the end of the season we talked about how the incoming class of recruits were going to turn things around. Or talk up a new coach. Or talk about getting a new coach. But oh, the times are changing.
Like last year, the talk after the Cougs season ended this season was all about what university was going to steal Coach Bennett away. He was a hot commodity in coaching circles following the 2007 season. In 2008 he's even hotter. Oh yeah. He's a handsome fellow, too.
Wait until next year.
With a solid class of recruits coming in, it looks as though Coach Bennett is getting some of the athletic talent he will need to lead the Cougs on a Pac-10 title run and deeper into the NCAA Tourney. And if things play out the way they could and should, there will be another big time university or two looking to replace a head coach they've fired calling Coach Bennett.
As long as Coach Bennett is at Washington State University, fans are going to love him. That's guaranteed. But that's not all. You can bet that other schools with deflated fans will be begging for the talented Coach Bennett.
Cougar Nation...live with it. Welcome to the Bennett Ball era.
It's great to hear that Coach Tony Bennett is happy in Pullman.
On behalf of Cougar Nation, the feeling is mutual.
GO COUGS!!!
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6 months ago
Congradulations Cougers... From a Bennett fan in Wisconsin (both the elder and the youger Coach Bennett).
My gut feeling is that Tony Bennett actually has his sights on a different move up; one that is not open now and probably will not for another 5 - 10 years. UW - Wisconsin. Buckyland.
That gives him time to mature more as a coach, and learn how to rebuild a team that looses it key seniors a few times.
The only way that Tony would not be interested in the Badger job is if he is having better success in Pullmum than the Badgers are likely to achieve.
I also note that the Badgers are also a defensive orinentated team, with its roots in Coach Bennets, the elder's, system.
Until then... I wish the Cougers tremendous success; and heck... I would not even mind that much if the Cougs beat the Badgers in the final 4 someday with Tony coaching the Cougs. I am sure that many others from Wisconsin agree with that.
Perry, from Wisconsin
from 6 months ago
Spoken like a true fan of the Bennetts and Badger basketball. Funny enough, I was pulling for Wisconsin in the Tourney this year...because of the Bennett heritage and the class of Wisconsin. Learned a lot about the spirited Badger Nation when WSU played back there in football this season.
Have to agree with you on the possibility of Coach Bennett returning to Wisconsin. Should that opportunity present itself in a couple of years, it's pretty likely he'd make the move.
Then again, you might not need anyone in the next ten years or so.... Please?
Congratulations on a great season of Badger basketball!
6 months ago
I to have enjoyed watching the Bennett's through the years starting with The elder Bennett's years at UW-Stevens Point while at the same time his brother Jack, was leading my high school team to a state championship appearance. Then Dick and Tony together made UW-Green Bay respectable and made a few trips to the NCAA's. Tony then playing a couple of seasons in the NBA. The work they did at Wisconsin (tony was unofficial for most of it) to bring respectablity back was amazing with one big final 4 run. It has been fun to watch them do the same at WSU. I had the pleasure of living in that part of the country for a few years and really liked the area and the people. I truely hope Tony stays right where he is at and am sure he will. The Bennett family has strong values and loyality is one of them. The only other place I would like to see Tony Bennett is back at Wisconsin....after Bo retires.
from 6 months ago
Hooty,
You summarized the Bennett history better than I could. They are a solid family and great for whatever community they choose to live in. Everyone associated with WSU is grateful they selected Pullman as home...for now.
Couldn't agree with you more about Coach Bennett's run at Washington State. It will probably last a while only if Bo Ryan doesn't retire. Please keep him on the bench for at least the next 50 years!
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