CHARLOTTESVILLE -- The University of Virginia has hired Tony Bennett to replace Dave Leitao as its men's basketball coach, the Richmond Times-Dispatch learned this afternoon.
Bennett, 39, posted a 68-30 record in three seasons with at Washington State, where he built a reputation as one of the nation's top young coaches. In Bennett's first two seasons as coach, the Cougars reached the NCAA tournament for only the fifth and sixth times in school history. WSU lost in the first round of the NIT this season.
A news conference at U.Va. is expected Tuesday or Wednesday.
Washington State University Director of Athletics Jim Sterk confirmed that Bennett is taking the U.Va. job. He said Washington State will begin a national search for a replacement immediately.
Sterk said that Virginia asked for permission to speak with Bennett last Friday. This afternoon Bennett informed Sterk and WSU President Elson S. Floyd of his decision and then informed his players.
For more details, check back on TimesDispatch.com and read tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.
-- Jeff White
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