Lakers appoint former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as draft consultant
LOS ANGELES — Former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett, a two-time national coach of the year, joined the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday as an NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka.
Bennett served as Virginia’s coach from 2009 to 2024 and led the Cavaliers to the national championship in 2019. He achieved a record of 364 wins and 136 losses during his tenure at Virginia.
“As we enhance and expand our NBA draft and scouting strategies, we could not think of a more insightful basketball mind than Tony Bennett to serve as a resource,” Pelinka stated.
“Tony’s history of cultivating a culture with high-character, high-skill, and high-IQ players is esteemed and acknowledged throughout all basketball communities. He will be an invaluable asset to our basketball leadership, our scouts, and our draft department as a whole. We are genuinely enthusiastic.”
Bennett holds the record for the most wins in Virginia’s history.
Virginia recognized Bennett in a ceremony prior to Saturday’s 86-83 victory over Miami, naming the court at John Paul Jones Arena in his honor. Surrounded by a group of his former players, Bennett observed as his signature was revealed on the court.
Bennett was named the AP national coach of the year in both 2007 and 2018. He guided Virginia to six ACC regular-season titles. Prior to his time at Virginia, he coached at Washington State from 2006 to 2009.
“When Rob and I started our discussions, what impressed me was the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigious organization,” Bennett remarked. “The Lakers have a legacy that speaks for itself, so being associated with it and supporting Rob and the Lakers in any capacity is thrilling.”
Bennett played under his father, Dick Bennett, at Wisconsin-Green Bay before spending four years in the NBA, including three seasons with Charlotte, from 1992 to 1995.
