RICHMOND, Va. — Washington State coach Tony Bennett, who led the Cougars into the postseason in each of his three years at the school, has been hired to revive a Virginia basketball program that just posted its worst record in more than 40 years.
Bennett replaces Dave Leitao, who resigned after four seasons. Bennett, 39, posted a 68-30 record in three seasons with the Cougars. His first two teams made the NCAA Tournament and posted consecutive 26-victory seasons, but this year’s team was eliminated in the first round of the NIT. He was the AP college basketball coach of the year in 2007.
“I was so shocked,” Cougars freshman guard Klay Thompson said. “I’m disappointed, I’m really disappointed. Shoot, I don’t know. But it’s life. I’ll adjust.”
Leitao resigned after the Cavaliers finished 10-18 this season, their poorest showing since they went 9-17 in 1967-68. Leitao was 63-60 in four seasons.
Hoya Summers opts for NBA
WASHINGTON — Georgetown junior DaJuan Summers, who averaged a team-leading 13.6 points this season along with 4.1 rebounds, is skipping his senior year and declaring himself eligible for the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-8, 236-pound Summers leaves Georgetown tied for 29th in team history with 1,129 points. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in his 101-game college career.
Calathes enters NBA draft
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida guard Nick Calathes has decided to enter the NBA draft, but will keep open the possibility of returning to school.
The 6-6 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.
Anderson a wanted man
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri coach Mike Anderson’s future with the Tigers could be in peril, especially if John Calipari leaves Memphis for Kentucky. Missouri athletic director Mike Alden denied reports that Memphis had sought his permission to talk to Anderson and Missouri officials want to increase Anderson’s $850,000 annual salary to at least $1 million and extend his contract for five more years.
The Associated Press
