Lakers hire former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as a draft advisor
Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett, who led the Cavaliers to the national title in 2019, was hired by the Lakers as an NBA draft advisor to Rob Pelinka, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager. Bennett’s record was 364-136 from 2009 to 2024.
“As we refine and expand our NBA draft and scouting processes, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett as a resource,” Pelinka said in a statement. “Tony’s track record of building a culture with players of high character, high skill and high IQ is revered and respected throughout basketball circles. Tony will be an incredible asset to our basketball leadership, to our scouts and to our draft department as a whole. We are truly excited.”
Virginia honored Bennett in a ceremony before Saturday’s 86-83 victory over Miami, naming the court at John Paul Jones Arena after him.
Bennett was the AP National Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2018. He led Virginia to six ACC regular season championships. He previously coached at Washington State from 2006-09.
“When Rob and I started talking, what stood out to me was the opportunity to help such a famous organization,” Bennett said in a statement. “The Lakers have a tradition that speaks for itself, so being connected to it and helping Rob and the Lakers in any way possible is exciting.”
Bennett played under his father, Dick Bennett, at Wisconsin-Green Bay before playing four years in the NBA, including three for Charlotte from 1992-95.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
