INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Virginia men's basketball program announced Thursday that head coach Tony Bennett is resigning from his position, and an official press conference will be held Friday morning.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, who played two seasons at Virginia in the 1980s, commented on the news today before his team took on the Charlotte Hornets.

“First, I just want to mention that there is news that Tony Bennett will be retiring as the University of Virginia men's basketball coach. If that's true, what an amazing career he's had. He has become a great friend of mine. He's a great friend.” “What he's accomplished at Virginia is unparalleled for the basketball program. “He’s just a great person and a great coach,” Carlisle said at the start of his media release. He noted that Bennett has turned down many offers to enter the NBA through a coaching opportunity. “He has a lot of respect throughout the basketball world. I don't know where he plans to go from here, but I definitely wish him the best. He will definitely be missed there.”

Carlisle visited Virginia in the 1982–83 and 1983–84 seasons. He averaged 11.1 points and 2.9 assists per game for the Cavaliers before entering the NBA as a third-round draft pick. Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek also attended Virginia in the 1990s.

Carlisle still watches the Cavaliers when he can. Indiana's head coach and Bennett have often discussed the game of basketball in recent years, and Carlisle commented on Virginia's new talent during his press conference.

“We talked a lot about style and they have been the best defensive team in the country for over a decade. “It will be interesting to see what their style will be this year, especially now that he is not leading the team,” Carlisle said of Bennett before a long break. “A lot of mixed emotions about an announcement like this. I know we wish him the best, great person.”

Bennett has been the head coach at Virginia since 2009. He led the program to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a March Madness title in 2019. He won the ACC a half-dozen times.