By Gene Galin
Charlotte, NC – At the 2024 ACC Tip-Off, Virginia men’s basketball head coach Tony Bennett spoke candidly about the evolving landscape of college athletics, from recruiting challenges to the effects of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. With a career spanning more than a decade, Bennett reflected on the increasing complexity of building a team in an era where players are frequently transferring and financial considerations are playing a larger role. He also shared his concerns about the future of college basketball and the broader implications of a rapidly changing sports environment.
The Shift in College Basketball Recruitment
“It’s a new time,” Bennett remarked when asked about how recruitment has changed since he began his coaching career. Once able to focus on building teams for the long term, Bennett now finds himself navigating a vastly different recruiting landscape. He described the current era as one where coaches think in “two-year increments” rather than five, due to the pressures of NIL, transfer portals, and the evolving dynamics of college athletics.
Fifteen years ago, recruiting players like Klay Thompson, who Bennett coached during his time at Washington State, seemed simpler. Coaches could take their time developing players and invest in long-term growth. “Now,” Bennett noted, “you’re thinking more short-term because of the realities of the current system.”
Virginia, a program historically known for its patient and defensive-minded style, now has to compete in a space where high-value recruits might be swayed by NIL deals. “Until there are transfer regulations and tampering regulations…we’re in a space where it’s difficult to have a level playing field,” Bennett lamented, addressing the issue of disparities among programs.
NIL and Its Impact on College Basketball
The introduction of NIL agreements has fundamentally altered the way athletes approach their college careers. “It’s a billion-dollar industry now,” Bennett said of college sports. He believes the days of amateur athletics are over and acknowledges the significant financial incentives that have become a part of the recruiting process. “The athletes deserve to have some of that revenue,” he admitted, but he is wary of the lack of regulation in this new system.
One of Bennett’s biggest concerns is the mental health of student-athletes. With NIL deals, “there’s going to be some pressures,” Bennett warned. He pointed out that the knowledge of how much money fellow players are making, along with scrutiny from fans and social media, could create an unhealthy environment. Bennett stressed that “the pressures on these young athletes are real,” and the added spotlight of NIL contracts could lead to unforeseen consequences.
“I hope we never lose sight of the fact that they are students first,” Bennett said, expressing his hope that academics will remain a priority in college sports, even as the financial side becomes more prominent.
The Transfer Portal: A New Dynamic
Bennett also addressed the transfer portal, a tool that has become a major factor in college basketball over recent years. Once an exception, transferring has become the norm for many players looking to capitalize on better opportunities, whether for more playing time or bigger NIL deals. The transfer portal has allowed programs to quickly rebuild or patch holes, but it has also led to increased instability in team rosters.
“You’re going to lose a player or two, that’s real,” Bennett said matter-of-factly. He explained that this year’s Virginia squad has been assembled with a two-year window in mind, reflecting the new reality that many players may not stay with the program for a full four years. “We’re trying to think in smaller blocks, and that’s just how it is now.”
Despite the challenges posed by the transfer portal, Bennett remains optimistic about the potential of his current team. He emphasized that while they may lose players to transfers or the professional ranks, the core group will have the opportunity to build chemistry over the next two seasons. “This year’s team has a chance to be good,” Bennett asserted, though he noted the challenges of navigating a constantly shifting landscape.
The Future of College Athletics: Concerns and Hopes
Bennett’s concerns go beyond his own program. He believes that college sports are at a crossroads, and without regulations, the future could become increasingly problematic. “The days of amateur athletics are gone,” he said, but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t be managed more effectively.
A key aspect of Bennett’s vision for the future is the introduction of regulations similar to those seen in professional leagues. “Until there’s a salary cap, until there are transfer regulations, it’s going to be chaotic,” he said. Bennett compared the current college sports landscape to the early days of free agency in the NBA, when rules were less defined and teams could exploit loopholes.
Bennett was also candid about his fears for non-revenue sports. “I’m worried about the Olympic sports,” he said, noting that while basketball and football will likely continue to thrive under the current model, sports like swimming, track, and volleyball might suffer. “These sports have provided opportunities and education for so many young people who might not have had those chances otherwise.”
He added, “If we continue down this path, we might see some of those sports disappear, and that would be a tremendous loss for the entire college athletics system.”
The Role of Mental Health in Modern College Sports
In addition to NIL and transfers, Bennett expressed deep concern over the mental health challenges facing student-athletes. Social media, increased media attention, and the public nature of NIL deals create a perfect storm for added pressure on players. “Mental health is a real issue in today’s game,” Bennett stated, explaining that the stakes have never been higher for young athletes, many of whom are in the public eye from a young age.
Bennett pointed to examples of players who have thrived under pressure but also to others who have struggled to cope with the intensity of modern college sports. “It’s tough to handle that kind of scrutiny, especially when everyone knows how much money you’re making or what your value is to the team,” he said.
He called for more mental health resources for student-athletes, suggesting that as the financial stakes grow, so too should the support systems in place to help players deal with the pressure. “These young people need help navigating this new world,” Bennett emphasized.
Virginia’s Approach to the 2024-25 Season
As the new season approaches, Bennett is focused on creating a team that can thrive in the ever-changing environment. He is particularly excited about the addition of new players through the transfer portal, including some with the ability to “stretch the floor and shoot the ball.” Bennett acknowledged that the team struggled offensively last season, particularly with spacing and shooting, and he believes the newcomers can help address those issues.
“We’re going to see more of an open floor this year,” Bennett said, hinting at a slight shift in offensive strategy. While Virginia’s identity will always be rooted in defense, Bennett sees opportunities to improve the team’s offensive efficiency by incorporating more ball screens and shooting.
But Bennett was quick to temper expectations. “We’re not going to be a run-and-gun team,” he joked, acknowledging the persistent rumors about Virginia adopting a faster-paced style. “It’s about finding the best way to win, and that means playing to our strengths.”
Virginia’s roster for the 2024-25 season is a mix of veterans and newcomers, with seniors like Reece Beekman providing leadership and a group of transfers bringing fresh energy to the team. “This team has a chance to be really good,” Bennett said, noting that while there will be growing pains, the potential is there for a successful season.
Navigating Uncertainty in College Basketball
As Tony Bennett prepares for another season at the helm of Virginia basketball, he remains grounded in his philosophy of building a team based on character and long-term growth. However, the realities of modern college athletics, with its NIL deals, transfer portals, and lack of regulations, have made the job more complicated than ever before.
“You have to evolve,” Bennett said, acknowledging that the landscape has changed and that coaches must adapt to survive. Still, he remains hopeful that college sports can find a way forward that balances the interests of athletes, coaches, and fans. “We’re all trying to figure this out together,” he said, but his commitment to Virginia’s values remains steadfast.
With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, Bennett is optimistic about the future of Virginia basketball. But like many coaches across the country, he is also watching closely to see how the broader landscape of college sports continues to evolve.
In the end, Tony Bennett’s message is clear: College basketball is changing, and while the challenges are significant, there is also an opportunity to build something sustainable and meaningful for the next generation of student-athletes. “We’ll keep working, we’ll keep adapting, and we’ll keep fighting for what’s right,” he said.
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