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NCAA Basketball: Who are the best D-I coaches who have played professional basketball?

By Daniel Benjamin

Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing works with a player before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing works with a player before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett talks with Virginia Cavaliers guard Kyle Guy (5) and guard Ty Jerome (11) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett talks with Virginia Cavaliers guard Kyle Guy (5) and guard Ty Jerome (11) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tony Bennett, Virginia Cavaliers

Tony Bennett parlayed a terrific collegiate career into being selected in the second round by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.0 assists in 152 games over three seasons with the Hornets. Bennett also played in New Zealand and Australia.

Bennett started his coaching career with North Harbor in New Zealand. After one season as head coach with Vikings, Bennett returned stateside with Wisconsin as an assistant coach. He then moved onto Washington State to serve under his father, Dick.

Bennett took over as head coach at WSU following his father’s second retirement. The 47-year-old earned several Coach of the Year honors, including Naismith College COY in 1997, after leading the Cougars to 26 wins and a second place finish in the Pac-12. The Cougars posted 26 victories and reached the Sweet 16. He went 69-33 in three seasons at WSU.

Bennett moved to Virginia prior to the start of the 2009 campaign. Following two average seasons, Bennett has won at least 20 games the last six years — this includes two 30 win seasons (2013-2015). The Cavaliers have participated in the NCAA Tournament in five of the past six campaigns, reaching the Elite Eight in 2015.

The 2015 Henry Iba Award winner is 188-83 at UVA. He has added two ACC regular season crowns and one ACC Tournament championship to his resume.

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