Tony Bennett (basketball)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tony Bennett (basketball).

Anthony "Tony" Bennett is an American former professional basketball player and college coach, most notably as the head coach of the University of Virginia men's team from 2009 to 2024. He led Virginia to an NCAA championship in 2019. Bennett has received numerous accolades, including three Henry Iba Awards, two Naismith College Coach of the Year awards, and two AP Coach of the Year awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful college basketball coaches.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1911: Winning Streak Against UNC

From 1911 to 1916, under program founder Pop Lannigan, Virginia achieved its prior best streak of six straight wins against North Carolina.

1916: Winning Streak Against UNC

From 1911 to 1916, under program founder Pop Lannigan, Virginia achieved its prior best streak of six straight wins against North Carolina.

1941: Team Reached Championship Game

In 1941, the Washington State team reached the Championship Game of the NCAA tournament, a record that Tony Bennett later tied.

1966: First time since 1966 that no UNC players scored in double figures

In 1966, when No. 9 Virginia defeated North Carolina for the seventh straight time, it was the first time since 1966 that no UNC players scored in double figures. With that win, Bennett became the third ACC coach in history to have ten straight winning ACC seasons.

1976: Won its second-ever ACC Tournament title

In 2013-14, Virginia won its second-ever ACC Tournament title (their first since 1976), defeating second-seeded No. 7 Duke in the final game, 72-63.

1982: UVA attained its first AP No. 1 ranking since 1982

In 1982, UVA attained its first AP No. 1 ranking since 1982. The team's success marked a significant milestone for the program.

1991: Started for a bronze medal-winning team

In 1991, Tony Bennett started for a bronze medal-winning Pan-American Games team.

1991: Started for United States national team

In 1991, Tony Bennett started for the United States national team at the Pan American Games. He also received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award.

1992: Named Academic All-American of the year

In 1992, Tony Bennett was named the GTE Academic All-American of the year.

2006: Given the Henry Iba Award

After the 2006-07 season, Tony Bennett was given the Henry Iba Award by vote of the United States Basketball Writers Association, and was named the AP college basketball Coach of the Year and the Naismith College Coach of the Year.

2007: Tied School Record for Wins

In the 2006-07 season, Tony Bennett's 26 wins tied a 66-year-old school record set by the team that reached the Championship Game of the 1941 NCAA tournament.

2012: Virginia in the 18-game era

Under Tony Bennett's guidance, Virginia had four of the five teams with records of 16-2 or better in the 18-game era (2012-2019) of ACC play.

2014: Won ACC Tournaments

In 2014, Tony Bennett led his Cavalier squad to win ACC Tournaments.

2015: Awarded the Henry Iba Award

In 2015, Tony Bennett was awarded his second Henry Iba Award as the nation's top coach.

2015: Ranked the top defensive coach

In 2015, Tony Bennett was ranked the top defensive coach in college basketball by a CBS Sports poll of head coaches.

2017: Roy Williams won NCAA Championship

In 2017, Roy Williams won an NCAA Championship, during a period when both he and Tony Bennett achieved NCAA Championship titles.

2018: ACC Tournament Championship

In 2018, Tony Bennett led Virginia to the ACC tournament championship against North Carolina, marking a significant triumph in the program's history.

2018: Won ACC Tournaments

In 2018, Tony Bennett led his Cavalier squad to win ACC Tournaments.

2018: Virginia won the 2018 ACC tournament

In 2018, the Cavaliers won the ACC tournament by defeating North Carolina. Later in 2018, UVA earned the first overall seed in the NCAA tournament, but lost De'Andre Hunter to a broken wrist and then notoriously lost to UMBC in the opening round.

2019: Bennett was named 2019 College Basketball Person of the Year

In 2019, Tony Bennett was named the College Basketball Person of the Year by The Athletic. He also declined a raise when extending his contract and the Cavaliers won the Hall of Fame Tip Off by defeating Arizona State in the championship game.

2019: Tony Bennett won NCAA Championship

In 2019, Tony Bennett won an NCAA Championship, marking a high point in his friendly rivalry with Roy Williams.

2019: Won NCAA Tournament Championship

In 2019, Tony Bennett's Cavalier squad won the NCAA tournament championship with a 35-3 team.

2019: Virginia won the 2019 NCAA Tournament Championship Game

In 2019, Virginia achieved a significant victory by winning the NCAA Tournament Championship Game against Texas Tech, with a score of 85-77 in overtime. The year was also marked by ESPN calling Virginia's championship run "the most redemptive season in the history of college basketball."