Tony Bennett (coach)

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Anthony Guy Bennett (born June 1, 1969 in Green Bay, Wisconsin) is an American former professional basketball player and currently the men's basketball coach at Washington State University.

Bennett played for his father Dick Bennett at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay following his high school career at Preble High School. While there, the Bennetts led the Phoenix to an NCAA Tournament berth and two appearances in the NIT. During his time there, the Phoenix had record of 87-34 (.719) en route to Tony being named conference player of the year twice. Tony won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award given to the nation's most outstanding senior under six-feet tall and was named the 1992 GTE Academic All-American of the year. He also started for a bronze-medal winning 1991 Pan-American Games team led by Gene Keady. He finished his collegiate career as the Mid-Continent Conference's all-time leader in points (2,285) and assists (601). He still ranks as the NCAA's all-time leader in 3-point percentage (.497).

Bennett went on to be picked 35th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. He spent three seasons (1992-1995) with the Charlotte Hornets before a foot injury abruptly ended his NBA career. He also played 10 games for the Sydney Kings in the Australian National Basketball League season in 1997.^[1]

Bennett inherited the position of Head Coach at Washington State University when his father retired after the 2005-06 NCAA season.

Tony Bennett led the 2006-07 Cougar Basketball team to a 24-6 regular season with a 13-5 record in the Pac-10 conference. The team was highest ranked in the AP Poll at 9th nationally and 11th in the ESPN/USA Today (Coaches) Poll.

Bennett was named the 2006-07 Pac-10 Coach of the Year, and is currently a finalist for the 2006-2007 Naismith College Coach of the Year.^{[2] [3]}

On March 28, 2007 Bennett agreed to a three year extension to his current five year deal, ensuring his future with WSU until at least the 2013-2014 season. The conditions of the new contract have yet to be finalized. ^[4]

On March 30, 2007, Bennett was named the AP college basketball Coach of the Year. He is only the second rookie head coach to receive this honor. ^[5]

[edit] Notes

1. ^ http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/09/1041990049201.html Retrieved December 6, 2006
2. ^ http://www.kxly.com/news/?sect_rank=1&section_id=559&story_id=9041 Retrieved March 6, 2007
3. ^ http://wsucougars.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032007aaa.htmlRetrieved March 28, 2007
4. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2816204 Retrieved March 28,2007
5. ^ http://sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10097793 Retrieved March 30,2007

[edit] References

• Goldston sprays the Kings
• [1]

Preceded by Dick Bennett

Washington State Men's Basketball Head Coach 2006–

Succeeded by incumbent