Charlotte, NC – Virginia will not keep the temporary coach of basketball Ron Sanchez, who took more than three weeks before the start of the season Tony Bennett’s surprising retirement.
UVA sports director Carla Williams made this announcement on Wednesday, three hours after the end of the ridge season with A defeat of 66-60 against Georgia Tech In the second round of the ACC tournament.
“I am grateful to Sanchez’s training for accepting this role for such a critical period for the program.” Williams said in a statement published by the school. “Ron is the ultimate professional because he takes care of this program and this university. He is an exceptional person because he is gifted as an empathetic and attentive human being. He is loved in our department and in the UVA community. Ron and the staff have provided great stability, advice and support to the young men of the team and we are grateful for their commitment to UVA and the values ​​that are fundamental to Virginia’s male basketball. »»
Sanchez went 15-17 this year, winning a bye in the first round at the conference tournament. This is the first time that the riders have ended with a losing record since 2009-10, the first season of Bennett at the head of the program.
After Wednesday’s defeat, Sanchez, 52, was invited to expect the possibility of meeting Williams presents his file to keep the position full time.
“I had four months to do so,” said Sanchez. “I think Carla and her advisers have given me the opportunity to interview every day, and my work is now over. My interview is over. Everything they decide will be what best suits the University of Virginia, and Ron will be very favorable to what Carla and her advisers decide. I love this place. I want it to succeed. No matter what’s going on with their decision, Virginia has my respect, my love and I will continue to appreciate this place for everything that is done for me over the years. »»
Sanchez arrived in Virginia in 2009 as an assistant for Bennett. In 2018, he left to become a Charlotte head coach, where he worked five years before returning to UVA for Help Bennett to navigate Nile and transfer portal problems Before last season.
Then, in October, Bennett announced his decision to retire, leaving Virginia a small choice but to promote one of her assistants as an interim coach. Sanchez has become this choice.
On Wednesday, he said he was grateful for this opportunity.
“I never wanted to be Tony. No way. I am who I am, ”said Sanchez. “I respect what he built. My desire was to do my best with this group. If you ask me, “Do I feel like I did it?” The answer is absolutely yes.
The Junior Guard Isaac McKneely praised Sanchez’s stability throughout the season, pulling tears from his coach who was sitting next to him while he was talking.
“He showed up every day, gave everything,” said McKneely. “He watched tons of films, prepared to train. He was energetic in practice. He did an excellent job even thanks to the losses, keeping us together after the matches. »»
