Big 12 Coaches Reflect on Tony Bennett's Retirement Amid Changing Landscape
- Tony Bennett announced his retirement from coaching less than three weeks before the basketball season begins, citing the unhealthy state of college athletics.
- Coaches acknowledge the uncertainties and challenges posed by conference realignment and the transfer portal, expressing concerns about the future of the sport.
- Amidst these changes, some coaches, like Jerome Tang, see opportunities for innovation and adaptation to quickly rebuild their teams.
In Kansas City, Mo., college basketball is facing significant changes as coaches adjust to a transforming landscape. Following Tony Bennett's recent retirement announcement less than three weeks before the season, coaches are grappling with the challenges posed by an evolving game influenced by conference realignment and the transfer portal. Bennett, who had been a prominent figure in college basketball, expressed his sentiment that the current state of college athletics is unhealthy, paralleling Jay Wright's similar departure two years earlier due to burnout. Coaches like Scott Drew and Bill Self acknowledged the uncertainty in the industry, noting that it may eventually stabilize but currently requires adjustments. Meanwhile, new coaches like Jerome Tang see these challenges as opportunities, implementing fresh strategies to rebuild rosters rapidly using the transfer portal and NIL resources. The varying responses to these challenges indicate a shift towards adaptability and innovation in program management.