CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — There was a sea of blue and orange outside of John Paul Jones arena, waiting for the new NCAA National Champions. Anyone in the city of Charlottesville could hear the screams from the crowd a mile away, and for the University of Virginia men’s basketball team and head coach Tony Bennett, this win was for the community.
“This has been remarkable it is an amazing story from last year and even before but this community has kind of raised our guys and what they represent and to be able to bring them joy is as good as it gets,” said Bennett.
Once the Cavaliers got to the locker room after winning their very first championship title, Coach Bennett and his team took time to reflect.
“I said remember this moment and please don’t change and remain as humble and thankful for all that took place and enjoy it and there’s a proverb that says a desired accomplished is sweet to the soul and that’s probably the best way to describe it. It’s sweet to the soul,” stated Bennett.
As the season comes to a close the moments written in the last chapter are some this team will continue to rewatch over and over again.
“I don’t watch much tv or read anything but I saw the tv when I got back to the hotel room and they were replaying some things and that was amazing,” added Bennett.
The national championship was years in the making, as this team is built from a foundation of belief and dedication to each other.
“As I’ve always said I want this program and myself as a coach to honor what matters to me and this community in success and in adversity and if we can stay faithful to that I think that’s important. So I’m blessed in that regard,” explained Bennett.
The University of Virginia Cavaliers beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 85-77. This is the first national title for the university.