Basketball assistants here to stay

Well, as you may have head by now, Whitey Reid of the Daily Progress is reporting that UVa basketball assistants Ritchie McKay, Jason Williford, and Ron Sanchez have all received contract extensions that will keep them in Charlottesville for the next few years. Check out the article here.

McKay is the associate head coach. He was extended for five years until the 2018-2019 season. He was the head coach at Liberty prior to joining UVa in 2009. Williford and Sanchez's new deals both run through 2017-2018.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having McKay not only return, but return for several years. He is an integral part of the staff and is Bennett's right hand man. Just check out this article from March in the Washington Post. There was speculation that he might move on from Charlottesville and look for a head coaching position. I'm sure some were available. But why leave a program that still seems to be rising? This fact - and probably the money (over $300,000 per year) - kept him in Charlottesville.

Now, I do not want my overwhelming endorsement of McKay to be seen as a lack of confidence in Tony Bennett. I think in 5 or so years, Bennett's name will compete nationally with Jim Boeheim and Mike Krzyzewski for the best coaches in the ACC. His pack-line and ability to get the most out of often times inferior talent is spectacular. I mean, we dominated Syracuse and beat Duke - and I didn't see any McDonalds All-Americans on our roster. Bennett would probably continue his success without McKay.

That being said, why risk messing up this program? McKay is clearly an integral part, and continuity is key. Look at the New England Patriots. With Tom Brady at the helm, I would argue they wouldn't miss much without Bill Belichick. But it would be ridiculous to just let Belichick walk. Continuity wins championships.

These guys have worked together now for several years, and I only expect continued success. Here's to hoping Tony Bennett's extension isn't too far behind.