Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett joins Lakers as NBA draft adviser to GM Rob Pelinka Posted Feb 26, 2026 Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett, a two-time national coach of the year, joined the L.A. Lakers on Wednesday as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. Bennett was Virginia’s coach from 2009-24 and guided the Cavaliers to the 2019 national championship. Bennett compiled a 364-136 record at Virginia. (Associated Press)