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Message: [QUOTE="73CAV, post: 2913773, member: 3916"] A few thoughts: 1. I have no insight into Bennett's thinking. All this is pure speculation. 2. If it were just a question of money, I have a suspicion UVa could match UCLA's offer, if they make an offer. The budgets of the two athletic departments are comparable. And, while UCLA does have a very nice contract with Under Armor (far nicer than UVa's Nike deal), the ACC Network revenue should start being realized next fall. Meanwhile, the PAC 12's television network appears to be a boondoggle. While these funds wouldn't be available for athletics, it's worth noting that Virginia's endowment (should be in the $10 billion range this year) is almost three times that of UCLA's. I think that that is indicative of the sorts of resources UVa can exploit. 3. The things Bennett would have to do to earn the ire of the Virginia fanbase are unimaginable. The job in Charlottesville is his for life, if that's what he wants. I don't think the same can be said of the Bruin faithful. 4. When Bennett left Washington State, it was a very difficult decision for him, and that program had started to dip a bit. On the other hand, things are looking quite rosy at UVa. Salt will be the only graduation loss. Presumably, Hunter will enter the draft. Jerome may do likewise, but that's far from certain. Everyone else returns. There's some nice potential being developed, and a nice recruiting class will arrive next summer. As significant is the fact that Virginia is seriously involved with some outstanding prospects in the 2020 class. Bennett has things rolling in Charlottesville. 5. The idea of the challenge of rebuilding UCLA has been mentioned. That's true. However, if he stays, there's the challenge of facing the likes of Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Williams, & Brey night in and night out. And Hamilton & Larranaga are no slouches. The PAC 12 can't offer the same. Of course, none of that could mean squat. It may be that there's a bistro in Brentwood that Bennett and his wife adore and they'd jump at the opportunity to dine there every Saturday night. And, the Michiavellian in me suspects all this buzz about Bennett is a smokescreen to allow UCLA to quietly pursue their real target. Or, maybe that's the wishful thinker in me. Who knows? [/QUOTE]

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