Bennett To Stay Put As Washington State Coach

Spokane, WA (AHN) - Tony Bennett on Tuesday dismissed rumors that he might coach somewhere else next season, insisting that he will stay put at Washington State.

The 38-year-old mentor has been eyed as a possible replacement for vacant slots in Indiana, California and LSU. But in a press release, Bennett opted to remain with the school he has coached for the last two seasons.

"I will remain as the head coach at Washington State and I look forward to building for the future," The Associated Press quoted him as saying in the statement. "Washington State University is a special place."

Bennett is riding on the heels of a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament this year, where he led the Cougars to a Sweet 16 finish. In his first year at Washington State, the Cougars went 13-5 for second place in the Pac-10 and also made it to the tournament's second round.

Bennett, who spent four years as an assistant at Washington State, has given the Cougars 26 wins in each of the two seasons he's spent with the school.