While University of Virginia men’s basketball fans always praised the success of the program’s all-time winningest coach, segments of the fan base often detested the lack of a specific school color in the Cavaliers’ uniforms during the Tony Bennett era.

Equipment manager Matt Althoff heard her screams on social media every time he posted something Photo of the team’s jerseys before a road trip.

“It’s usually the first reaction,” Althoff said. “’Get rid of these blues. Where is the orange? When does TB release the orange? Will we ever bring her back?’”

A narrative had formed: Bennett must despise Orange.

On Wednesday night, the Wahoos, now under interim head coach Ron Sanchez, will wear orange jerseys for the first time in 14 years in their 11th game of the post-Bennett era when they host the University of Memphis at John Paul Jones Arena.

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— Virginia Men’s Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) December 15, 2024

We know what you’re thinking, but trust us – the timing is actually a coincidence.

Bennett actually agreed to these uniforms – a quasi-reminiscence of the Ralph Sampson And Wally Walker era of Virginia basketball — long before he retired in October.

Last month, the Hoos debuted an alternate white jersey – with a vintage “Cavaliers” lettering on the chest – for their 67-41 win over Holy Cross. This look and the orange set were part of a long-term project involving Bennett, Althoff, Virginia Athletics administrators and the university’s communications office, which handles institutional marketing and licensing matters.

Bennett really never liked orange. Bennett, typical of a superstitious coach, was scarred by the Cavaliers’ most recent performance in the paint, a 67-49 home loss to Duke University on Feb. 28, 2010, during his first season at UVA.

“That game just left a bad taste in his mouth,” Althoff said, “and he didn’t want to go back there.”

Despite subtle nods to Orange from his players, assistant coaches and other staff members — as well as fans who occasionally pointed it out to him during his radio call-in show — Bennett remained true to his word. Since March 1, 2010, his Cavaliers wore a traditional white uniform at home and a Navy uniform on the road.

A third (still not orange) option almost appeared. An alternate Navy jersey was scheduled to be worn for the Hoos’ game at Wake Forest University on January 26, 2016, replacing “Virginia” on the chest with a large V-Saber logo, but Bennett decided against it at the last minute. As is well known, UVA won this game thanks to a furious rally and Buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Darius Thompson.

“I always thought if we had worn that (and the game had gone exactly like that),” Althoff said, “there would have been something mystical about that uniform, and he would have always wanted to wear it.”

But unfortunately, the Virginia men’s basketball team remained one of the few programs on the Grounds without at least a third jersey option.

Now there are four.

Althoff said Bennett was excited about the new uniforms, particularly the orange set, which was a tribute to the program’s rich history.

“That was definitely a big part of the push,” Althoff said. “Like, ‘Coach, this isn’t just something we want to do. This is something the university and everyone wants to support. We hear the fans. We hear what people want – they want orange.’”

After some back-and-forth over the design – Althoff said they tinkered with a patriotic jersey for the debut in the Veteran’s Day season opener against Campbell University – the two new uniforms were finally approved and then ordered over the summer.

Tyler Jones, UVA’s associate athletics director for external operations, remembers Bennett approaching him at the event Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hardie Football Operations Center and confirms his commitment.

“I think he was most excited about the orange and its meaning and its reverence for the past,” Jones said. “And I think he kind of got a feel for the narrative and was excited to debunk that a little bit.

“He pulled me aside and said, ‘I’m all for the orange alternative.'”