SUFFOLK, Va. -- Tony Bennett is not boring and he has the videotape to prove it.

Bennett has been Virginia's men's basketball coach for five weeks now. One of his first orders of business when he took over April 1 was to secure the services of the Cavaliers' incoming recruits, including highly regarded Tristan Spurlock, a small forward from Springfield.

Spurlock, signed by former coach Dave Leitao, had heard some things about the offense Bennett ran at Washington State. That it was patterned. Old School.

A bit stifling, perhaps, to the freedom-loving sensibilities of the modern player.

Bennett rolled the tape. He explained that he would be bringing some of the motion offense concepts he used at Washington State to Virginia. But he also said he'd be adapting the scheme to the talent on hand in Charlottesville.

"I showed him some things, some situations, so he'd get a feel that there is some freedom," Bennett said Tuesday. "I think he was like: 'Oh, that's not what I've been hearing.'"

Spurlock bought in. He's coming to Virginia. Point guard Jontel Evans of Bethel High also stuck by his decision. They'll be playing for a coach whose teams led the nation in scoring defense last year, in part as a result of their deliberate style.

You know, the style Bennett often finds himself having to defend.

"Your style," he said. "Has got to be about trying to win."

Bennett won at Washington State, reaching two NCAA tournaments in three years, and advancing to the Sweet 16 two years ago. He was a surprise pick to succeed Leitao, coming from across the country to the ACC.

He's had a whirlwind five weeks, assembling a staff that's balanced between coaches familiar with the school and the state, and those familiar with him.

He's made the rounds around the state, paying his respects to the AAU power brokers and meeting as many high school coaches as possible. He's been on the spring fundraising circuit, speaking to boosters Tuesday in Suffolk. He'll be in Virginia Beach tonight.

As for actual coaching, Bennett's contact with Virginia's players has been limited, per NCAA regulations on off-season contact between coaches and athletes. His initial impressions, though, are positive.

"It's a hard-working group," he said. "And they seem to be hungry. When you don't have to coach effort, that's a good place to start."

Virginia's fans, hungry for a winner, turned out to listen to Bennett Tuesday, and seemed to be hanging on every word.

No videotape required.