Virginia Isn't Going To The White House
Virginia may have won their first national championship but the one place they won’t be going is the White House after their 85 -77 win over Texas Tech in Minneapolis.
Bennett said logistics, not politics, would preclude Virginia from accepting an invitation.”according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
Four Virginia players have declared for the NBA draft. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
It's unclear if President Trump has formally extended an invitation to the program. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
"We have received inquiries about a visit to the White House," Bennett said in the statement. "With several players either pursuing pro opportunities or moving on from UVA, it would be difficult, if not impossible to get everyone back together. We would have to respectfully decline an invitation “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
Since that win, stars Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome and De'Andre Hunter have all entered the NBA draft, hired agents and announced their intentions to remain in the draft. Hunter and Jerome are both projected first-round picks in ESPN's most recent mock draft. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
Mamadi Diakite has also entered the draft after averaging 7.4 PPG this season. He can retain his collegiate eligibility if he withdraws by the May 29 deadline. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
Under President Trump, traditional invites to the White House following championship runs have become polarizing events. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite
Washington Capitals forward Brett Connolly did not join his teammates at the White House after their run to the Stanley Cup last season. In 2017, Dawn Staley announced that her team would not accept an invitation to the White House after South Carolina's run to the women's basketball national title. “according to http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26613084/virginia-decline-white-house-invite