CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — For the first time since Tony Bennett announced he is stepping down as Virginia head men’s basketball coach, Wednesday interim head coach Ron Sanchez spoke to the media about his new role.

Sanchez had a pair of stints as an assistant with the cavaliers for a total of 10 seasons. He does have experience as a college head coach with Charlotte for five seasons. He is looking to use his experience as a head coach to help him in his current role.

“It is one thing to be an assistant, it is another thing to be a head coach and to have to lead a program,” Sanchez said. “I am using those experiences right now to answer your question. Having to galvanize energy everyday. having to take young men that are in a transition space and to try to unit them and to pursue a specific goal.”

Sanchez said he will continue to turn to his mentor in Tony Bennett for counsel. UVA opens up the season at home on Nov. 6 as they play Campbell.