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It is unclear how Virginia made her decision, but a member of the university's powerful visiting committee – her version of a committee of regents – said Saturday that the committee as a whole was not involved. The decision, however, was not surprising for some Virginia supporters, who are among the most vocal critics of the president.
"Trump has turned everything into a cultural war," said Terry McAuliffe, former governor of Virginia, serving during the deadly riot in Charlottesville. "The symbolism of the University of Virginia Virginia basketball team going to the White House to see a president who tolerated racists, bigots and anti-Semites?" I am very happy that Tony made this decision. "
McAuliffe, who attended the N.C.A.A. Championship game in Minneapolis, said that he had taken Bennett "at word" with regard to timing, but that the coach had little choice.
"You can not link Donald Trump and the word Charlottesville again," he said. "He failed us that day, he failed Virginia, he failed America and he failed the world"
Virginia is the latest rookie among a growing number of basketball champions – among men in Division I, women in Division I, N.B.A. and W.N.B.A. – Skip the White House during the Trump administration, although some have never been officially invited. In fact, Baylor's women's team will become the first basketball champion of these four leagues to visit Trump.
On the other hand, former President Barack Obama, a great basketball fan, has welcomed many sports champions during his eight years at the White House and is known for playing golf with Curry.
While the champions of several other sports, academics and professionals, have visited the White House during Trump's tenure, basketball is perhaps remarkable for its dominance by African-American players and more progressive fans.
By early Saturday afternoon, Mr. Trump had not publicly considered Virginia's announcement.
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