The Official Announcement From Jay Himself

 

Villanova Announces Jay Wright's Successor

 

April 20, 2022

Dear Members of the Villanova Community,   We would like to start by expressing our immense gratitude to Jay Wright, who today announced his retirement from coaching, for his incredible leadership of Villanova Men’s Basketball for the past 21 years. He has led our storied program with class, humility and grace, leaving an indelible impact on this community. Jay’s legacy at Villanova extends well beyond the numerous awards, accolades and championships. He will be forever known to our community as Villanova’s winningest coach, who did things the “Wright” way, guiding, developing and empowering the student-athletes who played for him to not only be better on the basketball court but also in their personal lives. Jay taught us all the true meaning of “ATTITUDE,” so, on behalf of everyone associated with Villanova Basketball, we would like to express our overwhelming “GRATITUDE” for everything he has done for Villanova. Jay and his wife, Patty, have always been tremendous ambassadors for the University and our Augustinian mission by embodying what it means to be a Villanovan: selfless, humble and caring while being driven, determined and competitive. Villanova is a better University for Jay being a part of it, which is why we are delighted that he has agreed to stay on at Villanova as Special Assistant to the President. In this role, Jay will be involved in fundraising, advising, education and more for the University. NEXT CHAPTER Over the past two decades, Jay and his staff have built an enviable, world-class basketball program at Villanova. When looking for a successor, we wanted a candidate who could provide continuity for what Jay has built, and who could navigate the changing landscape of collegiate athletics keeping Villanova in a position of strength—now and in the future. After meeting with several exceptional candidates, we found all those attributes and more in Villanova’s new William B. Finneran Endowed Head Coach, Kyle Neptune.  Kyle quickly stood out for his basketball knowledge, recruiting savvy and natural ability to connect with student-athletes and coaches. He most recently served as the head coach of Fordham University. Prior to Fordham, Kyle served two stints on Jay’s staff over the course of a decade. While an assistant coach at Villanova, the team averaged 30.7 wins per season and captured five BIG EAST regular-season tournament titles and a pair of NCAA national championships. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Kyle played four seasons of college basketball at Lehigh University. Please join us in congratulating Kyle and welcoming him back to Villanova. He is eager to get started and return to the Villanova community. Also, in the months ahead, we will come together to honor Jay and Patty and recognize his more than two decades as the Head Coach of Villanova Men’s Basketball. More to come on that, but as we say, it’s a great day to be a Wildcat! Sincerely,  Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA President Mark Jackson Vice President and Director of Athletics

Classy Till The End, He Goes Out With Style!

After 21 seasons as the leader of Villanova Men’s Basketball, Coach Wright announces his retirement.

Thank you, Coach, for everything you have done for our University, community & the game of basketball.

We are thrilled that you will continue to be a part of the VU community.

 

A Gala Evening Featuring Jay Wright!

Saint Augustine Parish will hold a premier Gala in support of its Capital Campaign seeking to raise funds for preservation of its historic church building. Mr. Jay Wright, Villanova Men’s Basketball Head Coach, will serve as the keynote speaker and Mr. Jim Murray, former Eagles General Manager, will be the master of ceremonies and auctioneer.

The Gala, sponsored by Villanova University, will include a cocktail reception, dinner, a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Finneran Pavilion, and an auction of memorabilia from the Philadelphia Eagles, Villanova Basketball, various autographed sports items, and more.

Saturday, June 1, 2019
5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Villanova University’s Finneran Pavilion
800 East Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church, located at 4th and Vine Streets in Old City Philadelphia, is the City’s fourth-oldest Catholic Church. It has a rich history with deep roots in the Philadelphia community. Villanova University grew into existence from the original Saint Augustine Academy. Additionally, the first Philadelphia performance of “Handel’s Messiah” was performed at the Church by the predecessors of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Parish embarked on its Capital Campaign in order to preserve its historic buildings and to build an enduring future for the Augustinian Friars, parishioners, and neighbors throughout Philadelphia. Proceeds from the campaign will fund critical restoration work for the facade, precious artwork, facility windows, and more.
Those interested in attending the Gala can purchase tickets via http://www.st-augustinechurch.com/gala/1.

Note: Founded in 1796, Saint Augustine Parish presently has 620 registered families and 1,160 registered parishioners. The Church serves as an important anchor in the community, and provides space and support for a number of groups and services including; Women of Hope – an assisted living facility for women in need, Veterans Multi-Service Center for Women Programs, weekly 12-step programs, and more.

For more information about Parish and the Capital Campaign, please visit http://www.st-augustinechurch.com/.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.

An Iconic Figure Who Inspired Countless Others!

Rollie Massimino, the coaching icon who led Villanova for 19 seasons and guided the Wildcats to the 1985 NCAA national championship, passed away quietly surrounded by family at his Florida home on Wednesday at the age of 82.

"The Nova Nation has lost a legend and great leader," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Coach's love of family, community, and teamwork were evident in every game his teams ever played. All of us, as coaches and players, idolized Coach Mass. He inspired and impacted all of our lives. He never stopped being a cherished mentor and friend.

"All of us in the Villanova Basketball family extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Mass, his wife of 59 years, his five children - Tom, Lee Ann, Michele, R.C. and Andrew - and his 17 grandchildren."

From 1973 to 1992, Massimino guided the Wildcats to 357 victories, including 20 in the NCAA Tournament (with only 10 losses). On April 1, 1985, in a game that would come to be defined as one 

of the most monumental upsets in NCAA history, the Wildcats connected on .786 of their field goal attempts to stun No. 1 ranked Georgetown 66-64, capping an improbable six-game march to the title as a No. 8 seed.

In addition to the magical 1985 run, the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1988. Villanova posted 10 seasons of 20 victories or more in Massimino's tenure and he was the 1982 BIG EAST Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

During his near two decade stint on the Main Line, Massimino built a program founded on family. Each of the players recruited to Villanova by Massimino who spent four years in the program earned his degree. Through the years he remained in close contact with his former Wildcat players, many of whom credit him with helping mold them into the people they are today. 

When Massimino returned to coaching after a three year retirement in 2006 at Northwood - later rebranded as Keiser - Villanova served as his first regular season opponent. The Wildcats downed the Seahawks, 97-60, in West Palm Beach, with many of his former Villanova players in attendance. Massimino would go on to lead the Seahawks to 312 victories, including the 2012 NAIA Division II title game. He won his 800th career game last December as Keiser defeated Trinity Baptist 77-47.

Massimino earned 816 victories over the course of his career as a collegiate head coach. A 1956 graduate of the University of Vermont, he also served as the head coach at Stony Brook University (1969-71), UNLV (1992-94) and Cleveland State University (1996-2003).

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Man And The Moment: Don't Miss This!

Another Great Milestone For A Great Guy!

Video filmed at the Pavilion at Villanova University on Monday, April 4th, 2016 by Villanovan photographer Andrew McKeough. The proudest moment of Coach Jay Wright's career? How could it not be? And let's hope and pray for lots more. Thanks, Coach!

Villanova Victory Parade Details Announced!

Yes, there will be a parade in Philadelphia for the winning Villanova Wildcats basketball team.

The parade will be held in Center City Philadelphia on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The 2016 National Champions will begin the parade at 20th and Market Streets, and it will come to an end at Dilworth Park. 

Today (Tuesday afternoon,) students will welcome the Wildcats home from their successful trip to Houston around 3:30 p.m. at Villanova Stadium.

Villanova: Why We Love It, Now And Always!

Congratulations to Villanova's basketball team and coach Jay Wright. 

Once again, Nova is setting the pace.

Villanova established a new school record for victories this year with a 28-4 record and claimed the Big East regular season title by virtue of a 16-2 league mark. At the same time coach Wright was once again named the Big East Coach of the Year and for the second time since 2010 Nova claimed a number 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. 

This is the Wildcats ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 10 seasons. And let's not forget this: Villanova is the ONLY Philadelphia area college hoops contender to ever win the national championship. When you find another local team that can top this record, let us know. 

Oh, and this too: Villanova is a first-rate institution of learning where a whopping 99% of its graduates find employment or go on to graduate school. Villanova produces leaders in every walk of life, year after year, decade after decade. Villanova graduates have not just a competitive spirit but also the tools, the values and the determination to succeed.

And, one more thing: The Augustinians who founded Villanova and who continue to make it a beacon of enlightened learning are far, far more committed to traditional Catholic teachings than many of their counterparts in other colleges and universities that call themselves "Catholic."

Verita. Unitas. Caritas. 

Faith. Unity. Charity.

That's the Villanova tradition!

Here's What Makes Jay Wright So Special!

So, under the dynamic coach Jay Wright, Villanova has once again defeated arch rival St. Joe's.
But Coach Wright NEVER gloats and he's always classy. Of the Hawks, Wright said: "You have to give them credit. They played a great game." Wright said St. Joe's kept Nova on its toes and really threatened to win the game more than once.
Jay Wright has star quality. He behaves as he wishes his team to behave. He sets a stellar example.
And, he's the one coach who makes Pat Riley look like a slob.
So, once again (by popular demand) and courtesy of collegewingmen.com here are some other things about Jay Wright that you may not know:
1. Giorgio Armani wears Jay Wright suits.

2. Jay Wright doesn't own a mirror. He can see it in your face that he looks good.

3. Jay Wright has a suit for every day of the year. When the year is over, he throws them away and buys new ones.

4. When Jay Wright was in prep school, all the students wore uniforms. Jay Wright was still voted best dressed.

5. A bum asked Jay Wright for some change, but he gave him one of his old sport jackets instead. Now that bum is known as Donald Trump.

6. It's been predicted that if Jay Wright ever spilled anything on one of his suits, stains would be "in" for 200 years.

7. At least 12 photographers have been institutionalized from trying to find Jay Wright's best side.

8. When Jay Wright showers, the soap gets cleaned.

9. Jay Wright has been voted People's Sexiest Man Alive every year since he was five. He refuses to accept until the magazine bans St. Joe's fans from subscribing.

10. The Hawk will never die... that is until Jay Wright wants him to.

11. Four years ago Jay Wright decided an NCAA championship ring would go well with his suit. The rest is history.

12. Villanova games don't have to be in High Definition, Jay Wright makes the TV look better.

13. When Brad Pitt looks at a mirror he says, "Damn I almost look as good as Jay Wright's shadow."

14. Jason Fraser had to learn how to block shots by himself because Jay Wright doesn't know the meaning of the word rejection.

15. Every year the alumni association spends thousands of dollars to buy Jay Wright the best ties they can find. Jay uses them as his "work out ties."

16. The term birthday suit was invented when Jay Wright was born wearing a tuxedo.
BTW: Jay Wright is a multiple winner of GQ's Fashionable Four, an award given to the best dressed coach in college basketball.

Wright To Sixers: No

From Dick Jerardi at philly.com:
Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski has reached out to Villanova coach Jay Wright to gauge his interest in the vacant Sixers head-coaching position. A source close to Wright said the coach was flattered that Stefanski wanted to talk about it, but that he was not interested in being considered. It is known among those close to Wright that the coach might have some interest in coaching in the NBA at some point. That point has obviously not come. Stefanski has already interviewed former Washington and Sacramento head coach Eddie Jordan, former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey, Los Angeles Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis and Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau. And here is a statement from the Sixers and Stefanski released this morning: "In the past week, I have completed interviews with six candidates, all of whom are exceptionally qualified, have an impressive knowledge of the game and are very well-respected within the basketball community. "I truly appreciate that they took time out of their schedules to meet with me regarding this position. Along with my staff, we will continue our due diligence – including further interviews, extensive research and in-depth background checks – before a final selection is made. "As I have said before, the qualities I am looking for in our next head coach include excellent communication and leadership skills, will stress the importance of accountability while also developing our players and will be a strong tactician. "As such, due to the number of candidates still involved in the process, there is no timetable set for when this very important decision regarding the future direction of the franchise will be made." Four of the candidates were already known. Now, we know Jay Wright's name. According to a source, the sixth name is Chris Ford, a former Sixers coach and currently a pro personnel scout for the team. Here is a very recent release from Villanova's media relations department: In response to reports linking his name to the Philadelphia 76ers vacant head coaching position, Villanova’s Jay Wright said today that although he met with the team’s president and general manager Ed Stefanski last week, he requested that his name be removed from consideration for the position. “Last week, Ed reached out to me to see if I would be willing to speak to him about the Sixers’ coaching position,” stated Wright. “He is a longtime friend of mine whom I have great respect for and is someone I talk to often. We had a lively conversation about the vision Ed has for the Sixers organization. As a lifelong Sixers fan, I was honored to be part of the process. “Following our meeting, I called Ed to thank him and requested that he remove me from consideration. I love Villanova and it is where I want to be. I am grateful to the Sixers for including me in the process. There is a lot to look forward to for Sixer fans like me with the young talent they have put together and the leadership of Ed Stefanski.”

Jay Wright and Villanova: Perfect together!

Jay Shows The Way!

From Phil Sheridan in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Jay Wright started outcoaching UCLA's Ben Howland long before tip-off of their second-round NCAA tournament game yesterday.
Howland, whose teams had been in the last three Final Fours, made it all-too-loudly known that he was unhappy playing Villanova in the Wachovia Center. That would be understandable if Howland's teams hadn't been assigned to Anaheim, San Diego, and Sacramento for the opening weekends of those three tournaments. UCLA left California just once before the Final Four in three years.
Sometimes a coach can motivate his players by giving them a grudge to nurse. Howland managed to plant an excuse in his players' minds. Wright had his 'Nova team stoked to smash the Bruins in the mouth - figuratively, of course - with fierce defense and relentless offensive pressure. The Bruins' response was to whine to the officials. . . .

Wright has begun to establish his own legacy at Villanova and, therefore, in Philadelphia basketball. In just eight seasons on the Main Line, Wright has earned a place among the best coaches in the city's storied history.
"If you're the coach at Villanova, you're going to be good," Wright said. "Every coach that's been there has won. It's not me. It's every coach."
Actually, there's more to it than the blue-and-white unis and the picture-pretty campus in Radnor Township. Wright has done an exceptional job.
After going to the NIT his first three years at 'Nova, Wright has taken a team to the NCAA tournament five years in a row. Four times, the Wildcats have advanced to the round of 16. Three years ago, they made it to within a game of the Final Four, losing to eventual national champion Florida in the round of eight.
Wright's 'Nova teams have a 9-4 record in the NCAA tournament. He has advanced now with completely different teams. So Wright isn't a potential Big Five Hall of Fame coach. He's a future Big Five Hall of Fame coach. . . .

The bracket is set up to give 'Nova games against Duke and Big East rival Pittsburgh in Boston. There is nothing easy about either of those games. There isn't supposed to be.
Play the way they did against UCLA for 40 minutes and the Wildcats could beat anyone. That kind of defensive energy and smart, balanced offensive attack would be effective anywhere, any time.
"We had six guys in double figures," Wright said. "That's big time. That's a good team."
Yes, and it's a very well-coached team, too.

Jay's Got Wright Stuff!

So, under the dynamic coach Jay Wright, Villanova now heads into the NCAA Big Dance for the fourth time in five years.
Jay Wright has star quality. He's the coach who makes Pat Riley look like a slob.
So, once again (by popular demand) and courtesy of collegewingmen.com here are some other things about Jay Wright that you may not know:
1. Giorgio Armani wears Jay Wright suits.

2. Jay Wright doesn't own a mirror. He can see it in your face that he looks good.

3. Jay Wright has a suit for every day of the year. When the year is over, he throws them away and buys new ones.

4. When Jay Wright was in prep school, all the students wore uniforms. Jay Wright was still voted best dressed.

5. A bum asked Jay Wright for some change, but he gave him one of his old sport jackets instead. Now that bum is known as Donald Trump.

6. It's been predicted that if Jay Wright ever spilled anything on one of his suits, stains would be "in" for 200 years.

7. At least 12 photographers have been institutionalized from trying to find Jay Wright's best side.

8. When Jay Wright showers, the soap gets cleaned.

9. Jay Wright has been voted People's Sexiest Man Alive every year since he was five. He refuses to accept until the magazine bans St. Joe's fans from subscribing.

10. The Hawk will never die... that is until Jay Wright wants him to.

11. Four years ago Jay Wright decided an NCAA championship ring would go well with his suit. The rest is history.

12. Villanova games don't have to be in High Definition, Jay Wright makes the TV look better.

13. When Brad Pitt looks at a mirror he says, "Damn I almost look as good as Jay Wright's shadow."

14. Jason Fraser had to learn how to block shots by himself because Jay Wright doesn't know the meaning of the word rejection.

15. Every year the alumni association spends thousands of dollars to buy Jay Wright the best ties they can find. Jay uses them as his "work out ties."

16. The term birthday suit was invented when Jay Wright was born wearing a tuxedo.
BTW: Jay Wright is a multiple winner of GQ's Fashionable Four, an award given to the best dressed coach in college basketball.

Wright Stuff

So, under the dynamic coach Jay Wright, Villanova now heads into the NCAA mens basketball Sweet Sixteen for the third time in four years.

They said Nova's team was green and not ready for prime time.

But they don't know Nova and they don't understand Jay Wright - the coach who makes Pat Riley look like a slob.

Courtesy of collegewingmen.com here are some other things about Jay Wright that you may not know:

1. Giorgio Armani wears Jay Wright suits.
2. Jay Wright doesn't own a mirror. He can see it in your face that he looks good.
3. Jay Wright has a suit for every day of the year. When the year is over, he throws them away and buys new ones.
4. When Jay Wright was in prep school, all the students wore uniforms. Jay Wright was still voted best dressed.
5. A bum asked Jay Wright for some change, but he gave him one of his old sport jackets instead. Now that bum is known as Donald Trump.
6. It's been predicted that if Jay Wright ever spilled anything on one of his suits, stains would be "in" for 200 years.
7. At least 12 photographers have been institutionalized from trying to find Jay Wright's best side.
8. When Jay Wright showers, the soap gets cleaned.
9. Jay Wright has been voted People's Sexiest Man Alive every year since he was five. He refuses to accept until the magazine bans St. Joe's fans from subscribing.
10. The Hawk will never die... that is until Jay Wright wants him to.
11. Four years ago Jay Wright decided an NCAA championship ring would go well with his suit. The rest is history.
12. Villanova games don't have to be in High Definition, Jay Wright makes the TV look better.
13. When Brad Pitt looks at a mirror he says, "Damn I almost look as good as Jay Wright's shadow."
14. Jason Fraser had to learn how to block shots by himself because Jay Wright doesn't know the meaning of the word rejection.
15. Every year the alumni association spends thousands of dollars to buy Jay Wright the best ties they can find. Jay uses them as his "work out ties."
16. The term birthday suit was invented when Jay Wright was born wearing a tuxedo.

BTW: Jay Wright is a multiple winner of GQ's Fashionable Four, an award given to the best dressed coach in college basketball.

Wright's Right

I've been meaning to say something about Villanova's classy basketball coach Jay Wright.

Last week Nova lost a heartbreaker to Georgetown when the ref called a foul on the Wildcats with one tenth of a second to go in the game. One tenth of a second! Georgetown won 55-53 on free throws. To make matters worse, this marked the second time this season that Villanova lost a game on free throws with less than a second to play.

But after the game Wright refused to blame anybody. There was no rancor, no ouburst at the ref, no recrimination. Wright called the whole thing "a learning lesson for these kids" and noted that life isn't perfect, people aren't perfect and sometime's it's hard to learn that.

The Philadelphia Inquirer said that Wright displayed "a silver lining" after the game:

"I was proud of our guys," Wright said. "No moral victories or anything. It's not. It's a loss. But we played better tonight, and I just think we're learning . . . I thought we played good defense," Wright said. "If you're a good team, there are going to be nights when you don't makes shots and you've got to win it with your defense. We haven't been able to do that all year. That's what Georgetown has done all year. They still found a way to win the game."

Jay Wright epitomizes the class and tradition of Villanova. And it reminds me of something that the great Joe Paterno always says: "I'm a teacher, first." Wright understands Paterno's mantra. He gets it. He makes me proud to say: "Hell, yeah . . . I'm a Wildcat!"