http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-l...ly-halftime-praise-daniel-ochefu-todays-rally

Whatever Chef was cooking up for his teammates at halftime, inside the Villanova locker room at NRG stadium, it certainly was a meal for champions. It apparently had a lot of fire, a lot of passion, and a lot of love for Villanova Basketball. Ok, I'll put aside the cheesy alliteration. It's just great to see Chef get this tremendous recognition - both within the Nova Nation community and nationally. Many of us had the feeling, watching his development over four years, that Chef had "it in him" - to be the dominant big man that Villanova so desperately needed, to go deep into March. You just never know if a guy like that is going to get the opportunity, on the big stage. This year, in his senior season, Big Dan finally got the opportunity to show basketball fans everywhere his talents. It's amazing to have seen it all come together for Chef and the Cats, in the way that it did. So happy for Chef - the most underrated big man in America. He's now a Main Line legend - and a national champ! Congrats to Big Dan.

Thought some would like to see this article about the effect of the Championship on other areas such as with corporate partners, sponsors, applications, and more. Also, have to think we might see an increase in ticket prices..........

http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160407_The_winning_s_only_beginning_for_Villanova.html

In terms of how we are viewed in philly. Given the class that Jay and these kids have displayed we are so easy to like. I believe this win will increase the flow of love for nova within the Philly community. They city is starving for a winner and we delivered in style.

‪#‎OnceAWildcatAlwaysAWildcat‬ ‪#‎PureJoy‬

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My kids tell me when your speaking the truth its "REAL RAP". Well here is some straight up honesty from me. I know at times it appears that I'm anti Nova when I post or respond to a post on the board an I have been called out by posters in the past. I can see how people might have seen it that way, I guess I was trying to display a certain degree of indifference and because of it came across poorly. That being said, growing up I loved this team. My first memory of Villanova basketball was one that include Mike Mulquin, Happy Dobbs, Stewart Granger, John Pinone etc. I lived and died with every bounce of the ball. That carried through with me thru the Lappas years up until I became involved HS sports and kind of drifted away and lost that feeling I had for the team. But watching this team kind of got my old juices flowing and rekindled that feeling for Nova hoops that I had when I followed the team religiously for the 35 years. I will still continue to be biased toward my guys but for the last two weeks, I was reminded of many good memories I had involving Nova hoops and I truly am happy for all you guys that love this team as much as you all do. It wasn't as moving as 1985 for me but it wasn't far off. I may not always agree with all the opinions posted at times, but I truly appreciate the passion and it has allowed me to meet great fans/people like Beefer, Shannanigans, VUScratch, Joe Vance, Hoops#1, EdMc, Eric etc.

i think the SI cover is awesome. Does anyone know where I can find a copy that I can have enlarged and framed?

...we're up 72-71...Carolina tries to foul Arch and he puts a wicked spin move on and they aren't able to foul until the 13.5 second mark...Hart then makes the ft's and you know the rest...great move that took six seconds off the clock...boy will we miss Arch....

Big East Conference
all-kenpom.com
Rank Player
1 Josh Hart, Villanova (Jr)
2 Daniel Ochefu, Villanova (Sr)
3 Isaiah Whitehead, Seton Hall (So)
4 Kris Jenkins, Villanova (Jr)
5 Ben Bentil, Providence (So)

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-ba...lignment-new-league-move-teams-old-jay-wright

“I’m really, really happy for the Big East,” Wright said afterward. “We're a new entity that college basketball just is trying to figure out, you know. And I just hope the power five sees a value in us as a part of all of this in basketball. We want to keep up with the power five. We want to do everything they're doing, just do it in basketball. I hope this gives us a place at the table because basketball is really important to all these schools.”

Anyone have any intel as to where/when this epic event is scheduled to take place?

There was a huge crowd last year despite the disappointing end to the season. I can't imagine what the crowd will be like this year and I don't want to miss out.

Hopefully the Pavilion will be large enough because I don't know of any larger venues that would work.

Villanovas's path was difficult, but the way we did it, is it a record?

Jay has accomplished only what a select few have. He has gotten to the top of his profession. Accomplished every coaches goal. It's select company. Hall of fame career and we are all blessed.

I have no idea whether he would find or pursue the right NBA opportunity; I domt think anyone knows that. But I will say this. If he stays, I think he and we have an opportunity it's to enter a true sweet spot. K, Pitino, Jim B, Roy they are all going to likely be gone in 5 or so years. Izzo and self will turn into the old sages and Jay will be right there with them. Elite elite company; top 5 company. And he and we have an amazing story to tell. I wish him the best on any decision but oh the possibilities if he stays are very exciting.

I made the choice to skip Houston. I ended up watching the game at home with my wife, who knew nothing of Nova basketball five years ago. Arch and Ochefu were her first Nova class to follow and she has grown to love our team. As Jenkins shot went through the net, my wife and I jumped in the air in our apartment in Astoria, Queens, screamed, and then hugged. I then broke down and cried tears of joy. I will never forget this day and where I was.

Where were you when we won in '16?

8-1 odds, 3rd favorite..

http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id...tball-title-odds-westgate-las-vegas-superbook

Between the TBS version, YouTube replays, the Pavilion replays, the ESPN international version, 55 views from inside the stadium, one shining moment, one shining Nova moment, the three kids screaming, the bars in Philly, the UNC reaction, SIR CHARLES, and more....

How many times have you seen the shot? I think I'm around 200.

There's part of me that thinks we (and other college hoops fans) are going to be looking back at this team and where they end up and be a whole lot less surprised by the dominant run we went on.

And now for the brightsiding

Jenkins and Hart could be guys like D'Raymond and Danny Green. Are they now? Maybe not, but in college I'd take our guys, so who knows down the road.

Brunson and Bridges. Young guys who have so much existing talent while still having great potential. Different types of potential, but the growth that could be there is exciting. I can see them both finding a landing spot in the league.

And how about Phil Booth? He's stepped up in our biggest games. When he and Brunson share the keys next year he could rise up some draft boards.

I think once his ankle gets fully healthy, the Chef is going to make a team real happy. Fortunately, it will probably be a team that has a good program and understands how important a guy like Danny is.

I know that Arch is all but pegged to go to Italy, but he should get a shot. Because of his awesome "intangibles" his actual basketball skill is still underrated by most. His quickness has improved so much and who knows, this is brightsiding so let's roll with it.

While we are at it, maybe DR is lethal next year with the 18 footer and excels defending guys on the perimeter like Dante.

Now some of this post is more likely to happen than others, but let's say down the road in ten years 4 or 5 of these guys have had more than one cup of coffee in the league, this team is going to look pretty stacked in hindsight.

Shouldn't it be on Arch St. ?

what do you guys think?

anyone got arguments to make (other than complaining why one guys is in one decade vs another or arguing what year a decade starts):

Villanova All-Timers
All-Decade Teams:

Pre-1950's:
Joseph Czescik
George Duzminski
James Montgomery
Paul Nugent
Joe Lord

1950's:
Paul Arizin
Larry Hennessey
Bob Schafer
Jack Devine
James Mooney

1960's:
Wali Jones
Bill Melchionni
Hubie White
Johnny Jones
Jim Washington

1970's:
Chris Ford
Tom Ingelsby
Keith Herron
Howard Porter
Hank Siemiontkowski

1980's:

Rory Sparrow
Harold Pressley
John Pinone
Ed Pinckney
Doug West

1990's:
Kerry Kittles
Alvin Williams
Lance Miller
Jason Lawson
Tim Thomas

2000's:
Randy Foye
Allan Ray
Kyle Lowry
Curtis Sumpter
Dante Cunningham

2010's:
Scottie Reynolds
Ryan Arcidiacono
Darrun Hilliard
JayVaughn Pinkston
Daniel Ochefu

All-Time Team:
Paul Arizin
Wali Jones
Howard Porter
Ed Pinckney
Kerry Kittles
Randy Foye
Scottie Reynolds
Ryan Arcidiacono

It's nice to read a thread on another school's board with no disparaging comments, only positive things about what a tough bracket we had to go through, etc. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they hate North Carolina!

https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/did-the-committee-have-it-in-for-villanova.187158/

In addition to all the obvious benefits and rewards that were achieved by our team on Monday night, there were a few more benefits that should be mentioned.
First of all, we exorcised the Oklahoma demon that followed us around all year long-----and we did it in a BIG way!! Secondly, we exorcised the demon of getting past the first weekend, which has dogged us for the past several years, and we did that in an even BIGGER way. And finally, we exorcised that demon of the "negative perception" concerning our team and our conference that has pervaded much of the country and the media for the past 3 years, and we did that in a "spectacular" way with a tournament run and a final game that the country wont soon forget!!
One thing is for sure and cant be denied by anyone-------when Villanova wins a National Championship we do it in a spectacular and unforgettable way--------the Wright Way!!
Now I'm looking forward with excitement to our next tournament run to see what else we could possibly do to top the first two-----one that was considered by most to be the biggest upset in NCAA Tournament history, and this one, which is being mentioned as not only one of the best final games ever played, but its also arguably the best and most dramatic finish ever seen in a Championship game!
Its really a wonderful time to be a Villanova Wildcat and part of the Nova Nation---------so lets all relish, appreciate and enjoy every minute of it as we celebrate our National Championship and the future success of Villanova Basketbal!!!

Enjoy this one.

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/...nt-deserve-a-Philly-parade-this-guy-does.html

Nm