Fitting to re-post this video today. Let's take care of business in Hawaii and get the W. Go Cats!

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... named interim head coach at Patrick School ( NJ).
Maybe they will practice with Nerf balls and with ear plugs in?

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A bunch of Big East players throughout including 4 Nova players and Dunn ahead of Valentine as the #1 player. Somehow Ben Bentil is #55, surprised me since when I asked about him I received A LOT of negative feedback. I said he looked great whenever I had seen him play and some board members basically said my eyes were lying. For the record, I have ZERO AGENDA, I asked if we recruited him because I remembered reading about him. I think some board members presumed that I was mentioning him as a veiled shot at Jay. Im not a 15 year old girl, if I wanted to complain about Jay I would simply come out and say it.


http://www.cbssports.com/collegebas...-100-college-basketball-players-from-december

For the first time in seven months, I can get Nova Nation on my computer. I am off to Alexandria
for a family party. Monday will be the test. I hope/pray it still works. Did eric pull a big one?

Steve Lappas' dad was a WWII vet and was shot at the Battle of the Bulge.

I miss him defending the honor of the CoP. First week of July so I'm guessing maybe the typical CoP vacation....a week at some dumpy wildwood motel with no wifi but plenty of funnel cake coupons.

Providence In bad shape. Dunn out (sick), Fazekus out (sick), Bentil out (hurt). They were crushing BC in first half until bentil got hurt and Dunn got sick.

To Milwaukee

Jimmy V Week and the great ESPN speech reminds me of a roast of Rollie just before he changed his mind about the New Jersey Nets job. The featured roaster was Jim Valvano who, along with others, including a Sixers executive (Pat Williams-?) as the MC, produced a very funny evening.

I had an audio tape of the event which either I lost or threw away after the flimsy tape broke. Does anyone have this tape or a digitized version of it? If so, I will pay for a reproduction.

A couple of remembrances from the tape:

The MC: We just got good news from the NC State campus. All the basketball players are getting straight A's. Their B's are a little crooked but they're making straight A's.

Valvano (in response to laughter after he mentioned the great play he called at the end of the championship game against Houston): You think I didn't call that play? Look, Lorenzo Charles is from Brooklyn. I told him in the huddle -- Lo, if anything goes near the rim, pretend it's a hubcap.

1. Virginia
2. Oklahoma
5. Villanova

also:
11. X
27. Butler
28. Georgetown
41. Providence

Why do we live and die (literally) over the fortunes of our beloved Wildcats? How many years can LOYALTY last? Are we richer if the Wildcats win? Are we poorer if they lose? Why do we love this Team so much?

In my case, my love affair with the Wildcats started in 1963 (Note: The year that President Kennedy was cowardly assassinated. We were all young Kennedy Democrats at that time. Some of us have changed over the years.) I have personally interacted with Al Severance ("The Very Honorable", as he referred to himself), Coach Kraft, Rollie, Steve Lappas and Jay. In 1971, I listened from somewhere in Southeast Asia to the AFRS broadcast of the Villanova/UCLA National Championship game. In 1985, Mary Anne Gabuzda (my dear friend and Rollie's long-time Secretary) called me on the phone to advise me that she had two tickets for me and the Mrs. for the game in Lexington, KY. I very sadly declined to accept Rollie's and Mary Anne's thoughtful kindness because, as I explained to Mary Anne, "we Islanders are superstitious and we have won every game in the Tournament up to now, while I watched from far away on CBS TV. Therefore, If, contrary to my best wishes, I stay, we will win. Let's go Wildcats!!!" I stayed and we WON! I befriended Jay when he was a very young assistant to Rollie (and I was also very young, although not quite as young as he). He is still my dear friend and I thank him for all the happiness that he and Patti have brought to me and my wife for the last 15 years. My love affair with the Wildcats goes on... until my last breath.

We live and die with the Team's fortunes because they (the TEAM) are us. And we, perhaps unbeknownst to us are they. That is why grown men and women have bonded together in this mysteriously covert Basketball Board for so very many years. We have things straight in our lives. In no direct order of priorities, our loyalties are pledged to Christ, the United States of America, our families and Villanova University and our much beloved Wildcats.

How long can our loyalty to the Wildcats last, win or lose? The answer is forever... to our last breath (Note: more on this later).

We are not made richer if they win. Likewise, we are not made poorer if they lose. But we are totally devastated when the final score does not favor our boys. That is because they are we and we in turn are they. Perhaps that is why we love them so much.

In mid-January of this year I was blindsided by a catastrophic illness. I spent 30 days in the hospital, 10 days in the Intensive Care Unit. I actually crossed that magic line between life and death, but I finally pulled through. I believe the Lord has some unfinished business for me. While I was in intensive care, dying yet trying to live, I forced my wife to smuggle in my I-Pad so that I could watch my Wildcats play some of their late season games. At that moment, with my life on the line, I gave complete priority to fighting on with my Wildcats. I won my personal life or death battle and my Wildcats gallantly battled on to their final game...

Now that Im 38 I have learned not to post right away during/after a game like that. These are college players not pros and not 1 and dones. We have started poorly in just about every game, but IMO Jay will rectify that. We have shot the 3 ball poorly, IMO Jay will slightly alter our offense and IMO we will shoot the ball better as the year moves forward. OK shot over 50% from 3, I think it was 14-26, that probably will not happen to us again. As I have read on CBS, they looked like a legit Final 4 veteran team. I doubt they shoot the ball that well many other times all year, plsu they have a lottery pick in Hield. My biggest fear is our defensive rebounding. In a game like that where the other team is that good and making their shots, when they do miss, we HAVE TO REBOUND. I have seen it throughout the year where for whatever reason, besides lack of size, we find ourselves not in good defensive rebounding position as a team. We have played with smaller line ups throughout Jay's tenure, but we have always rebounded the ball well defensively despite that lack of size. Losing Ennis, JVP and Hilliard really shows how well they rebounded the ball. I have faith in Jay and the coaches that this will improve. If we were shooting the ball better our lack of rebounding would not be so pronounced. But not getting 2nd chance opportunities and then allowing 2-3 extra possessions for the opponent was glaring last night. Last night was ugly but it can be a teachable moment. Finally, I do find the fact that I keep reading post game comments about our youth somewhat misleading. Very few teams start 2 SRs and 2 JRs. I get it that Hart and Jenkins are starting for the first time. But Arch is a 4 year starter and DO is starting his 3rd season. I am really looking forward to seeing how we respond against UVA. They are not as talented as OK but they play great D and have a tremendous G in Brogdon.

Happening now

Rumor is 20 victims

I have two tickets (possibly 4) available for the Delaware game in section EB. Email me at centralpa007@yahoo.com if interested.

Not too many people saw the game.

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http://www.marketwatch.com/story/senate-votes-to-replace-no-child-left-behind-law-2015-12-09

getting crushed in both sports on national television.

Then again, their biggest moment of their biggest football season ever was a loss to notre dame, so maybe the temple community really dies subscribe to the thought of not mattering whether you win or lose?

I'm watching the georgetown game on FOX, so if either group of criminals is making a comeback my apologies.

• During the news conference, though, the focus was almost exclusively on Trump, with Nutter calling the candidate an "asshole" and a "madman."

• Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 2m2 minutes ago .@Mayor_Nutter of Philadelphia, who is doing a terrible job, should be ashamed for using such a disgusting word in referring to me.Low life!

The idea here is to provide a quick summary of some of the latest Villanova recruiting chatter/scoop/buzz (call it what you want) in one spot so that those who don't visit the board as frequently as others can catch up quickly with the latest info.

OVERALL PICTURE:
The focus is on 2017 now. Given Coach Wright's track record of playing multiple ball-handling guards (be they point guards or combo guards) it is hard to believe he would go from landing Jalen Brunson in 2015 all the way to the Class of 2018 without bringing in another ball-handling guard. There isn't a deep class of point guards/combos in Villanova's recruiting region in the Class of 2017 so the staff is casting a wider net to find a ball-handler in 2017.

The 2017 class will likely be a 2 or 3-man class. In addition to Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, expect the Cats to bring in a PG/Combo as an understudy to Jalen Brunson and possibly a long, athletic, wing guard that can shoot it (or the best available athlete that can play on the wing).

PICTURE BY CLASS:

2016 Recruiting:

Signees: Omari Spellman (2/20/15 and 11/11/15) and Dylan Painter (9/16/15 and 11/11/15)

Needs: Coach Wright landed two quality bigs - to fill the two primary needs. Tim Delaney and Donte DiVincenzo essentially join this class from an eligibility perspective due to their injuries. Tim Delaney is expected to be back at at full speed by June.

2017 Recruiting:

VERBALS:
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree The Cats got a verbal commitment from DCR on 4/21 and DCR announced his commitment via twitter on 4/22.

Players with the most early "buzz":

Bigs:
Mohammed Bamba 'Nova coaching staff scouted Bamba in mid-Feb and through the Spring. Bamba appears to be relatively high on the priority list for 2017 for the Cats. However, he has a Duke offer, among many others and will be a very tough get. Visited for Hoops Mania and attended games this season. Outlook: Bamba is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Omari Spellman proves to be a one-and-done and Bamba commits in the Spring.

Points:
Trevon Duval 'Nova is involved. Duval visited Villanova on 10 June. The visit (tour/sit-down discussions) went well with this talented guard that has been on campus for Hoops Mania and otherwise. Duval is being highly recruited by high profile, national programs. With Duval off to play at API in Texas - this recruitment became even more of a long-shot. Outlook: Duval is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Jalen Brunson proves to be a two-and-done and Duval commits in the Spring.

Collin Sexton This 6-1, point guard prospect is averaging more than 30 ppg on the Nike EYBL circuit and has seen his stock soar over the last 6 months. Villanova is engaged and trying to gain traction.

Wings:
Lonnie Walker Cats have been on him seemingly forever and have offered. Cats are in good position. He made an unofficial visit to Villanova on the first day of team camp and the visit was a positive one. Visited for Hoops Mania. There have been rumors of him potentially transferring to a Prep School for his Senior season of high school ball. Will start on the wing for Team Final on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring/summer.

D.J. Harvey Visited Villanova on 31 May. Info gathered from both sides indicate the visit went "great". The Cats have offered and would be thrilled to land this versatile prospect who projects primarily as a 3 from a skills perspective but could play multiple positions. Visited for Hoops Mania.

Brandon Randolph Randolph now holds a Villanova offer. He is a good athlete and a streaky shooter with a decent handle but has limited passing skills. Projects more as a 2 from a skills perspective. Plays for PSA Cards on AAU Circuit. Visited Villanova on an unofficial the weekend of 10-12 Jun.

Forwards:
Brian Bowen Villanova has offered this likely McDAA from La Lumiere in IN and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for the Meanstreets AAU program.

Kevin Knox Villanova has offered Knox and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for E1T1 in Nike EYBL.

Hameir Wright Visited for Hoops Mania and for the Xavier game on NYE. Now holds a Villanova offer. Long, good athlete, with a developing skill set and an emerging deep jumper.

Justin Smith This 6'6" forward from Stevenson IL is friendly with Jalen Brunson and recently picked up a Villanova offer as well. Plays for Mac Irvin Fire in Nike EYBL.

Jordan Tucker Some sources report that 'Nova has high interest / have offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage. Good deep shooter, average athlete.

Jermaine Samuels 'Nova has reportedly offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage - but could become so in the future. He is very athletic and plays with a high motor. Not a great shooter at this stage and needs to improve his handle.

2018 Recruiting:

Players with the most early "buzz":
Elijah Weaver Cats contacted this FL PG prospect and offered.
Immanuel Quickly His stock is rising and the Cats are in contact
Jalen Smith - played for MSJ at Villanova team camp in June. Cats have been by to visit Smith. Visited for Hoops Mania. Holds a Villanova offer.
Cameron Reddish Holds a Villanova offer. Visited for Hoops Mania.
Nate Laszewski Visited unofficially during team camp and his coach reported he was offered.
Jahvon Quinerly Visited Villanova unoffically and visited for Hoops Mania
Nazreon Reid Villanova staff has been evaluating him and have offered.
Marcus Little Visited for Hoops Mania.


2019 Recruiting:

Players with the most early "buzz":
Bryan Antoine Visited for Hoops Mania.
Scottie Lewis Visited for Hoops Mania.
Precious Achiuwa Stand-out performer at Pangos East - Cats should jump in
Cole Anthony Stakes early claim as best guard in NY in his class. Visited for Hoops Mania.

TRUE OFFERS: players that VUSports projects the Cats would most likely take commitments from today:
2017s:
Mohammed Bamba
Trevon Duval
Lonnie Walker

OTHER OFFERS for 2017:
D.J. Harvey
Hameir Wright
Brandon Randolph
Justin Smith
Kevin Knox
Brian Bowen
Collin Sexton

2018s:
Elijah Weaver
Jalen "Sticks" Smith
Cameron Reddish
Nate Laszewski

Here is the NCAA D1 Men's Basketball Recruiting Calendar for 2015-16 (for any questions about Dead/Live/Contact Periods for this recruiting season)

I read we have the worst 3-point shooting % in the Big East. I go to a lot of other message boards around the Big East just to see people's reactions, and a lot of people feel the same way I do, that the passing around the perimeter only to launch a 3 has gotten old. I love Jay, love how he represents the University, love his recruiting, love how he gets his kids to play hard, love the team's defensive intensity, but FOR YEARS, his X's and O's on offense have left me scratching my head. Here are some quotes from other message boards:

"Will not consider them a real tournament threat as long as they stay a completely perimeter oriented team."

"They will have a good record no doubt because they have talent but IMO they seem to remain a one trick pony, passing the ball around the perimeter until someone fires a 3."

"same old problem for nova. they live and die by the 3."

"A good team shouldn't rely on the 3 so much like nova does."

"IMO the only thing that hurts with this loss to Oklahoma is chances of getting a 1 seed maybe. And maybe they'll start to shoot a few fewer 3's."

"4 for 32 from three. Ugh. I hope Jay takes this loss seriously and realizes that 3 pt shooting should be one offensive tool not the entire strategy. Embarrassing"

"and it's frustrating to see because the few times they drive or feed the big man down low they do have success."

"Villanova's FT rate so far is 27.0%, 321st in the nation. That's what happens when you are always hunting for a three on a drive rather than committing to the drive itself a decent amount of the time."

Watching Jimmy V's speech. Put my kids to bed, we didn't watch the Nova tape because it was too bad (they went to bed before the game ends so I always tape the game and we watch together). Point being, I love the Jimmy V speech and well know the line on, "we'll be successful if we focus on 3 things, your family, your religion and the Green Bay Packers". His humility is something I take away from that speech, along with the message, "don't ever give up". This guy is dying and has that humility. What a gift. Why am I posting this? I'm not sure, my kids are in bed, my wife is at a work function but I'm sure there are a bunch of lessons in this speech. I take away the fact we should never give up and laugh at ourselves.

To that point, we lost one game last night. It happens. Laugh at ourselves for thinking we all know why. I point this gun directly at myself. Love that speech and laugh at myself. However, it really doesn't matter. The community we built is an extension of Nova hoops and the broader Nova community.

Im sure many of you bros rocked North Face fleeces in high school.

Co-founded TNF and then co-founded Esprit with his first wide, second wife was the longtime CEO of Patagonia. Guy was buddies in the late 60's Yvon Chouinard who went on to found Patagonia. Yvon was kayaking with him when he died. Do they meet the Merc entrepreneur standard?

180 degrees south is a pretty cool documentary where they recreate the trip Doug and Yvon took before starting their companies. Good soundtrack as well

from 3 point land - will not ever win a game with that number disparity
no better time than now to figure out plan B when the 3 ball is not dropping