Villanova Basketball has validated its success, and the Big East's brand as well

Happy Monday, 'Nova Nation! Guys and gals, I'm still soaking it in. Light news day today thanks to MikeJ. going rogue on an Easter Arizin. He stole all my "news."

So instead, let's just use this as a Houston party planning thread. My tickets are booked so I look forward to seeing/meeting tons of VU Hoops personalities down there. If you're heading there, let me know and we'll try to meet up.

And now, the "news."

'Nova's run is vindication for new Big East | Philly.com
Entering this NCAA tournament, the overriding question was not only whether Villa could still succeed at the time of year when the games are the toughest, but whether the Big East Conference itself was constructed of more than just history and pom-poms.

VIDEO: Villanova returns home | ABC
The 'Cats returned to the Davis Center on Sunday after clinching a spot in the Final Four.

Final Four preview: Villanova gets revenge opportunity vs. Oklahoma | CBSSports.com
This can be a great national semifinal. Buddy taking on Nova's balanced group. Who do you like? We tell you what you need to know.

Villanova's NCAA Tournament Run Has Meant Big Money for the Big East | Casual Hoya
YOU'RE ALL WELCOME!

Mens Track & Field Opens Season at Penn Challenge | Villanova.com
Villanova got the outdoor track & field season started on Saturday afternoon by competing in the Penn Challenge at Franklin Field. There were athletes competing for the Wildcats in five running events and seven field events for the day, with a pair of personal bests and two runner-up finishes highlighting the days results.

Pitt just hired a coach who intentionally screwed over one of Pitt's best players | SBNation.com
It could get pretty awkward between the new Panthers coach and one of his senior leaders.

Geno Auriemma slams UConn critics: Nobody said Tiger Woods was ruining golf | SBNation.com
He has a point.