Villanova has proved the Big East is not dead, but flourishing

Happy Thursday, 'Nova Nation! Still on a high, and probably not going down anytime soon. Lots of commentary about how Villanova's performance has finally validated the Big East. I was actually asked about this on a podcast I joined yesterday. I think this win is much more about Villanova's validation than the Big East, and I'm sure nobody hear is going to complain about good press.

To me, the Big East proved itself over the last three years that it is still one of the best in the country. Who knows if it stays that way forever, but the emergence of the Power 5 had a lot of people rushing to judgment. And now they look stupid. And I like that.

And now, the "news."

Villanova the real winner in conference realignment by sticking with Big East
Dave Gavitt also might be delighted to recognize following Villanova’s 77-74 NCAA title-game victory over North Carolina that no single school has been a bigger winner in the realignment game than Villanova University.

Villanova's National Title A Major Big East Win | Today's U
Just as they did when they won their last title in 1985 title when the Wildcats beat a heavily favored Georgetown squad, Villanova once again captured the nation’s hearts in thrilling and stunning fashion.

Big East Finds Respect Is More Elusive Than Success The New York Times
At Villanova, football is played only when basketball options have been exhausted, which makes it and its conference anomalies on the big-time college basketball scene.

Villanova Proves ESPN Tales of Big East's Death Were Greatly Exaggerated | Breitbart
Two years after ESPN declared the Big East dead with a one-hour and 44-minute documentary, Kris Jenkins took just a second to resurrect it with a national title.

Yeah, Villanova. Hallelujah, Big East. You have it right. | StarTribune.com
I was looking up the details of Sherburn’s state basketball championship in 1970 on microfilm a few years ago. This was the last one-class state tournament in Minnesota basketball.

Villanova Wildcats return as heroes to a winning-starved Philadelphia | ESPN
The impact of the Wildcats' national championship hit home upon their return to Philadelphia, where they were greeted by thousands of fans.

How Exciting Was The Final Four? | FiveThirtyEight
In this final video, we take a look at how Villanova-UNC rated on the excitement index (very highly!) and decide which Final Four game was more boring.

There's no reason why we shouldn't have a parade for Villanova | Philadelphia Daily News
People need to stop griping. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have a parade for the Villanova Wildcats.

Ryan Arcidiacono's biggest decisions paid off | Big East Coast Bias
The Villanova guard's judgement, on and off the court, helped lead the program to its first title in 31 seasons.

Villanova won the national championship with picture-perfect basketball at the right time | SBNation.com
Kris Jenkins and Villanova delivered an NCAA Tournament performance that will be remembered forever.

Relive Villanova's magical journey through the eyes of a student | Campus Rush
How a Villanova student experienced the national championship thriller over North Carolina.

March Madness: Ranking the top 10 2016 NCAA Tournament games | CBSSports.com
The best of the best from one of the most amazing tournaments of the past two decades. You already know what No. 1 is.

First look at top 25 freshmen for 2016-17 college basketball season | ESPN ($)
Duke-bound Harry Giles is the top player in the 2016 class, but is he the freshman who will make the biggest impact in 2016-17? We say no -- uncommitted Josh Jackson has him beat by a nose.

Before Kris Jenkins’s Shot, There Was Ryan Arcidiacono’s Pass | NYTimes.com
Years before Ryan Arcidiacono became the most outstanding player of this N.C.A.A. Final Four on Monday night, he practiced taking last-second shots that would win his team a national championship. On basketball courts in parks and backyards. On the court of his high school gym.

Villanova NCAA Championship: Effect on Student Applications? | TIME
How do Final Four appearances and basketball championships affect student applications at schools like Villanova University?

'Lucky' Matt Szczur Starts For Cubs After National Title | Patch
Chicago Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur got the start Tuesday because he was a Villanova grad and his coach thought it would be "lucky."

College Basketball Top 25 For 2016-2017: Way Too Early Version | The Big Lead
A 2016-2017 Top 25 eight months before the season begins? Of course. Last year we did this exercise the day after Duke defeated Wisconsin for the title, and 11 of our Top 16 made the Sweet 16 this March. Due to new NBA draft rules, this year's way too early Top 25 will be far more challenging.

Louisville basketball announces additional self-imposed sanctions | Card Chronicle
While the NCAA continues its investigation into accusations of improper benefits within the Louisville men's basketball program, U of L has announced a second round of self-imposed sanctions.