It's Phil Booth's time to shine for Villanova Basketball

Happy Thursday, 'Nova Nation! One of the great things about Villanova's program is that we get in a rhythm. Players start out in a specific role. They grow. They become stars. They become senior leaders. Rinse. Repeat.

In the case of Phil Booth, a ridiculous freshman season sent our expectations through the roof. An up and down sophomore campaign curtailed things a bit, but then he went off in the #Natty and reminded us all just how impactful he can be. Then we learned he was dealing with mono and a bum knee.

And now he's all better! And even with Hart and Jenkins back, Booth feels like that guy who might be ready to breakout as a junior. Here's to Phil!

And now, the "news."

Phil Booth Tries To Give Villanova A Bigger Boost | Today's U
The name Phil Booth might not be familiar to college basketball fans, but the rising junior has been a stout role player for the national champs.

Pistons remain bullish on Hilliard’s future as he keeps his nose to the grindstone | Detroit Pistons
At the risk of criminal prosecution for insider trading, here’s a stock tip for you: If you own stock in the manufacturer of Sour Patch Kids, sell. Like, now. They’re Darrun Hilliard’s favorite candy. Were, at least. But he’s given them up, along with all candy. All sugary stuff, really.

Pat Summitt had profound effect on Villanova’s Perretta | delcotimes.com
You could hear the sadness in Harry Perretta’s voice as soon as the Villanova women’s basketball coach picked up the phone Tuesday.

Key FCS conference games not on schedule (Jun 28, 2016) | FOX Sports
In CAA Football, Villanova hopes to send out retiring coach Andy Talley with an FCS playoff berth. That possibility is made easier with the Wildcats not facing 2014 champ New Hampshire and 2015 tri-champ William & Mary in the 12-team conference's unbalanced schedule.

Pitt joins trend of stadium-wide beer sales for football games | CollegeFootballTalk
The first opportunity for fans to take advantage of the new policy is the home opener against Villanova Sept. 3.  The ACC opener Oct. 8 against Georgia Tech.

Villanova School of Law hosts seminar on sex trafficking | Main Line Media News
Prostitution in the suburbs exists but it is more hidden than the streetwalkers who openly ply their trade in some parts of Philadelphia.

Dr. Z profiles Howie Long for 1985 Sports Illustrated | The MMQB with Peter King
In 1985, Zim profiled Los Angeles Raiders quarterback wrecker Howie Long and how he departed Boston’s streets for NFL stardom

Field Hockey Receives $1.3m gift for new Training Facility | Villanova.com

Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, today announced a $1.3 million gift from the parents and friends of Villanova Field Hockey to establish a “Villanova University Field Hockey Field” at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa. This transformational gift, the largest ever made to a Villanova Athletics’ women’s program, will provide a new home for the field hockey team, and will positively impact both the competitive and recruiting landscape of the program.