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Happy Wednesday Nova Nation! Well, not that happy actually as I’m a little disheartened by the AP’s decision not to include any Villanova players in their AP All-American list. For the first time since 2014, no Wildcat was represented.
I get that Phil Booth and Eric Paschall weren’t going to make any of the first three teams. They had great seasons, but there were some truly special performances this season and those players are deserving of the spots they earned. But to not even be awarded an honorable mention after winning the Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championships? After carrying this team on their backs? They deserved to see their names on that list.
For the last four years, other Villanova greats have received that honor. In 2015, Ryan Arcidiacono and Darrun Hilliard were named as honorable mentions. In 2016, Josh Hart was also an honorable mention. In 2017, Hart was a First Team All-American. And then in 2018, Jalen Brunson was the AP Player of the year and a First Team All-American, while Mikal Bridges was a Third Team All-American selection.
But we’ll still have one more shot to see those seniors in a collegiate environment... maybe. The Big East has yet to announce their team for the Dos Equis 3X3U Championship Tournament this weekend in Minneapolis. We’ve already taken a guess at who may participate, along with some backups. Paschall will likely pass to focus on the NBA, but there’s a real shot that Booth represents the Big East and Villanova one last time. Fingers crossed Nova Nation!
In other “news”, Jay Wright will be on your TV this weekend, a day in the life of Val Ackerman, and Rick Majerus is headed to the HOF. Enjoy!
Villanova and the Big East
CBS Sports and Turner Sports Announce Studio Programming Plans and Special Guests for 2019 Final Four | NCAA.com
Turner Sports and CBS Sports will provide exclusive coverage of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship from Minneapolis, Minn., with Auburn, Virginia, Texas Tech and Michigan State competing for the National Championship.
‘The wheels are always turning’: Behind the scenes with Big East boss Val Ackerman at the busiest time of the year | The Athletic
Over a Big East quarterfinal game at MSG, Ackerman gives a glimpse into her life, career and thoughts on NCAA basketball scandals.
Alex Martins' 'Magical' Journey from Villanova to Orlando | Villanovan.com
1985 is a year that will never be forgotten in the Villanova community, especially for current Orlando Magic CEO and Villanova alum Alex Martins. While the entire country was glued
March Madness and College Basketball
Former Saint Louis Billikens coach Rick Majerus going into Basketball Hall of Fame | KMOX-AM
The late Rick Majerus, who served as Saint Louis University's men's basketball coach for five years from 2007-12, has been selected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2019. He will officially be enshrined on Nov.
Billy Lange named St. Joe’s men’s basketball head coach | The Hawk Newspaper
Billy Lange, former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, was named head coach for the St. Joe’s men’s basketball team on March 28.
Michigan State got old, then got to the Final Four | Mlive.com
The Spartans started two seniors and a junior, a significantly older group than its last two teams.
Final Four 2019: Threes could hold key to winning national title | SI.com
Players have fired a record number of treys in this NCAA tournament. The teams that reached the Final Four will need to sink them, or be sunk.
What to Expect From Michigan State, Texas Tech, Virginia, and Auburn in the Final Four | The Ringer
The NCAA tournament field has been whittled down from 68 teams to four. Here’s what each team has to do to cut down the nets in Minneapolis.
Final Four: Five bold projections for the NCAA tournament semifinals | USA Today
The calendar has turned to April but that doesn't mean March Madness is over. Auburn's title run is one of the bold picks for the final weekend.
The Loop Final Four Countdown: Best Final Four Coaches | Twin Cities
It might seem that the same coaches win the NCAA championship year after year. But it turns out these hardcourt generals only cut down the nets about half the time.
Duke freshmen Williamson, Barrett top AP All-America team | AP
The season did not end as Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett intended. The fabulous freshmen came to Duke to win a national championship and their bid came up short with a loss to Michigan State in the Elite Eight.