Villanova Basketball’s Ryan Arcidiacono and Kris Jenkins talk 2016 National Championship

Happy Friday Nova Nation! We’ve got two days worth of articles thanks to life getting in the way of writing yesterday, but we’re back on track now. And just in time to, because it’s a short turnaround for the Wildcats as they’re back in action tomorrow at Xavier.

Before we get into the game though, I wanted to highlight the latest episode of Jay Wright’s podcast. Ryan Arcidiacono was in town recently as his jersey was retired at Villanova. And as luck would have it, Kris Jenkins has recently joined the coaching staff in a role focusing on player development. So when you have the two players that were the most responsible for the greatest moment in program history, you have to talk about it. Jay Wright did just that on the most recent episode of his podcast, and it’s a MUST listen for Nova fans.

Back to Xavier, who’s been making a late season push for an NCAA Tournament at large bid. The Musketeers have won 4 of their last 5, including a win over the Big East leader Seton Hall. Meanwhile, Villanova is trying to keep pace with Seton Hall and Creighton as those three have separated from the pack for this year’s Big East title.

So our Game Day(ish) poll for today, who can step up as the #3 scorer with Gillespie and Bey this weekend? This time we’ll throw in a wrinkle by combining the entire bench’s points together. Nova’s going to need everyone at their best if they’re going to keep their hands on the wheel, now in control of their own Big East destiny.

Villanova Men’s Basketball

Episode 6 of Talking Villanova Basketball With Jay Wright Presented by Hartford Funds | Pod Bean
While back on campus for his jersey retirement ceremony, Ryan Arcidiacono joins Coach Wright on the podcast, along with fellow Villanova legend, Kris Jenkins, as they talk about "The Shot", life in the NBA, and more.

Can Villanova get back to the Final Four earlier than expected? | NBC Sports Philadelphia
Many expected 2019-20 to be a building season for Villanova, but the Wildcats just might have a path back to the promised land a year early. By Sean Kane

Jay Wright says ‘it’s crazy’ to suggest he’ll coach Knicks | New York Daily News
Jay Wright has no interest in coaching the Knicks.

No. 12 Villanova Men’s Basketball Should Not Be Underestimated | The Phoenix
Despite the Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball team’s successful past three seasons, the Wildcats opened the season poorly with two early losses in November. Recently however, the team has begun to pick up speed as the regular season nears its end. The Wildcats, who won the 2016 and 2018 NCAA National Championships, improved their ranking this week from fifteenth to twelfth in the nation as ranked by the Associated Press.

College basketball power rankings: Kentucky, Maryland rise | Sports Illustrated
After a week of carnage in college basketball, there was plenty of shakeup beyond the Baylor-led top five.

No. 12 Villanova goes on a three spree, thumps DePaul, 91-71 | The Inquirer
The Wildcats sank 18 three-pointers in the Big East blowout in Chicago.

Jay Wright: ‘I Haven’t Talked To The Knicks, I’m Not Going To The Knicks’ | Forbes
In response to the Forbes story from earlier this week linking Villanova coach Jay Wright to the Knicks, Wright say it’s not happening.

A 3-Point Flurry Helps Carry Wildcats Past DePaul 91-71 | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova notched its 20th victory of 2019-20 Wednesday night at DePaul.

Villanova vs Xavier

Xavier needs another Cintas surge Saturday against Villanova | Banners On The Parkway
As much as we loved JP's heat check, it's last year's lockdown that provides the blueprint for the weekend.

Xavier’s season-long evolution will be put to the test against Villanova | The Athletic
Two freshmen have stepped up and rebounding has become a strength, but free throws and turnovers remain among the team's issues.

No. 12 Villanova faces Xavier aiming for 4th straight win | Yahoo! Sports
Villanova will be searching for its fourth consecutive victory when it travels to Xavier Saturday afternoon. The No. 12-ranked Wildcats (20-6, 9-4 Big East) tied a season-high with 18 made 3-pointers in a 91-71 thrashing at DePaul Wednesday. Saddiq Bey led the way with 20 points and a career-best seven

Big East

Big East Conference men's basketball championship history | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
The Big East Conference holds an annual men’s basketball tournament, with the winner getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.The Big East features 10 teams, including Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Villanova and Xavi ...

Watch: No. 16 Seton Hall's Sandro Mamukelashvili beats No. 21 Butler with improbable buzzer beater | NCAA.com
Seton Hall had 0.6 seconds for its final play and the Pirates designed the perfect inbounds play to beat Butler.

The Big East could be the conference to watch in March | The Comeback
Will Patrick Ewing and Georgetown be a part of the Big East representation in the NCAA Tournament?

Former Syracuse star Lawrence Moten passes Big East scoring title to Markus Howard (video) | syracuse.com
Lawrence Moten, the former Syracuse star who held the Big East's career scoring record for the past 25 years, was on hand as Marquette recognized the Big East's new scoring leader Markus Howard.

NBA Wildcats

Milwaukee Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo's shooting could be an X-factor | Behind the Buck Pass
Donte DiVincenzo has enjoyed an impressive sophomore season, but his still inconsistent shooting will remain key for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch.

Warriors Sound Podcast: Eric Paschall Talks Hoops and Hip-Hop | Golden State Warriors
In the latest edition of the Warriors Sound Podcast, get to know more about Warriors rookie and 2020 NBA Rising Stars honoree Eric Paschall and his experience of being flown to All-Star Weekend in Chicago on Co-Executive Chairman Joe Lacob's jet. Also hear how his family influenced his love of classic hip-hop, which recent Dubs road game featured nostalgic songs for the young

Villanova Basketball Alumni

Jason Lawson sparking a revival at Olney as Trojans push for state playoff bid | City of Basketball Love
Jason Lawson gathered his Olney team inside a small classroom just off the court at Imhotep Charter.

Villanova Women’s Basketball

Women's Basketball Continues BIG EAST Play vs Marquette Friday Night | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova is set to host the Marquette Golden Eagles in a BIG EAST contest on Friday, Feb. 21. The Wildcats enter play with a 14-11 overall record and an 8-6 conference

Villanova Athletics

Villanova Set for Tournament at Campbell | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova, Pa. – Villanova heads to Buies Creek, NC for three games this weekend against Maine, Campbell and Purdue. The games are being played at Jim Perry Stadium

Women’s Soccer Announces Spring Schedule | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova women's soccer is already working towards the 2020 fall season and will begin their spring games this month.

Wildcats travel to Annapolis for Matchup with No. 13 Navy | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova (1-1) will travel to Maryland on Saturday for a matchup with No. 13 Navy (2-1).

Villanova faces Navy and Morgan State in Saturday Double-Header | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Coming off a win at home against Lehigh last weekend, the Wildcats (3-2) will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, for two back-to-back matches against

Charlie O’Donovan and Michael Troup Earn Weekly BIG EAST Honors | Villanova University Athletics
NEW YORK—Sophomore middle distance runner Charlie O'Donovan (Cork, Ireland) and junior jumper Michael Troup (Doylestown, Pa.) have each been recognized by the BIG

College Basketball

68 predictions for the 2020 NCAA tournament, made in February | NCAA.com
Here are 68 March Madness predictions, made a month before the 2020 NCAA tournament.

The NCAA tournament will be here soon enough -- are you ready? | ESPN
March will be here before you know it, so it's not too early to start thinking about your NCAA tournament bracket.

Former Pitt basketball coach Kevin Stallings hit with show-cause penalty for NCAA violations | CBSSports.com
Pitt basketball and football violated NCAA rules, according to Thursday's announcement

Man pleads guilty for trying to bribe player to fix a Division I game in 2018 | ESPN
Benjamin Bifalco, of Staten Island, pleaded guilty that he attempted to bribe a player to fix a Division I game in December 2018.