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The Villanova Wildcats are mourning the loss of Gabriele D’Annunzio, better known as “Gabe” to his friends and everyone in the Villanova basketball program. He was the man who helped create GQ Jay, as Jay Wright’s tailor, and helped the Wildcats look spiffy for NBA Draft night or formal events.
D&B Tailors announced the news and the Villanova program expressed their condolences and reactions on Tuesday.
Our basketball family lost a good man - our community , a faithful servant - a life lived for others - well done Gabe . RIP ! pic.twitter.com/GJ29rjnCix
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) January 26, 2021
RIP to the man behind the best dressed basketball Coach! Made me a suit when I graduated that made the most Irish man look like he could be in Goodfellas! https://t.co/0z0NBhcU85
— Patrick Farrell (@PatrickF_20) January 27, 2021
Gabe’s enthusiasm for life was second to none. We have lost a great friend and loyal supporter of @NovaMBB - love you Gabe & thank you for your example of how to live life to the fullest. RIP ! https://t.co/B4DyTmqGiS
— George Halcovage III (@coachGH3) January 26, 2021
Wow tears just keep rolling today smh https://t.co/Oz83tq8O7c
— Kris Jenkins (@Smoove2you_) January 26, 2021
Going to really miss Gabe. He was always the one to brighten up a room and I was lucky enough to hear many of his stories about he and his family coming over from Italy like my great-grandparents did. Just a kind man who was able to use his talents to make people happy. https://t.co/lU21RFoPGB
— Matt Fraschilla (@MattFraschilla) January 26, 2021
The “news”:
BIG EAST announces contract extension for Val Ackerman | BIG EAST Conference
The Big East commish was given a three-year extension through 2024.
Big East Hoops notebook: Five thoughts from across the conference | BIG EAST Conference
Jermaine Samuels’ big week got a shoutout in this compilation of Big East storylines.
Behind the bracket: What an 80-team NCAA Tournament would look like | ESPN
Joey Brackets gets creative and takes a trip down the hypothetical highway.
Villanova women’s basketball to play Butler on Sunday | Villanova Athletics
The Lady ‘Cats announced a scheduling change.
Villanova women’s basketball make return a little longer than desired | Delco Times
The Lady ‘Cats also had a suspenseful return from a COVID-related pause, pulling off a three-point victory over St. John’s in their first game back in 19 days.
Ten midseason National Coach of the Year candidates, ranked | NCAA.com
I spy Jay Wright.
NCAA Revenue down 50% for 2020 due to canceled NCAA Tournament | USA TODAY
The NCAA’s cancellation of last season’s Division I men’s basketball tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a $600 million annual decline in the association’s total revenue for its 2020 fiscal year, its new audited financial statement shows.
Former Fortune 500 CEO donates $10 million to Villanova | Philly Business Journal
Money, money, money.