Wildcats of past return to root on Villanova
SAN ANTONIO » One of the things you can always count on at the Final Four is the alumni that show up for the games, and Villanova has more than its share of former players in San Antonio to root on the Wildcats.
Randy Foye, the 2006 Big East Player of the Year, is in town. He’s been a frequent visitor to games this year.
“This is great,” Foye said as he watched the team’s open practice Friday. “It’s amazing what the team is doing.”
Kris Jenkins, the hero of Villanova’s 77-74 win over North Carolina in the 2016 national championship game, was among the many players in attendance. Gary McLain, the point guard from the 1985 national championship team, was also spotted in the Alamodome. All-American Kerry Kittles, the program leader in career points (2,243) and steals (277), Alvin Williams, Greg Woodard and Calvin Byrd also were on hand.
Kyle Lowry could not make it to the game because he’s busy trying to help the Toronto Raptors secure the top seed in NBA’s Eastern Conference. However, he did take time to write a glowing tribute of coach Jay Wright and the program on theplayerstribune.com.
*** While the rest of the Wildcats were busy relaxing and getting mentally ready for Villanova’s showdown with Kansas, assistant coaches Kyle Neptune and George Halcovage were hard at work scouting the first semifinal between Michigan and Loyola Chicago.
Nepture took care of the Wolverines, and Halcovage scouted the Ramblers. The pair quickly changed and were on the court in their suits for warmups.
*** Former Wisconsin coach and Chester High grad Bo Ryan was in attendance with his wife Kelly. Ryan received a big hug from Jenkins before the game.
Ryan said he has watched Villanova a lot this season and likes what he sees in Wright’s team.
“I think they’re the best team,” Ryan said before tip-off. “I think they’re going to win it all.”
*** In keeping with tradition, the NCAA had one student from each of the schools in the Final Four sing the national anthem.
Senior Maura Gownley represented Villanova. She is a Curvey Scholar majoring in communications and a graduate of North Schuylkill High School in Ashland. Gownley began trending on Twitter after her performance and her followers more than doubled. She received shoutouts from her high school alma mater as well as the Villanova Alumni Association
The other singers were Darius Sheppard (Kansas), Andrew Mahlan (LoyolaChicago) and Kayleigh Jardine (Michigan).