Villanova coach Wright tests positive for virus

Villanova’s break for Christmas will last a little longer. The Wildcats announced Sunday that they have paused team activities after two Tier 1 members of the program tested positive for COVID-19.

One of those who tested positive was head coach Jay Wright, the school announced in a statement. Wright is in isolation and is experiencing mild symptoms.

“Our players have been very diligent and disciplined with all of the COVID protocols,” Wright said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we have had two staff members test positive. I am one of them. My symptoms are mild, and we remain connected as a team and staff by phone and Zoom. I am grateful to our team physician, Dr. Mike Duncan, who has worked tirelessly to help guide us safely through this.”

The fifth-ranked Wildcats

(8-1 overall, 3-0 Big East) have been off since beating Marquette, 8568, on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The team postponed a game with St. John’s on Dec. 30 so the players could spend time with family for Christmas in a controlled setting. Wright said he and his staff would not be involved in those visits.

Villanova allowed family members to meet with the players on campus last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. After the visit the players isolated in a local hotel for four days starting Saturday night and were scheduled to be tested every day.

The Wildcats were scheduled to get back into action Saturday afternoon at No 22 Xavier. That game has been postponed with no makeup date set. Also, no determination how long the pause will last beyond Saturday. Villanova is scheduled to visit DePaul on Tuesday, Jan. 5 and host Marquette on Friday, Jan. 8. The status of those games are unknown.