Wright uses scandal as learning tool

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Jay Wright believes in developing the player, on and off the court, so he talks with his team about things such as proper rebounding position and about “life stuff.”

Monday at team breakfast, Wright passed out some life stuff — specifically, copies of the Yahoo Sports report from Friday detailing payments that the agency ASM Sports allegedly made to dozens of high-profile college basketball players and/or their families over the past few years.

“We talk to them about everything, all the time,” Wright told USA TODAY, adding he doesn’t stress about agents potentially lurking around his kids but that he’s aware of what traps could be laid for them and uses everything as a learning opportunity.

“They know about it (the scandal), they watch video, but I want them to see what a spreadsheet looks like. I want them to know what’s going on out there.”

While acknowledging he can’t be a babysitter all the time, Wright said, “We’re always trying to communicate with them about everything — NCAA rules, everything in life, how they conduct themselves as men off the court.”