To the Victor Go the Spoils; Villanova Unveils Championship Banner, Receives Rings

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Kris Jenkins dances in the Villanova Pavilion.
Kris Jenkins, the hero of last April's national championship game, dances in the Pavilion as Villanova unveiled its new banner and received rings. Photos courtesy of Steven Falk, Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Villanova Wildcats gathered on campus at the Pavilion to lift their national championship banner and receive their rings during a student-only ceremony last Friday, writes Dan Gelston for The Associated Press.

The celebratory event saw the team dancing and dunking, and even included a little jig from former coach Rollie Massimino.

Coach Jay Wright presented Massimino, who led the team to an improbable title in 1985, with his national championship ring. The team followed by raising an updated ’85 championship banner to join the one for 2016.

The loudest ovations from the more than 5,000 voices in the crowd were reserved for Ryan Arcidiacono. His assist to Kris Jenkins for a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in a thrilling, 77-74 victory over North Carolina last April secured the national title.

Hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa performed for the players and students, adding to the electric atmosphere inside the Pavilion.

“That was a great celebration of last year,” said Wright, “and we want you guys to keep partying as long as you want to.”

Read more about the ceremony from The Associated Press by clicking here.

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