Kevin Willard, taking over after three underwhelming years for Villanova basketball, is ready to update the program’s approach while respecting the foundation built by Jay Wright, writes Mike Sielski for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
His first season has begun well, with the Wildcats moving to 17-5 following a recent win over Willard’s former team, Seton Hall. However, despite this success, the new head coach admits he does not feel comfortable yet, with a great deal still to manage.
“The comfort won’t happen until Year 3,” he said. “When I came, I definitely had rose-colored glasses. I had a perception of what this was, not remembering it had been three years since Jay had left.”
During his 21-years at Villanova, Wright captured two national championships and guided the Wildcats to four Final Fours, cementing the program’s place at the top of college basketball. Kyle Neptune succeeded him but was only in the position for three years before Willard took over.
Willard emphasized he wants to guide Villanova from a “small amusement park” approach to competing in the “Disney World” era of college basketball, by acquiring high-profile players and actively marketing them, all while honoring Wright’s foundation.
Read more about Kevin Willard in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
