Villanova University has had many talented ball players come and go over the past four seasons, but none who have defined hard work and given the program more life than Wildcat senior Zeffy Penn. A leader off the court and on, Penn will wave goodbye to the main line without records or accolades, but still having left his mark on Villanova basketball and the fans who love to watch him play.

Penn came to Villanova in 1993, having spent one season at Maine Central Institute after ending his high school career as the all-time leading scorer (with 1,848 points) at Bishop McDevitt High in Harrisburg, Pa. Like most freshman he struggled, seeing action in only 17 games. Unlike many rookies, however, his struggles only made him work harder. Penn knew what he had to do to improve and did them, through relentless work on the court and in the gym.

Returning as a sophomore physically and mentally stronger, Penn was a key contributor in helping lead the Wildcats to a Big East Tournament Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1994-95. Playing in 27 games, he tripled his minutes and point production from just one season earlier. Penn's best day came in a 73-63 victory over Miami, as he set then career highs in both points (11) and rebounds (6), in just 19 minutes off the bench. In their next contest, Penn once again gave the Wildcats a lift scoring eight points and pulling down a career-best eight rebounds in 26 minutes.

In 1995-96, Penn elevated his game once again and helped Villanova to a school record 26 victories and their second straight NCAA Tournament. He would average five points and three rebounds in nearly 18 minutes a game for the season. The first player off the bench for head coach Steve Lappas and the Wildcats, Penn's steady play prompted CBS-TV analyst Billy Packer to label him the