Nov. 19, 2001
The words were related to a packed Villanova Room by one man and attributed to another. Yet they seemed to capture the entire experience of Block V Club's Legend of Villanova Basketball Gala on Oct. 27.
"I thought Jimmy Huggard said it very well," said former head coach Rollie Massimino in his remarks from the podium. "Jimmy told me that every one of the former players here tonight is a legend."
Indeed, generations of Villanova men's basketball gathered on the campus where they made their mark. From the school's first All-American (Paul Arizin '50) through its most recent (Michael Bradley), generations of athletes who have created the unique history of Wildcats basketball came together to share a special evening.
"When you get to be our age and don't live in this area it's not always easy to get together with the people you played with," said Billy Melchionni '66. "This is a wonderful night. I probably haven't seen George Leftwich '65 since college. I haven't seen Wali Jones '64 in a number of years. And then there are a number of the players from more recent years who I have watched but never really had the chance to meet.
"I think it's great. We're sort of a small club. There's probably only 10-12 players a year so it's not that large a group. To have everyone back here likes this makes it a fabulous night."
Said Howard Porter '71: "This means a whole lot to me. It's the first time all of the former Villanova players have ever gotten together as far as I remember. This gives us the opportunity to meet the players that you never knew before. It's just a tremendous idea. I think this will have a whole lot of impact on the future of Villanova basketball."
The evening began with a reception in the President's Lounge for many of the men who wrote the script for Villanova basketball. Thirteen of the school's top 14 all-time leading scorers were in attendance. More than 44,000 points and 17,000 rebounds were represented by a cast that included: Arizin, Jones, Hubie White '62, Porter, Melchionni, Chris Ford '72, Tom Ingelsby '73, Keith Herron '78, Rory Sparrow '80, John Pinone '83, Ed Pinckney '85, Harold Pressley '86, Harold Jensen '87, Doug West '89, Kerry Kittles '96 and Bradley.
Jack Kraft, owner of the best winning percentage for a coach in school history (.715) was there too as was Massimino, coach of the 1985 championship team and winner of 357 games at Villanova.
"This is one of the greatest things that could have happened in my estimation," said Kraft, who steered the 1971 Wildcats to the NCAA Final. "It's one of the best things that Villanova has done. To see great players who have done so much for Villanova in the college world and some who had great pro careers. Villanova is showing its appreciation for what these guys did. And for the alums it is a chance to catch up with one another.
"It's just a tremendous thing. I am ecstatic that I am able to be a part of it."
Added Massimino: "It's just a very special night to see so many great student-athletes come back after many years and to see them now as mature men."
The night began with welcomes from Block V Director Whitey Rigsby '78, Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro, university president Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin and senior forward Brooks Sales. On behalf of the team, Sales thanked the basketball alums who built the great tradition that is so much a part of Villanova basketball.
Master of ceremonies Mike Fratello opened a delightful program following dinner. Fratello introduced Kraft, Massimino and new head coach Jay Wright.
Wright's message was clear.
"You alums are so important to us," he stated. "You have built this tradition and we want you to be a part of what we are doing. Please be involved with us, stay in touch with us and come to see us. We need you."
The Gala ended as dinner guests mingled with the Legends, all of whom graciously signed autographs and relived past glories.
"It truly was a wonderful night," said Rigsby. "I cannot count the number of people who came up to me and thanked us for putting this together."
