Aug. 25, 2001
The Villanova Men's Basketball team has reached its final destination in Italy. Director of Publications Mike Sheridan files the fifth and final installment of a journal he has kept of the team's travels.
Rimini
Thursday, Aug. 23
1:10 p.m.
The final game of this trip did not end until 11:45 p.m. local time the previous night and the Wildcats did not return to their hotel until 1:00 a.m. so the pace today is leisurely. A few ambitious souls tour the city while the rest pack their bags for the five hour ride to Rome. Leading the charge again will be our interpreter Valentina. A native of the Southern part of Italy, she has nonetheless been an indispensable and enthusiastic anchor in the north and along the coast. If there is a question of language, customs or history she is always ready with a cheery answer. If she doesn't know the answer you can rest assured it will be discovered shortly.
Perhaps most importantly, she has quickly adapted to the particular needs of this group - her first encounter with a basketball team.
"I have enjoyed this," she says. "Normally my groups are older people and it has been fun to hear some of the questions from the players - they have all sorts of questions."
Valentina also helps in a particular translation for sophomore guard Reggie Bryant. Bryant's favorite reply when asked how he is doing is "chillin'." So the question is put to Valentina. What is the Italian translation for chillin'?
"Tranquilo," she replies.
"I like that," the Baltimore native says with a laugh.
Rome
9:45 p.m.
After reaching their hotel just down the road from the U.S. Embassy, the 'Cats check in and meet shortly thereafter in the lobby. From there it is a short walk down the Via Venetto to the Hard Rock Cafe. Smiles are abundant as the student-athletes read a menu in English for the first time in a week and spy delicacies like chicken wings, nachos and burgers.
Friday, Aug. 24
Vatican City
10:15 a.m.
A new tour bus arrives to take the Wildcats a short ride to the West to Vatican City. As the tour is about to begin in the Vatican Museum, associate athletic director Peter Pilling spots another tourist and asks "Isn't that Paul Evans?"
Indeed, the former Pittsburgh coach is next in line behind the Wildcats as they enter the Museum. He greets a few of the VU coaches and then is on his way into the facility.
You may not find many Americans along the Italian coast but you can certainly spot them here. We even found a former Big East coach. The tour itself is magnificent. The group views the Sistine Chapel and learns much about Michelangelo's efforts in painting it. Then it is on to St. Peter's Basilica where we are again transfixed at the size and beauty of the structure.
"It really is amazing to see," notes junior guard Gary Buchanan. "This has been a real thrill for me," adds senior guard B.J. Johnson. The team gathers for a few photos in St. Peter's Square before retreating to the gift shop. While there team chaplain Rev. Bernard Lazor points out that the squad is now standing on three buildings operated by the Augustian fathers. The group poses for a photograph and then ducks into the cool shade on a warm day.
By afternoon we are back at the hotel and individuals can do as much or little sightseeing as they choose.
Saturday, Aug. 25
Rome
11:15 a.m.
Today we visit the ancient Roman ruins. As we head into the Colosseum it is sophomore center Jair Veldhuis who puts it all into perspective. "We are going into a place where thousands of people were put to death in unimaginable circumstances," he notes.
Not the most upbeat statement ever, though certainly accurate. We listen to stories of Nero and Caeser, gladiators and lions on another scorching morning.
"It's good for our guys to hear about gladiators," says Jay Wright, "because that's the kind of mentality we are going to need in the Big East."
12:45 p.m.
With the final official tour of the journey complete, Jay Wright takes a moment to discuss the basketball end of this sojourn. He provides a quick capsule on the progress of each of the nine student-athletes who made this trek:
Senior forward/center Brooks Sales: "Brooks was a very effective force in the middle over here. He was the best post defender and rebounder out on the floor for both teams for a large portion of the games we have played. He gives us a maturity we need. Offensively he does a lot of things fairly well and we just have to help him refine those things."
Junior forward Ricky Wright: "Ricky really showed that he's a warrior on this trip. In the game against Rimini he played most of the night in foul trouble and still ended up with nine rebounds. I am really encouraged by his ability to score. Now we must define and refine his offensive game so that he shoots a higher percentage at the free throw line and consistently hits that 15 foot jumper facing the basket."
Junior guard Gary Buchanan: "I think Gary has come a long ways. He has had to face the most amount of change in his style among our players because of the way we want to play. He is very offensive minded but I like his progress on defense. The thing I am most encouraged about is that he didn't shoot well here but still found ways to help us win. I know he can shoot so I'm not worried about that. I'm really psyched about the potential and willingness to listen I see from Gary."
Junior forward Andrew Sullivan: "This was a great tour for Andrew. He understands his role and did a good job driving to the basket, rebounded well and played good defense. We just need to help him become more comfortable in this offense."
Senior guard B.J. Johnson: "B.J. is a perfect fit for our system because of everything he brings to the team. He is hardnosed, unselfish and bright. I just love the influence he has on our players."
Sophomore guard Derrick Snowden: "Snow was very impressive. We didn't start him against Arthur Lee in the game versus Rimini because we didn't want him in early foul trouble. But he was terrific against Lee when we made our run in the fourth quarter. He shot well here and I love his leadership skills."
Sophomore guard Reggie Bryant: "Reggie struggled a little bit, which suprised me. But I am encouraged by his ability to score and willingnesss to work. I love his attitude and commitment."
Sophomore forward Andreas Bloch: "Andreas had the difficult task of learning four positions in our system because we were short of bodies here. He really picked up on things quickly but it's hard to judge him based on what he did here. When we get back and he can concentrate on his natural position, the three spot, I think he will feel much more comfortable."
Sophomore center Jair Veldhuis: "Jair showed me great potential here. He played well in important situations and that was great to see."
3:15 p.m.
So we have come to our final day in Italy. We are due to board the jet for Philadelphia on Sunday and look forward to a safe return.
"It really has been a wonderful experience," says Jay Wright. Earlier you read of the basketball analysis of the trip from the head coach. Now a few random awards of excellence on this trip we will call "the Genaros," in honor of our skilled coach driver. The envelope please.
Best P.A. Announcement: In Italy a team never takes a timeout. Rather, when a Villanova timeout is called, it is "timeout Jay Wright."
Best Opponent Team Name: There can be only one choice, of course. The Milan based Sanpio X, or as it says on its jerseys "imbeciles."
Outstanding Musical Performance At A Meal: This goes to an Italian trio at a local restaurant. Despite knowing little English, the group accurately deduced that the song trainer Jeff Pierce wished to hear was the theme from the Godfather. Soon it felt like 1972 and Pierce wore the contented air of a mythical don.
Outstanding Musical Performance On The Coach: B.J. Johnson. During a segment for a Comcast Sportsnet Special on this trip on the Volvo coach, Johnson burst into an impromptu rendition of a tune from Coming To America for the camera. Despite catcalls from his teammates, he completed the song in style.
Outstanding Effort By A Newcomer: A tie between Taylor (age eight)and Collin Wright (age six). The sons of Jay Wright were polite and well behaved in the face of some lengthy bus rides and tours that weren't always child-friendly.
Smoothest Adaption To Italy: Graduate manager Johnny Holley mastered several key Italian phrases and quite well according to our interpreter Valentina.
Favorite Spot, Student-Athlete Division: Porto San Giorgio.
Favorite Spot, Staff Division: Probably a tie between Porto San Giorgio and Florence.
Outstanding Achievement Behind the Scenes: Student managers Rico Lunardi, Thomas Gallagher and Steve Geria. Lunardi aided assistant coach Brett Gunning with the details of manuevering 35 people throughout this nation and did it in style. Gallagher was forced to take an unscheduled solo trip to Rome in advance of the rest of the team to solve a logistical problem and to Geria fell the task of finding power for the team's camcorder in venues not designed for taping of games. Thankless work was performed admirably by all three. To each of these folks goes a Genaro. (We haven't commisioned a statue of the bus driver so don't go clearing any space on the mantlepiece gang.)
If these awards aren't entirely serious, this senitment is: it has been a delightful and enlightening journey for the student-athletes and those accompanyng them. We have been treated to wonderful hospitality and take with us a closetful of memories.
Arrivaderci.
A one hour television special detailing the Villanova Men's Basketball Team's trip to Italy will air on CSN in October. Check local listings for the time and date.
