Dec. 1, 2003
The Nova Notebook today offers its third and final installment of the Villanova men's basketball team's five-game, eight day trip that opened the 2003-04 season.
Nov. 26
Maui
One of the favorite tourist attractions on the island here is the Haleakala Sunrise Tour, a jaunt that begins at 3:00 a.m. and takes visitors up 10,000 feet to the summit of Haleakala. The view is billed as one of the most beautiful dawns on earth.
On this trek, Villanova has its own sunrise tour, otherwise known as the pre-game meal. The Wildcats fifth place game with Ohio State in the EA Sports Maui Invitational is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. This marks the 'Cats fifth straight morning tipoff and requires that the squad gather for its breakfast with the light of day only beginning to be seen over the Pacific.
At breakfast, the Wildcats quietly munch on eggs, pancakes and juice while watching video of the Buckeyes' victory over Central Michigan one day earlier in the consolation round. Once the meal is done, head coach Jay Wright and associate coach Fred Hill - who scouted this opponent - review some of the Buckeyes' tendencies before the meeting breaks shortly after seven.
There isn't much time to dawdle before the team coach departs for the Lahaina Civic Center at 7:45 a.m. Several team members make their way down to the room of Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Pierce to have their ankles taped.
Freshman guard Mike Nardi is especially eager to get to the gym. After a tough shooting day in the win over Santa Clara, Nardi wants to launch a few extra jumpers. So he is the first Wildcat on the court, launching extra shots in the hope of a more accurate morning from beyond the 3-point arc.
In the first half, the Buckeyes ride the hot-shooting of Tony Stockman to a 39-24 advantage at intermission. After a grueling trip and its fifth straight game with five or fewer scholarship players, the notion of a Villanova comeback would seem remote.
However, that is just what the 'Cats produce. Sparked by the fireworks of sophomores Allan Ray and Randy Foye, Villanova draws to within four with 1:34 left. Than Nardi nails a triple to cut the deficit to 64-63 with just over a minute left.
In the end, though, there isn't quite enough left in the 'Cats tank to finish the rally. Ohio State holds on for a 67-66 triumph.
"We just couldn't overcome the hole we dug for ourselves in the first half," noted Wright at the post-game press conference.
At the conclusion of the press conference, Ray is outside the arena, still in uniform, signing a few autographs when Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien approaches the native of the Bronx, N.Y. O'Brien apologizes to Ray for his voice -the Buckeye mentor suffered damage to his vocal chords during surgery this summer and hasn't yet recovered - and then compliments Ray.
"You have a great future," he tells the Villanova guard.
Thursday, Nov. 27
Maui
After a week spent traversing the globe in pursuit of victories, the Wildcats today are free to shift gears and concentrate on a bit of rest and relaxation.
It is officially Thanksgiving but it's unlike the fare most in the northeast have grown up with. Instead of warm sweaters, falling leaves and the smell of turkey basting in the oven, Villanova's day will feature boogie boards, sun block and a poolside view.
The fun begins in the Pacific, as the Wildcats take on the challenging waves. There are plenty of laughs as the group enjoys the warm sunshine and surf.
Later, the scene shifts to the pool by the Westin. A volleyball net in the pool becomes the scene of a spirited contest featuring members of the men's team and some hotel guests. Others take a more leisurely approach, sitting poolside and taking in the simple pleasure of a magazine or book.
A few team members find their way to Whalers Village, a nearby shopping area for a bit of souvenir hunting.
It may not be the Thanksgiving most are used to.
Yet no one is heard to complain.
7:15 p.m.
Maui
A giant ballroom is host to Thanksgiving dinner, Villanova style. The room is filled with more than 100 people, including team members, fans and alumni. Dinner features turkey and ham and is served buffet-style.
"This is a real informal thing," says Wright as he welcomes everyone. "We want to thank those who came all this way to support us and enjoy the holiday with you all."
Among those carrying a camera to record some images of the night is freshman forward Will Sheridan. A team photo is taken and then players and coaches pose for photos from family members and other invited guests.
The food is delicious and there is plenty of it.
Also on hand are Admiral Walter Doran, the head of naval operations for the Pacific fleet, and his wife Ginny. Another honored guest is Villanova graduate and former Wildcat basketball manager Sean Ford, now a key executive at USA Basketball.
"It was," says Wright, "a great night." Friday, Nov. 28
Maui
Those who want to soak up more of the Maui experience have only a few hours to do so today. The chartered bus carrying the team and family members to the airport is set to depart at 11:00 a.m. for a 2:00 p.m. flight to Los Angeles. From there it's a red-eye flight to Philadelphia International Airport that is scheduled to put the 'Cats on to home turf at 6:15 a.m Saturday morning.
On the first leg of the trip today, United Airlines flight attendant Tracy Re` is more happy than most to see Villanova. It seems her boyfriend, Keith Forrester, is a 1984 Villanova graduate based in Los Angeles.
"We're always going to sports bars to watch you guys play," she says. "I called him right before takeoff to say, 'you're not going to believe who I have on my flight.'"
Wright introduces his wife Patty to her, leaves a media guide, signs a photo and promises to send along a couple of t-shorts.
It is one final feel good moment on a most unusual sojourn to open a basketball season.
Five games; eight days; and 10,310 miles are the numbers that won't soon be forgotten.
The second "Villanova Sports Page with Jay Wright" radio show takes place tonight (Dec. 1) at Gullifty's Restaurant on Lancaster Avenue. The show airs from 7-8:00 p.m. and this week's features New York Daily News writer Dick Weiss. Fans are welcome to join the fun or tune in on WZZD (990 AM) in Philadelphia or through villanova.com.
