Oct. 18, 2004
The Nova Notebook, by Villanova director of media relations Mike Sheridan, appears each week beginning in the fall and continues through the basketball season.
The official start of practice for the 2004-05 season began last Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Pavilion.
But in many respects, the true rollout of the new edition of the Villanova men's basketball team takes place on Friday, Oct. 22. That's when members of the Nova Nation gather in Jake Nevin Field House for the official introduction of the 2004-05 squad.
"'Hoops Mania' officially starts off our year," says head coach Jay Wright. "It vividly demonstrates the great connection here at Villanova between the student population and our basketball team. It's something our players very much look forward to and I know they are eager to participate this season."
Villanova has been hosting such kickoff celebrations for the last decade. In recent years, though, the event has found a home in the building once known as the `Cat House.' The 2,500 seat Nevin Field House offers an intimate atmosphere and the noise level is typically high.
"It's the kind of thing that really gets all of us pumped up for the season," says Wright.
In 2001 the evening opened with a video message from ESPN and ABC analyst Dick Vitale to the audience, urging them to get fired up to greet their `Cats.
ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas helped introduce the 2002-03 Wildcats to the Nevin crowd. Last year former UCLA coach and current ESPN announcer Steve Lavin was a special guest along with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver and Villanova grad Brian Finneran.
While the notables certainly have added something to the affair, what most strikes the participants is the enthusiasm level of those in attendance. The crowds have been vocal and the energy levels high.
"We love to see the excitement level in Nevin," Wright says. "I know our guys appreciate that and really get into the spirit of the night."
So what's in store for '04?
Put simply, it promises to be a tightly packed evening of entertainment.
"We have new prizes and new events for a new season," states Villanova director of marketing and special events, Brian Papson.
Doors to Nevin will open at 7:15 p.m. At that point Comcast Sports Net personality Dei Lynam will be on hand to serve as master of ceremonies for a promotion in which students from the Big Five schools can earn a chance to appear on "Daily News Live." One Villanova student will be chosen by 7:45 p.m. and advance to face student representatives of the other Big Five institutions at a later date.
The event is open to the public and there is no charge. The first 500 fans to enter the building will receive a free Villanova Basketball t-shirt.
Wright will be assisted in hosting the event by Philadelphia 76ers public address announcer Matt Cord, who served in that capacity last season. Lynam will also be a part of the show as well and additional CSN personalities may appear.
One of last year's most popular features is on tap again this year. It's called "Cold Hard Cash." Contestants will have the opportunity to win $10,000 by dropping in a half-court shot.
The current Wildcats aren't going to be the only prominent figures in the house. Coach Rollie Massimino and many of the key figures from the 1985 NCAA championship club are expected to attend as they help kick off the celebration of the 20th anniversary of their title.
"We are always happy to have those guys on campus because they have a special place in Villanova history," says Wright. "I think this year it's even more important since it is the 20th anniversary. "For our alumni and season ticket holders this will be very emotional and heart warming. Those who saw it have very fond memories of that team - I know I do. I think it can also be a little bit of an education to our current students, who either weren't born then or weren't old enough to recall their achievement."
Among those expected to join assistant coach and 1985 Final Four Most Valuable Player Ed Pinckney on stage are Dwayne McClain, Gary McLain, Harold Pressley and Harold Jensen.
The introduction of that club will be followed by the entry of the 2004-05 Wildcats. Current Wildcats will then participate in some of the fun and games before breaking into two teams for a short scrimmage. One team will represent the East stands and the other the West.
It is also possible that a special guest or two could materialize.
Yet at the core of it all is Villanova Basketball. It's one-part history, one-part celebration and one-part basketball. The energy in Nevin has been exceptional in the last few seasons and Wright is eager to re-create that and even add to it.
"Each year we have had this event since I came back to Villanova has been unique," Wright states. "There were certain moments at each one that I look back on very fondly. I know that's true for our players too. This is Villanovans celebrating Villanova basketball and every one of us appreciates that.
"I think this year has a chance to be very special too. Most of our guys are familiar to Villanova now because they have been here. The bond they share with their fellow students and alumni is probably a little bit stronger than it was when they first got here. They are excited to get going and this is always a fun night.
"I can't wait."
"Hoops Mania" is just one part of the weekend's proceedings on Oct. 22-24. That is homecoming weekend at Villanova and the annual Blue vs. White scrimmage is slated to get underway at 11 a.m. in the Pavilion. At 3:00 p.m the Villanova football team hosts Towson and later that evening Villanova will host the "Olympians Gala" at the Philadelphia Hilton Hotel, honoring the school's 53 Olympians.
