Dec. 12, 2005
The Nova Notebook, by Villanova director of media relations Mike Sheridan, appears each week beginning in the fall and continues through the basketball regular season. This week we tag along as the men's basketball team makes its way to Atlantic City for an encounter with Longwood University.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
As the Villanova Wildcats disembark from the chartered bus that carried them here from the Main Line, it is apparent they are in a venue with some history. The bus parks in an annex to Boardwalk Hall that in a previous life served as convention site for this New Jersey coastal spot. It is a vast space that once serviced a wide range of industries before a new convention center was built in recent years.
A doorway leads directly to the arena and as the `Cats head to their locker room it is apparent that this is not your typical modern arena. The former Convention Hall, most noted for its function as the longtime home of the Miss America pageant, was refurbished over a three-year period from 1998-2001 and is now a vibrant 12,000-seat facility with a unique façade.
At one end of the arena sits the stage. It is still used by entertainers including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney. On this occasion, though, the basketball court is the center of attention and those in the Villanova traveling party are struck by the character of the venue.
"I like this," says head coach Jay Wright. "There is so much history here but it's not outdated."
One reason Wright likes the concept of playing here is that it replicates the atmosphere found in the postseason.
"It's good for our team to go into a building like this," he says. "It really gives you the feel of an NCAA Tournament site."
Not long after assessing the location, Wright and the Wildcats begin practice. It is a spirited session with the head coach continually stressing that his squad should aim to get better every day.
By 6:30 p.m., the Wildcats retreat to their locker room to shower. Wright remains on the court with the camera crew from his television program, "Inside Villanova Basketball." Once the team is cleaned up, it boards the bus in West Hall for the short ride to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
When his work for television is complete, Wright joins the team at a local Italian eatery that serves generous portions. On his way into the building, he strikes up a conversation with a family that takes notice of his Villanova basketball gear. It turns out to be the grandparents of standout Texas Longhorn P.J. Tucker. The family has stopped in Atlantic City on its way up the coast from North Carolina en route to Texas' showdown with Duke in the Meadowlands.
At the conclusion of the meal, the Wildcats head off into the cold night and return to the bus. The bus returns to the Atlantic City Expressway, out of downtown, for a 30-minute ride to the team's hotel.
The Wildcats are settled into the hotel by 10:30 p.m. It is then that several members of the staff spot Allan Ray munching on some chicken wings.
Those without the benefit of youth on their side, can only marvel at the sight.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Among the first members of the traveling group spotted this morning is assistant coach Patrick Chambers. Chambers, who was assigned the task of preparing the scouting report for the coaching staff for this game, spent much of the night operating a VCR. This contest starts a busy stretch of scouts for Chambers, now in his second season with the Wildcats.
Chambers is headed to a local convenience store in search of a cup of coffee, newspapers, and some cold remedy medication.
Earlier in the week, the former Philadelphia University standout took in the 800th victory of head coach Herb Magee.
"It really was an amazing scene," Chambers says. "Coach Magee is such a Philadelphia institution and both Coach Wright and I really wanted to be a part of that. It was awesome to see."
With the java and cold remedies in hand, Chambers turns his sports utility vehicle back towards the hotel. The team will gather for breakfast later in the morning but first there is more tape to be studied.
Breakfast is typically a relaxed affair and it is no different today. Entering the room, several players are stopped and asked to sign a basketball for a young fan. Inside, it is time for quiet conversation among coaches and teammates.
At 11 a.m., the group adjourns to another room to review video of this evening's opponent.
Just before 1:00 p.m. the coach bus pulls out of the hotel parking lot. In less than 30 minutes, the Wildcats are back on the floor at Boardwalk Hall for their walk-through, the last minute dress rehearsal that seems entirely appropriate in an entertainment venue like this.
Following their final instructions, Villanova heads back to its hotel. There it will gather for its pre-game meal prior to tipoff. From there, the student-athletes will retreat to their hotel rooms for some reflection before climbing on to the bus, gear in tow, for the ride to Boardwalk Hall.
It's nearly time to play ball. Villanova goes on to post its sixth straight victory to open the campaign, matching its best start since 1998-99.
"This was a good experience for our guys," stated Wright.
Notes: The second "Talking Villanova Basketball with Jay Wright" radio program takes place on Monday, Dec. 12, at 6:00 p.m. at Kelly's Restaurant and Tap Room on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, Pa. The one hour show can be heard locally on WNTP Radio (990 AM) and is available through villanova.com.
