Oct. 28, 2016
Photo Gallery
VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Before turning its focus to a new season, the Villanova Wildcats peered back at a remarkable 2015-16 campaign Friday evening before a packed house at the Pavilion. The members of the national championship unit received their rings and helped to unveil a new banner inside their on-campus home.
On hand to unveil the banner were class of 2016 members Ryan Arcidiacono, Patrick Farrell, Henry Lowe and Kevin Rafferty. Daniel Ochefu, now with the Washington Wizards, appeared via a videotaped message.
The night began with the introduction of the 2016-17 Villanova Women's Basketball team. Then came a long list of Villanova men's basketball alumni that included a number of the men who brought Villanova its first NCAA title, including Harold Pressley and head coach Rollie Massimino.
Villanova head coach Jay Wright related to the packed Pavilion how when he first came to the school as an assistant coach in 1987, Massimino had given him a 1985 championship ring although he had not been on that staff. On this night, Wright returned the favor, handing Massamino a 2016 NCAA national championship ring.
The evening then featured a 3-point shooting contest won by a team captained by senior Josh Hart; a short Blue White Scrimmage won the White on a Donte DiVincenzo 3-pointer; and a dunk contest captured by senior Darryl Reynolds - with assists from Kris Jenkins and Arcidiacono in a twist on the famous final possession of the 77-74 victory over North Carolina in the NCAA Final at NRG Stadium.
A performance by recording artist Wiz Khalifa capped the night.