WASHINGTON, D. C. ââ'¬" The 2016 NCAA national champion Villanova Wildcats were honored on Tuesday afternoon in a ceremony at the White House. Team captains Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu handed President Barack Obama framed home and away Wildcats uniform numbers adorned with No. 44 in honor of his place as the nation's 44th chief executive.

The President saluted the Wildcats in his remarks before a packed audience inside the East Room of the White House.

"This is a team for the ages, on and off the court," stated the President of the Wildcats. "Their grades rank in the top 10 percent nationally."

In his remarks the President made note of head coach Jay Wright's style and called Ochefu and Jenkins by their nicknames, "The Chef" and "Big Smoove" respectively. There was a shout out to Sidwell Friends School alumnus Josh Hart (the President's daughters also attend the school). He also took note of the pronunciation of Arcidiacono's last name.

"Barack Obama is tough but, man, that's a lot of vowels in there so we're just going to call him Arch," stated the President to laughter from the audience.

Wright, speaking on behalf of the team, thanked the President and his staff for the warm reception Villanova received. The Wildcats arrived at 1:40 p.m. and were given a tour of the White House before having the chance to prepare for the ceremony. Wright, Arcidiacono, Ochefu and juniors Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins then spoke to the media near the front of the White House on a warm spring afternoon.

"We have had a lot of great opportunities since winning the national championship," stated Wright, "but this one was special. We thank the President and his staff for this incredible honor."