VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova's annual basketball season kickoff took on a new form Wednesday evening with the return of Wildcats legends Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart highlighting a dynamic show that featured the duo's popular "The Roommates Show" podcast.
 
Prior to the taping, Brunson and Hart helped introduce the 2025-26 versions of the Wildcats men's and women's basketball teams. The pair, along with show host Matt Hillman, spoke at length with head coaches Kevin Willard and Denise Dillon on stage.
 
Brunson and Hart both spoke glowingly of Villanova and the impact it made on both of their lives while thanking the Nova Nation for what Hart called "showing us the love."
 
A 3-Point and Dunk contest was part of the early part of the program began.
 
The podcast included appearances by former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce and Villanova's Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame head coach Jay Wright. The Roommates Show podcast is produced by Playmaker HQ, a sports entertainment company specializing in content production and distribution.
 
Villanova men's graduate student guard Devin Askew was a limited participant in the basketball portion of the evening due to a sprained right knee suffered in a team workout. He continues to progress toward a projected return to action in mid-October.
 
The Villanova men begin their season with an exhibition game Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. VCU at Finneran Pavilion. The Villanova women open their campaign with an exhibition contest vs. Towson on Friday, Oct. 24, also at Finneran Pavilion.