Villanova unveils ‘Wright Way’ to honor legendary basketball coach Jay Wright – NBC10 Philadelphia

Legendary college basketball coach Jay Wright will receive another honor this month when Villanova University introduces a new drive in his namesake.

The school will officially unveil the “Wright Way” drive between the Davis Center and Finneran Pavilion before the Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball team’s home game against Saint Joseph’s University on Nov. 29. The unveiling will be part of a ceremony for Wright that will take place at 4:30 p.m. that day in front of the Finneran Pavilion.

“This beautiful new space, connecting Villanova Basketball’s two campus homes, honors the contributions of Jay and Patty in a unique design. “Wright Way” recognizes the leadership of the Wrights and the teamwork of student-athletes, coaches and the Nova Nation that have provided us all with such wonderful memories,” said Villanova Vice President/Director of Athletics Mark Jackson.

Jackson previously announced plans to honor Wright and his wife Patty Wright in September 2021 when the longtime Wildcats coach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

“We are thrilled to complete this tribute to the incredible legacy of Jay and Patty Wright,” said Jackson. “For over 21 years, they have been our companions on an amazing journey for which we are forever grateful. Together, they have fully embraced our university’s mission as Unitas, Veritas and Caritas as humble servant leaders.”

Wright, a 1983 graduate of Bucknell University, came to Villanova in 1987 as an assistant coach of the men’s basketball team under head coach Rollie Massimino. He then joined Massimino at UNLV in 1992 before being named head coach of the Hofstra University men’s basketball team from 1994 to 2001.

On March 27, 2001, Wright was named head coach of the Villanova Wildcats.

In 21 seasons as head coach, Wright became the Villanova men’s basketball team record holder with 520 wins. He also led the Wildcats to four NCAA Final Fours and two NCAA national championships in 2016 and 2018.

The Associated Press named Wright “Coach of the Decade” for his work between 2010 and 2020. He was also BIG EAST Coach of the Year six times.

Wright retired from coaching in April 2022. He is currently a special assistant to Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA at Villanova University, as well as a college basketball analyst for CBS and Turner.