Jerold is the reason for the season

It's that time of year again.

People walk with a bit more pep in their step. Children lay awake at night dreaming of what surprises tomorrow might bring. Pete at Let's Go Nova makes the exact same joke he made two years ago this day.

That's right. December 24 marks the 47th anniversary of Villanova head coach Jerold Wright's birth. Let me speak for the rest of Nova Nation in wishing Jay a happy birthday.

Many readers here think I am too hard on Coach Wright, or have some sort of anti-Wright agenda. They only have to read the gushing post linked above to see that's not true.

Let me state for the record, I am happy Jay Wright is coaching at Villanova.

Since this site is about basketball -- not exactly a matter of life and death -- I am honest with my opinions. After all, it's only a game, and we get just as much (if not more) entertainment from dissecting the game's finer points as we do watching it.

It's true, I am often vocal in disagreement with Wright's gameplans, substitution patterns, and play-calling. Lots of 'Nova fans bemoan the Wildcats' "take-em" offense and utter lack of inbounds plays. I definitely think Wright is often slow to adjust tactics or change strategic course during the game. And concerns have bubbled over lately -- not just from me -- about the growing frequency of transfers off the Main Line.

With that said, though, I believe Wright is a net positive on the program, and is taking Villanova basketball in the right direction. The Wildcats have enjoyed recent tournament success, and have a monster recruiting class on the way. Say what you will about Wright, but the man can recruit. He is also an excellent face for the program, bringing the kind of positivity and genuine enthusiasm only possible from a coach who loves his sport, his team, and his university.

For all that, I am thankful to have Jay Wright at the reins. While I admit I'd like to see some improvements in the areas mentioned above, you won't hear me saying "Fire Jay Wright" anytime soon.

Unless the 'Cats don't come up with an new inbounds play for the conference season. Just kidding.

Happy birthday, Jay, from all of us at Let's Go Nova.

Celebrating the birth of our savior

Each year, we take time out of our busy lives to observe the birth of someone very special. Sure, we might not fully appreciate all he has done for us year-round, but this time of year we make sure to celebrate the birth of our savior.

I am, of course, referring to Coach Jay Wright, the savior of our basketball program, who turns 45 today.

When Jay took the reins in 2001, the program was a shambles. Steve Lappas had been run out of town, and the team wasn't getting the kind of recruits to get to the next level, which at that time was the NCAA tournament.

Fast-forward five years later, and the Villanova basketball program has undergone a remarkable transformation. Since Jay Wright became head coach, the team is 112-61.

After suffering through a five-year long NCAA tournament drought, the 'Cats returned to the big dance in 2005, reaching the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual champion North Carolina on a phantom traveling call. It was the closest UNC came to being beat during its tournament run.

The next season, the Wildcats opened the year ranked in the top five, despite losing Curtis Sumpter for the entire year in a preseason injury. Jay and his unique 4-guard starting lineup went on a tear, notching a 28-5 record on their way to an Elite Eight appearance before bowing out to eventual national champion Florida.


The 'Cats finished the season in the top five, and Jay won three national coach of the year awards.

After losing three guards to the NBA this spring, Jay responded by signing up four incoming guards whose talent may even exceed the last class. Coach Wright has turned Villanova into a national recruiting player, and much success is yet to come.

So happy birthday, Jay Wright, and many happy returns (to the NCAA Tournament, of course).