Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright has been rewarded for taking his team as far as he has this year in more than just a spot in the championship game tomorrow, as he has been named the Naismith Coach of the Year.
News of Wright winning the award was posted to Villanova basketball’s official Twitter.
Congratulations to @VUCoachJWright on being named @NaismithTrophy Men's College Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/x9ESG79uy6
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) April 3, 2016
Wright has been the coach at Villanova since 2001 and has put together a record of 353-157 (157-83 Big East) while turning the Wildcats into a Big East staple. Villanova went 27-4 (16-2 Big East) in the regular season before losing to Seton Hall in the Big East Championship Game.
In the NCAA Tournament, however, Villanova beat the likes of the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks in the Elite Eight and the Buddy Hield-led No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners in the Final Four yesterday, putting Wright in his first-ever national championship game. And it can all be attributed to him adjusting his coaching style this year to a fast-paced offense to a tough defensive style featuring a slower offense.
Hopefully, Wright is able to take the final step forward tomorrow against No. 1 North Carolina.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports