Jay Wright Clears Up Sixers Rumor
Villanova Basketball Head Coach Jay Wright addresses a crowd during the 2019 Blue and White Scrimmage game on October 10, 2019. (Nick Schreder/AKSM Photography).
Wright has a chance to make history for the 2020-21 season. Many college basketball insiders and media personnel have the Wildcats as the pre-season number one team in the country and a favorite to cut down the nets in Indianapolis in May. If that were to happen, Wright would join an elite list of coaches who have three or more national titles […]
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
VILLANOVA, PA - Last week the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated by their arch rival, the Boston Celtics, in a four-game sweep in the 2020 NBA Playoffs hosted in the "bubble" in Orlando, FL. A few days after the Sixers were swept, the organization decided to fire Brett Brown after seven seasons as their head coach.
While most Sixers fans saw this transaction happening, many wonder who will be in line to become the next head coach of the team.
Many names have swirled around the rumor mill, from current Los Angeles Lakers Assistant Coach Jason Kidd, and Clippers Assistant Coaches Tyron Lue and Sam Cassel.
BUT, there is one name that caught the attention of many Sixers fans in the Delaware Valley: Jay Wright.
Does this come to one as a surprise? No, it shouldn't. The current men's basketball head coach on the Main Line has built Villanova into a national powerhouse, most notably winning two NCAA Championships in the last four years.
On Wednesday, Wright issued a statement to clear the air of the rumors involving his name and the Sixers search for their next head coach, putting the most important line in the closing.
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) September 2, 2020
"I am not a candidate for the job. I am very happy and honored to coach at Villanova".
Simply put, Jay is here to stay on Lancaster Ave.
Why would he leave? He arguably has the best job in the country. Since 2013, Wright has placed Villaonva's men's basketball program at new heights highlighted by: seven NCAA Tournament appearances, six Big East Regular Season titles, four Big East Tournament crowns, two National Championships, and seven NBA Draft picks- four selected in the first round.
Additionally, Wright has a chance to make history for the 2020-21 season. Many college basketball insiders and media personnel have the Wildcats as the pre-season number one team in the country and a favorite to cut down the nets in Indianapolis in May. If that were to happen, Wright would join an elite list of coaches who have three or more national titles: John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, Adolph Rupp, Bob Knight, Jim Calhoun, and Roy Williams. Winning three titles in six seasons would put Villanova as a Men's Basketball dynasty.
Furthermore, Wright has coaching experience with NBA players with his involvement in Team USA as one of Greg Poppavich's assistants. With the balance of developing 18-22 year old boys into men and assisting professional players at the Olympic level, Wright has the best of both worlds.
To quote the Godfather, Jay Wright might need to be dealt "an offer he can't refuse" in order for him to even consider a jump to the NBA.
Nova Nation, you don't have to worry; Jay Wright is not leaving, as he is focused on trying to win another National Championship this season.