Villanova Basketball: 3 reasons why Jay Wright shouldn’t take Sixers job
By Joey Loose
3. Securing his and Villanova’s legacy for the future
When the new Big East was formed in 2013, the conference took a slight hit in reputation. Elite programs like Louisville and Syracuse were suddenly gone, with the ten teams left behind building the conference’s new legacy. Since that realignment, Villanova has taken full advantage and dominated this conference, with Wright’s 103-23 mark in conference play miles above the rest. If Wright stays with the Wildcats, he can likely look forward to years more of dominant play, even as the league strengthens around them.
Five years ago, Villanova was an extremely solid program, but their recent success could have them in the conversation as the next Blue Blood program. It’s rare to win a pair of titles in short succession and their sustained success and power conference dominance has put them in great shape. Wright has meant a lot to this program’s growth these last few decades, and it’s all come to a head in these last few seasons. Why would he leave now when he could be months away from that rare third national title win?
If he chooses, Wright can stay with Villanova until his retirement, having already written an incredible legacy with the program. He can take on the challenge of an NBA job, but it wouldn’t offer him that security he feels at home with Villanova. Just a year after beating his Michigan team in the 2018 title game, Wright watched Beilein leap to the NBA, only to be without a job just a few months later. Wright’s not a coach who needs to be legacy hunting, he’s got the best Big East program set up well for the future.
Next. Vilanova 2020-21 depth chart. dark
Wright could do phenomenal work with the Sixers, but his position with Villanova might be too valuable to vacate. He could build this Villanova program into a Blue Blood, or he could jump into a less secure position with a franchise devoid of success since the turn of the century. The choice is ultimately up to Wright, who’s already a college basketball legend for his work these last few years.