April 12, 2016
A week after winning the national title in incredible fashion, ESPN had the good idea to have Ryan Arcidiacono, Daniel Ochefu, and Kris Jenkins recreate the Shot Heard Round College Hoops back on campus at the empty Pavilion.
It’s worth a click, but ESPN erred in terming the shot a “miracle.” Jenkins makes 7 of 11 shots in the empty gym, which isn’t far off from what he would shoot in the exact same game situation down in Houston. Villanova got an open three for its best shooter, which means it wasn’t even close to a miracle.
On the subject of 'Nova, Jay Wright didn’t receive coach of the year at last night’s Big Five awards dinner. The regular-season award went to Saint Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli, who orchestrated a comeback 28-8 season, Atlantic 10 title, and appearance in the second round of the tournament
Martelli was worthy of the award, which was voted on long before 'Nova cut down the nets in Houston. But the Hawks coach had a sense of humor about winning over someone who just captured the national title:
Saint Joseph's Phil Martelli puts a post-it note on the Big 5 coach of the year trophy. pic.twitter.com/a12uwtbfbD
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) April 12, 2016
Saint Joseph's Phil Martelli at the Big 5 banquet when he declined to take home the coach of the year trophy. pic.twitter.com/5qmEQEs22R
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) April 12, 2016
From the Inquirer’s Joe Juliano:
"I'm not taking it home because I'm tired of being mistaken for Jay Wright," the St. Joseph's coach said of the head coach at Villanova, one week removed from winning the national championship.
"This has got to be Jay Wright's. The guy won the national championship. It makes me scratch my head. Jay, this is yours. I'm going to borrow it for now but I'm going to drop it off at your house on my way home."
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
