Title
Honoring Villanova University basketball coach Jay Wright upon his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his many contributions to the Philadelphia region’s dynamic sports scene.
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WHEREAS, On September 11, 2021, Coach Jay Wright, who has lead the Villanova Wildcats to victories since 2001, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, Jay Wright is a Bucks County native. He graduated from Council Rock North High School and Bucknell University and was a standout basketball player at both schools; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Bucknell in 1983, Wright began his coaching career at the University of Rochester and then in 1986 he joined the coaching staff at Drexel University for his first Division I role; and
WHEREAS, Jay Wright’s first head coaching job began at Hofstra University in 1994. He improved the struggling program and lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and two conference championships in 2000 and 2001. At Hofstra Wright was named East Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, On March 27, 2001, Jay Wright became the head coach of the Villanova University men’s basketball team. Under his leadership, the team won NCAA championships in 2016 and 2018, and he has coached the Wildcats to twelve Big 5 titles, eight Big East regular season titles, four conference tournament titles and three Final Four appearances; and
WHEREAS, Jay Wright has another major championship under his belt. He earned an Olympic gold medal to his name as an assistant coach with the U.S. men's basketball team during the 2021 Summer Games; and
WHEREAS, Wright is also known for his mentorship off the court. His players completing all four years of their program at Villanova have earned their degrees from the University. He is known for his drive to see his players become not only the best basketball stars they can be, but also to live up to their highest potential as people and citizens. Several former assistant coaches from Wright’s staff have gone on to Head Coach positions at other Division I schools; and
WHEREAS, Jay Wright’s is a leader in the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program of the American Cancer Society. His work has helped the organization raise over one million dollars annually for cancer research and treatment in the Philadelphia region; and
WHEREAS, Jay Wright’s excellent leadership, undeniable champion-maker coaching, and philanthropic commitment have honored Philadelphia’s sports legacy and will hopefully continue through the rest of his career at Villanova; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of Philadelphia, Does hereby honor Villanova University basketball coach Jay Wright upon his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his many contributions to the Philadelphia region’s dynamic sports scene.
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