Then I take a look at Tennessee, Arizona, North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas. That is the subsequent stage. After which there are groups under that, like Iowa State, Baylor and Marquette. All these groups can sneak in there. I am stunned nobody is speaking about Iowa State College! To me, they’re the very best defensive staff within the nation, which is de facto going to shock some individuals.Marquette is fascinating as a result of [point guard and potential first-round pick] Tyler Kolek is injured. He is very smug – as a coach, I hate to say that – however they depend on his conceitedness. He is very smug in a approach and really gifted. With out him, they seem to be a fully totally different staff.

Now moreover doing TV, you’re additionally a spokesperson [salon chain] Nice clip. How did that occur?

That is fascinating as a result of the Nice Clips are large supporters of March Insanity. We come collectively and attempt to train individuals the “rights and wrongs” of getting ready for a event. The very first thing you might want to do is look clear and presentable. You need to get a pleasant haircut! Now I am underneath a whole lot of strain to maintain my hair trying good on a regular basis.

Do not do something loopy in the course of the recreation. Don’t let your buddy shave his head since you assume it’s good luck, or get upset as a result of your staff misplaced. Do not try this! Being too emotional and messing up your hair received’t do. Get a pleasant, clear reduce. Do the Wright factor, not the flawed factor.

Throughout your profession, you turned identified to your courtside apparel. Plenty of completely tailor-made fits. Does it have an effect on your soul whenever you understand {that a} coach could by no means put on a go well with once more?

You already know, I had an excellent tailor, Gabe D’Annunzio, who handed away throughout COVID. He took nice satisfaction in each element of my outfit. The liner of my vest, the backing of my vest. I really like good garments and fits and now that I am on TV I can put on them once more! However in the direction of the top of my profession, I used to be sporting these very costly fits and folks have been fussing over me. I am beginning to assume it is just a little loopy to put on these throughout video games, so I really agree with those that are sporting extra relaxed teaching put on.

In your prime, what number of fits do you assume you had in your wardrobe?

At my peak, about 35 years previous.I used to maintain an inventory of what I wore to what video games and locations as a result of somebody created an internet site referred to as Jay Wright’s go well with, they analyze each outfit I put on. I do know if I wore the identical go well with or paired it with the identical tie, I’d be criticized for it! So, I be sure that I by no means put on the identical factor twice.

I do maintain my listing from final yr as a result of I do know they’re analyzing all the pieces. I may by no means return to the identical enviornment sporting the identical garments and even play for a similar staff. Nobody has ever requested me this query earlier than! I by no means mentioned that.

Do you might have a particular reward that’s solely obtainable in March?

no no. Not particular, however my favourite. Throughout video games, I put on the identical go well with I put on in the course of the common season, however I select considered one of my favorites. Once we play at Madison Sq. Backyard—particularly on a Friday or Saturday night time—I at all times wish to put on darkish clothes. Navy blue, black, I simply thought it was Broadway in New York Metropolis, like a black tie occasion!

Talking of New York Metropolis, the Rising Knicks are the discuss of the city! [Note: The Knicks currently have three players—Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo—who played for Wright at Villanova.] How gratifying are you to see them not solely enjoying collectively within the NBA, however enjoying so nicely collectively?

it is nice. I do not watch the NBA that a lot, particularly this time of yr after I’m so centered on school basketball.However as a result of these individuals are in New York [former Villanova Wildcat] Kyle Lowry was in Philly and everybody was sending me clips and I noticed highlights on the native information. I’m going to New York lots, which is enjoyable. Villanova’s largest alumni base is within the New York metro space, so they are going loopy! I simply advised Jay the opposite day that I could not deal with all of the clips individuals have been sending me about his loopy podcast. I want I may have been there as a result of they have been a lot enjoyable and I used to be so pleased with the way in which they performed! I am fortunate to have these guys, man.