Villanova legend Jay Wright shares 2-word message on Pope Leo XIV announcement

One of the most recognizable faces associated with Villanova University is Jay Wright.

Wright won two basketball national titles in his time in Philadelphia with the Wildcats. But now he's got company from a famous Villanova alumnus.

Known at Villanova as Robert Prevost, you now know him as Pope Leo XIV.

The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church was named on Thursday in the Vatican. 

Leo XIV was once a 1977 graduate of Villanova who had earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.

According to one of Wright's former pupils, Donte Divincenzo, he texted in a group chat with a number of his Wildcats alums on Thursday.

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Wright asked his players, "Did you see it guys?"

And then: "Nova pride!"

Donte DiVincenzo came into the locker room pregame flashing his fingers in a V, with a huge smile on his face, talking about Pope Leo. “I’m having a great day!” he exclaimed. He said Coach Jay Wright texted their Wildcats group chat: “Did you see it guys?!?! Nova pride!”

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Wright didn't actually attend Villanova himself. He's an undergraduate alumnus elsewhere in Pennsylvania, from Bucknell University.

He was first an assistant coach at Villanova from 1987 to 1992. He came back in 2001 to be the head coach and stayed through 2022 as he turned the Wildcats into a perennial powerhouse.

Since Wright left, Villanova has missed the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons.

Maybe with a Wildcat in the papacy, Villanova basketball will return to prominence.

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