When people think of Villanova, they recall the 1985 Cinderella season that proved no joke when the Wildcats were crowned NCAA basketball champions on April Fools Day. And while there have been great ‘Nova teams since (especially in the mid ‘90s) the Wildcats have not been able demonstrate continued dominance in the Big East. But all that is about to change.

Earlier this month, at the Big East media day, the Big East coaches voted Villanova the pre-season favorite to win the Big East Championship (chart). So for the inaugural season of the "new" high powered sixteen team Big East, the deepest basketball conference in college athletics today, Villanova will start on top.

I know, I know arguments can be made for the ACC or perhaps the even the Big 12 as the premiere basketball conferences, but I am confident that the Wildcats will prove my hypothesis correct when the season starts later this month.

How do I know? I have the inside track. For the last four years, the NYC Villanova alumni chapter has hosted a "Coaches Reception" prior to season tip-off. The event serves as a chance to reunite with fellow alumni and a chance to swim in the pool of the promise of the coming season. This night, the water was perfect.

The local chapter event held the first Thursday in November took place at the NY Sports Club on Central Park South. Upon my entry to the sold-out-event, I immediately noticed familiar fellow alumni and the night began over a cool Budweiser. We were all sharing stories of the past year. Mine were a bit different. For me, the year was one of travel, of amazing adventures (adventures I plan to continue sharing in upcoming articles), but it was not long before my attention centered on the upcoming college basketball season.

The crowded room (dearth of female attendees) settled in for the main event. But the first scheduled speaker, Harry Perretta - the Lady Wildcats Coach, was unable to attend. Though a supporter of the women’s team, I was excited to have the night focused solely on the men’s squad.

Jay Wright, Wildcat Head Coach, opened his speech to the Manhattan Chapter (inclusive of Hoboken residents of course) by touting how much he loves the Big Apple. Smart man. Then Jay turned things over to members of the team. Five seniors introduced themselves and their post-graduating plans, but the fans main focus was on our top NBA prospect - senior Curtis Sumpter. Hurt late last season, the big question on everyone’s mind - Will he play this season?

Sumpter, tore a ligament in his knee during the 2^nd round of the NCAA tournament last year and was unable to play in the controversial Sweet 16 loss to the University Of North Carolina (after watching ten replays I am still yet to see the errant "traveling" violation that cost us the game). With Sumpter healthy for that game, who knows? But Nova Nation expected Sumpter to return this season and lead us the Cats to glory but , the injury bug stung again and now Sumpter may be out for the season. A huge blow to the Wildcats for sure, but Sumpter has declared he will return for another season if things don’t work out this year.

But the team is deep with talent and possibly starts the best backcourt in the nation with Allen Ray and Randy Foye. Many still love our chances and we are starting the season ranked 5^th in the polls. For the complete NCAA Basketball week one poll, go to:http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankingsindex .

After the Wright’s update the Q&A session began as Square mile resident, Alan Kennedy posed this question, "Is there any particular game you are looking forward to this season?"

Coach Wright’s response, "Every game."

I had to agree. Just take a look at our schedule for yourself. http://villanova.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/nova-m-baskbl-sched.html

There is plenty to get excited about for any fan of college basketball.

The Wildcats play in the Big East Conference, one of the most competitive in the nation. (three national championships in last seven years) and scheduled all of its Big 5 rivalries. Plus, to make the season more interesting, the team has two top ten out-of-conference games and both against Big 12 teams - (#2 Texas and #6 Oklahoma) To summarize - one of the most difficult and most exciting schedules in the country.

Jay was also asked about recruiting. Although NCAA regulations did not allow him to speak about details, it was clear the future was bright. His optimism lit up the room of life-long fans. He also shared an interesting recruiting anecdote. One day, he and Assistant Coach, Villanova living legend Ed Pinckney (center for the ’85 championship team) were sitting with a recruit’s family. The recruit’s mom turned to "Easy Ed" and said,

"I love the way you owned Patrick Ewing"

Ah, yes don’t we all. Of course, she was referring to the 1985 Championship year where Villanova ultimately topped an intimidating Georgetown team led by center and NBA star Patrick Ewing.

After more questions in the session on contract extensions, summer camps, and the Pavilion expansion, the Coaches Reception ended - all too soon. As most attendees swarmed over the players and head coach Jay Wright, I navigated my way to Assistant Coach, Ed Pinckney. I couldn’t help but ask him about what it was like to be on the championship team in ’85. I had heard stories ad nauseam from faculty and former students about that exciting and crazy time in Villanova history. HBO even aired a 20^th Anniversary special on the Cinderella story of the Wildcat victory. But I desired first hand knowledge. Can you blame me? The championship and the prospect of another was a key reason I enrolled in Villanova. (Mom & Dad - receiving a quality educational was of course extremely important too.)

But isn’t about being able to watch a nationally ranked sports program from the comfort of your home. Even last year as my travels found me in Harrogate, England I was able to strap in with fellow alumnus Mike Rodin to watch Villanova tip off against Kansas. From the contentment of his top floor flat we watched our team come of age and blowout #3 Kansas. The decisive victory made the pints taste all the better that evening at the local pub, the Pitcher and Piano.

I had to wait to talk to Ed. He was talking to the only female attendees and was still a player. When I had my moment I asked him about ’85. He shared stories about the random people partying in his room, numerous girls’ panties lining the walls of the hallways and his dorm, and in essence the joys that will last lifetimes. But his eyes grew even wider when discussed the possibility of the return of the NCAA College Basketball Championship to the Main Line. Ed believes the wildcats are on the path and will do glorious things. After following the team closely for over 10 years, I must concur. This is their time.

As the event closed and I was riding the elevator down from the 10^th floor, I had the opportunity to talk with Coach Wright It’s well known that Coach Wright likes the three piece suit. So I was surprised to see him in a two-piece for the event. To make conversation and to be comical I asked,

"Jay, what happened? Are three piece suits ‘out’ of style?"

Surprised that I noticed, he laughed and we introduced ourselves. Coach shared that Villanova will have twelve nationally televised games this year, (9 on ESPN, 3 on CBS) and he may need to be cognizant about which outfit he wears on what day. I’m sure he will not be the only one noticing as many of our female fans enjoy his ‘fashonista GQ-look’ pacing the sidelines during the game. Whether they watch for Jay or for the team, fans will get a great show with Villanova this year. But Jay knows he always looks his best when the team and the university looks their best

Sure the program is about winning, but winning is not just on the scoreboard at the end of the game. Winning is about producing quality individuals ready for life’s next steps. After meeting the players that evening, we were all proud that Jay Wright’s program at Villanova accomplishes just that.

Craig Zabransky is the travel writer for Realhoboken.com and an avid Villanova Wildcat fan. Craig is anxious to hear about your travels and also your thoughts for a Villanova Championship. He can be reached at mercerstwriter@yahoo.com