Jon Rothstein is joined by first-year Villanova head coach Kevin Willard to discuss Jay Wright's influence on the Nova program, why the Wildcats are successful in his first season and the evolution of the Big East.

(0:00) Intro + Kevin Willard joins!

(0:30) Ed Cooley’s role in Kevin’s story

(1:55) How the Nova job is different from past coaching jobs

(3:05) What do you know about being the Wildcat head coach now?

(4:30) Balancing Jay Wright’s influence and running the program Kevin’s way

(7:30) How is Villanova 18-5 this year?

(8:45) Getting back to the NCAA tournament

(9:45) Honing evaluation skills at Seton Hall & how it translates to this climate

(11:45) Retention is the main priority

(13:10) Why the Nova backcourt is so effective

(14:15) Duke Brennan’s performance this season in first year at Nova

(15:35) Talking St. John’s, UConn and growing pains against good teams

(18:00) What can the Big East do to improve nationally?

(20:00) Should the Big East consider an 18-game conference schedule?

(22:50) One win and one loss that sticks with Willard

(24:20) A recruit he just missed out on

(25:05) What are the keys to a tournament run?

#CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC #EyeOnCollegeBasketball #JonRothstein #KevinWillard #Villanova

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