Villanova head coach Jay Wright may not like talking about himself (see story), but Sixers head coach Brett Brown had plenty to say about him as the Wildcats prepare for the Final Four.
Last summer, they traveled to Israel for PeacePlayers International, an organization which “uses basketball to unite, educate and inspire young people to create a more peaceful world.”
Together they visited locations, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah.
“The program that we went on, PeacePlayers, is an initiative to try to get young Palestinian children interacting with the Israeli children and try to connect the dots there,” Brown said recently. “To experience that part of the world with Jay and his family was great.”
During the trip Brown, got to know Wright as more than a fellow coach. He learned about Wright off the court and gained insight into his personality. Brown described Wright as “down to earth” and understood why players want to be part of his program.
“I think the thing that stood out most to me was there was a comfort level just hanging out with him and talking to him,” Brown said. “It was easy, it was fun. I can see, again, why that environment would foster growth. I can see why it would be enjoyable to play in.”
Villanova will take on Oklahoma on Saturday in the Final Four. It is Wright’s second trip with the Wildcats to the Final Four. Brown appreciates how Wright has led his 33-5 team to this point.
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“To see what they have done, it doesn’t surprise me,” Brown said. “He’s built something unique there, he’s done it for years.”
The Sixers will play the Pacers on Saturday during the Wildcats’ game. Members of the Sixers' staff are Villanova alum, and the team will be sending support from the Wells Fargo Center.
“It’s great to see Villanova represent the city of Philadelphia,” Brown said. “We look forward to seeing them go even further.”