Written by Mike Kern at Philly.com
As perks go, Tuesday afternoon at the White House was the ultimate trump card.
Villanova’s basketball team had certainly got to do a bunch of neat stuff, both individually and as a group, since Kris Jenkins nailed the three-pointer in Houston that will only be replayed for as long as they’re holding an NCAA Tournament. That’s what happens when you win six games in March and go home with the trophy.
Now, nearly two months since that magical night, the Wildcats got to do what is probably their last official act together. Unless the five graduating seniors all make it back to the Pavilion for the ring/banner ceremonies next season. And other than the freeze-frame when Jenkins’ championship-winning shot found nothing but history, this one topped the list. With apologies to all the extracurriculars that had come their way before, whatever ranks next is forever relegated to a very distant second.
How could it not be? Even if President Obama did botch the pronunciation of Ryan Arcidiacono’s last name. But who hasn’t? In the transcript release, it was also misspelled. Not that anyone was keeping track, except maybe Arch.
“My name is tough enough,” Obama noted. “I sped through it, in case I didn’t say it right.”
That’s OK. He’s the Chief Executive. This was Villanova Day, to honor the program’s second title and first in 31 years. Obama talked about the Wildcats’ run, and the final game, and Jenkins’ moment. He said coach Jay Wright was the George Clooney of college basketball. He got that one right.
He talked about a team that was “as happy going for a loose ball as cutting down the nets,” that had “the heart of a champion.” He called the Wildcats a team for the ages. He pointed to Daniel Ochefu doing the little things, which included mopping the floor at NRG Stadium before the final play. And the fact that Josh Hart went to nearby Sidwell Friends, where Obama’s oldest daughter Malia is graduating next week. And he referred to Jenkins, who also went to high school in this metropolitan area, as Big Smooth and Big Shot. “I can pick a nickname now,” Jenkins smiled later. “He just said it was a good shot.”
Or even incredible, given the plot.
“He shot his team into basketball lore,” Obama said. “It got (TNT’s) Charles Barkley out of his seat, and he doesn’t do that much these days.”
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