And it was real. Jensen says, I was recruited by Providence, Syracuse, UCLA and South Carolina. The Jake Nevin Field House - Villanova University Massimino doesnt deny it. He came back again four years ago, when the team was inducted, en masse, into the Villanova sports hall of fame. Though Massimino would remain at the school for another seven years before moving unexpectedly to UNLV, the win over Georgetown would be the highpoint of his career at Villanova. The victory set up the all BIG EAST National Championship game between the Wildcats and the Hoyas; their third matchup of the season. We have a great administration, great assistant coaches. A rhythm shot, says Jensen. Hes still one of our brothers, and we love him dearly. Yet McLain often drops off their collective grid for long periods and when this happens, they worry together. (Chuck Daly died five years later at age 79). When Massiminos name was announced, he received a standing ovation. I miss practice, I miss being around players, he says. All additions and annotations are indicated in blue below. ), The Wildcats built a 53-48 advantage with six minutes to play, but Georgetown ran off six straight points to take the lead, forced a Villanova turnover and went into a four corners in an attempt to coax Villanova into a man-to-man defense. For years, havent the Wildcats been a national power in both track and basketball? Their bond was tested and their cherished memory dented two years after winning the title when Gary McLain, the relentless cherub they all called Giz (short for Gizmo, a wide-eyed character from the 1984 movie Gremlins), the point guard who played 40 minutes against Georgetowns suffocating pressure and committed only two turnovers, wrote an 18-page, first-person story in Sports Illustrated detailing his cocaine use during the championship season. 24 Holy Cross. Martin, the 85 power forward who played for four years alongside Ewing, says, We had a black coach and [most years] an all-black team. First he spoke softly about former Villanova coach Al Severance, who had died that morning at age 79. Won Southeast Regional Semifinal (46-43) versus #5 Maryland He had joined the Villanova staff straight from coaching at Harry S Truman High in the Bronx. I should never have gone. His teams went 49-94 in five seasons, and he was fired after the 91-92 season. As a result, few state-supported colleges anywhere exist without football. Mark Ferrante - Football Coach - Villanova University The 85s remain an extraordinarily close group. Talk about a standout: The lanky Ed Pinckney would finish the championship game with 16 points, six rebounds, and a new status heading into the NBA draft. ). Of course, you never know. In 1985, they were the games reigning champions, and seemingly ready to forge a dynasty. Visit ESPN to view the Villanova Wildcats team roster for the current season On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). 6-ranked Nittany Lions, it will complete a 40-year journey. The Jake Nevin Field House is the main center of athletic activity on campus. The goal, says Lappas, was to make Georgetown run a zone offense while we were playing man-to-man, and they wouldnt realize it. They also dropped a guard down to double-team Ewing, but from his blind side, which they had not done in the regular season. He returned to the band in 1996 and again in 2006. I called him to gauge his interest in my son playing for him at Savannah State. Broadnax has been head coach at Division I Savannah State since 2005. ), (Showtime was subsequently acquired by Sparks Marketing Group, for which Jensen is an Executive Vice President. Villanova's 10-3 record included four victories over Top 25 opponents, including No. 1970 Villanova Wildcats football team - Wikipedia Future NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long was a senior nose guard on the team. Hell be up on the basket swatting Georgetown shots away, Massimino said. That could be schtick. 89-74. But in many ways it is April 1, 1985, forever. They were an unusually close group of players and resistant to common obstacles. If I saw him right now Id put a fist through the back of his head, says Maker. The 14 Villanova players who dressed in blue that night in Lexington, Ky., are immortalized in a 150-foot-long mural just inside the main entrance to The Pavilion, where present-day Wildcats play their home games and are measured against the images in tight shorts on the wall, usually falling short (including this year's edition of the Wildcats, who were awarded a No. Join our linker program. And effective. As he walked toward his seat, he heard his name shouted. I really enjoy it, says Massimino. A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? The spaghetti speech, says McClain. (In the fall of 2006, Massimino, then 72, took over as head coach at Northwood University, an NAIA program in West Palm Beach. Was: $17.99. Massimino nurtured Jensen throughout that sophomore season, quietly massaging his ego in long, fatherly chats. Georgetown stayed in a passive 1-3-1 zone, allowing Villanova to hold the ball. As freshmen and sophomores, the big three played on good teams that were beaten in the Sweet 16, in 1982 by Jordans North Carolina team and in 83 by Houstons Phi Slamma Jamma. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. I knew Gary was using drugs in college, says McClain. The Philadelphia native has found a new home on the Main Line. I could feel a real quiet confidence in the room. But if you ask me right now, in 2004, if I regret writing that articlehell, no, I dont regret it. If its that important to them, its that important to the university., At the alumni office, Capone, the former coach who recruited Raider end Howie Long for Villanova, said: Compared to the total budget at any college, the football budget isnt that bad.. Coach Mass helped me through it. 2022 Football Roster. (Well, it briefly got a little better. Massimino was also angry, as if Plansky had violated the groups collective omerta. It was an ignominious finish to his career, and 85 seemed ever more distant. In reality we were nine for nine.), And McLain? I saw him a few years ago at a Georgetown function. Have they ever talked about the turnover? Here's the schedule and how you can watch all the college events. Heres why they decided against it, Kentucky Derby draw finds favorite Forte in a nice spot in the middle, Lakers-Warriors series: Plenty of story lines, but LeBron vs. Steph is No. Clem Murray/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS/Sipa USA. His second went 15-16 but also made the tournament. McLain has been clean since 2005 and has since become a Certified Addiction Professional spending his time traveling and talking to youngsters about addiction through his story. He has been divorced for six years, but his 11-year-old daughter, Jade Alexis McLain, lives nearby in Florida and stays with McLain every other weekend. NCAA championship game, 1985: Villanova beats Georgetown 66-64. We laughed together, we cried together. (As always, McLain was the complex exception. I do look back sometimes. Since the program was reborn in 1985, none of Villanova's professional football players were big-time recruits, but they became stars on the Main Line and made it to the professional ranks. The leaders of Villanovas 51,000 living alumni played the key role in changing the administrations stand on football. Andy Talley set to become Villanova's first member of College Football Marty and Denise Marbach invited both Massimino and Lappas and seated them, with their wives, at the same table. When he got his own reins, it was mass chaos. Buonaguro resigned under pressure after the 1990-91 season. The players themselves found this coverage hilarious. The team played their home games at Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Do you have a blog? Keep reading.). I was so consumed with climbing up the coaching ladder, that I lost sight with things, says Marbach. And they were going to the Final Four. We were very confident they would have trouble. The Villanova players then sat in the stands to watch what many observers viewed as the de facto national championship game; the Wildcats silently rooted like hell for Georgetown to defeat St. Johns, which had beaten Villanova in two competitive regular season games, but had bounced the Wildcats from the Big East Tournament in an 89-74 blowout. 21 Richmond and No. (#10 seed in Southeast)Won Southeast First Round (71-62) versus #7 Virginia Tech I was 22 years old, and I came hard at people. The Perfect Game: Villanova's 1985 victory over Georgetown lives on On the Saturday of Final Four weekend Villanovas befuddling array of defenses humbled Memphis State, and the Wildcats advanced to the title game with a 52-45 win. He wanted to be a member of the family again, and of course I accepted that, Massimino said in mid-March. Tim, I got your text, McLain said, exuberantly, as if he remembered me and was anxious to talk. Siena named Buonaguro as his replacement, and the Saints struggled badly, going 35-59 in three seasons and never finishing higher than sixth in the MAAC. Won Southeast Regional Final (56-44) versus #2 North Carolina The 85 team came together in one huge chunk and then in small pieces that followed. Pressley and Everson in 1986, and Jensen in 1987. We present them here for purely educational purposes. In April 1981 the Villanova University Board of Trustees announced the discontinuation of football effective immediately. His family atmosphere was absolutely key, says Harold Pressley, who in 1982 as a senior at St. Bernard High in Uncasville, Conn., was an All-America. All rights reserved. (The one we missed, Patrick blocked, and I was actually passing to Ed, says McClain. In the spring, both the institution of college basketball and the NCAA Tournament were on the cusp of significant change. It was reported that Villanova took a day trip to Calumet Farm to watch stallions gambol in their paddocks. The sense of family. 1985 NCAA tournament: Bracket, scores, stats, records Everson pleaded for a foul, and Massimino ran onto the court. ), Editor, Time Inc. Sports Group: Paul Fichtenbaum, Interactive Web Developer: Louis Gubitosi, Premedia: Geoffrey A. Michaud, Dan Larkin and Sandra Vallejos. Massimino shook hands with Thompson before the tap, walked back to his bench and said to his assistants, Weve got em. Former UNLV president Robert Maxson, who cut the deal with Massimino, insisted that it was done ethically, and Massimino agrees. UNLV bought out the remaining three years of his contract for $1.9 million. Players: 89 pro players. Im about to go into a meeting, but Ill be free after 5 p.m. today. Some of them did drugs with me. He wrote that Massimino knew about his drug use but didnt try to expose him because that might have led to the discovery of other users and damaged the team. McLain vaguely implicated his teammates with broad generalizations and also implied that Massimino did little to stem his drug abuse. He has done few interviews in the last 19 years, but he has agreed to talk to SI because life is beautiful right now, and I want everyone to understand who I am today and that theres a bigger story to my life than one article. The article appeared in Sports Illustrated two years after that magical night in Lexington, under the byline Gary McLain, as told to Jeffrey Marx. At the time Marx was an investigative reporter with the Lexington Herald-Leader, in Kentucky, and he had shared a 1986 Pulitzer Prize for a series of articles exposing corruption in the Kentucky basketball program. Gary was unbelievable. Offensively, says Massimino, we just tweaked a few things to make sure we got the ball to Eddie. He still yells, says Everson. McLain has yet to attend. Massimino, here speaking to his players before the Georgetown game, would deliver a memorable halftime speech in the same locker room, one that fired up the Wildcats for their epic second half. david lee roth quits Van Halen. But in an era of nationally televised major college games, whats in it for MacMurray and Buffalo State? Villanova University/Collegiate Images/Getty Images. That isnt a bad goal for a football coach who didnt even have a team 12 months ago. Others hold more than just memories. Where: Franklin Field in . Thompson shrugged then and shrugs now. Alumni donations and contributions grow out of all that.. Dont play this game not to lose. One year after hosting his annual Final Four party in Queens, he was on the floor in Rupp Arena, hugging Massimino after the buzzer. We called him Norman Bates because he had this snappability; he could just go nuts. But Gary is a family member and hes had problems. Ive got a tape of the game. That he had changed. "It was painful," says Thompson, but I would be disappointed as hell if the sum total of any of our guys lives was that loss to Villanova. And yet the memory lingers for them, as well. 1985 VILLANOVA WILDCATS National Cnampionship Replica Ring, US SHIP! By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. On 41 of those 55 possessions, Villanova shot, was fouled or committed a turnover in less than 30 seconds. Amusing capacity crowds each week, the Wildcats, a Division I-AA entry, beat five straight Division III opponents in an unusual abbreviated schedule approved by the NCAA. See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. At that point Marbach, now 51, got off the coaching treadmill. I thought, What is this? says Jackson. McLains story remains one of the longest single pieces published in SIand one of the most incendiary. $7.99 shipping. horror novel thinner, by Richard Bachman (the pseudonym of Stephen King), reaches No. Others have tried unsuccessfully to bring him together with Massimino. Pressley doesnt make that steal, Jensen doesnt get to the goal, theres no history, says Lappas. When Massimino left Villanova after the 1991-92 season, Lappas replaced him (after Pete Gillen, then coach at Xavier, turned the job down). He went to Albany, where Denise was a partner at Coopers & Lybrand. They played a great game. Mismatch! But still.) The most humbling was the regular-season finale. Bad matchups, bad history, everything. And Villanova got its wish: The Hoyas won easily, 75-59. The game is widely regarded as a shot-clock victory, for Villanova, but thats not entirely true. I dont think there was a living ass in the country who didnt think we were the better team.. Villanova basketball teams, for instance, have made the Final Four three times and won the national championship a year ago. Unbelievable! he says, recounting the swift climb. Ive had some challenges, some health challenges, not life-threatening, but difficult times in my life, he says, And I called upon the perseverance I learned back in that season.), (Pinckney stayed at Villanova until 2007, spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves and since 2010 has been an assistant with the Chicago Bulls. And their alumni want it.. It is home to the office of the Athletic Director, coach's offices, Ticketing, Marketing and Promotions, Media Relations, The Block V Club, Athletic Training and Equipment. There is a pause, and Massiminos eyes dance like old. 1985 NCAA Division III independents football records, "Villanova eases back into varsity football after four-year absence", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1985_Villanova_Wildcats_football_team&oldid=1088147308, ^ NCAA Division III playoff participant, This page was last edited on 16 May 2022, at 12:22. I remember in the latter part of the regular season, I was really wondering about myself. The 1970 Villanova Wildcats football team represented the Villanova University during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Shapland died at age 57 in April of 2013. There was no doubt which team was considered No. From Jan. 27 to March 8, Villanova went 6-7, culminating in an 89-74 loss to St. John's in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. At that time in my life I was putting incredible pressure on myself. The McLain story would scar him terribly. coca-cola debuts new cokeand everyone hates it. Villanova reached the regional final and played North Carolina on a Sunday afternoon in Birmingham. saturday night lives 1985 season finale, hosted by Howard Cosell, marks the final appearances for cast members Billy Crystal, Jim Belushi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Martin Short. Nineteen years. Villanova has traditionally played an FBS opponent once each year since becoming an FCS program in 1985. Buonaguro, who had joined Massiminos staff in 1977 when he was 24, was hired at Fairfield shortly after the 85 title game. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. His assistants on that 85 team would go on to mixed success in their own coaching careers. Why the 1985 Villanova team is the ultimate March Madness cinderella Find out more. He was hurt and angry at Plansky. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Monday, May 1, 6:49AM. The memory of the game moves many of the 85s to the edge of tears. Buonaguro, now 62, was fired. Eleven years later, Plansky says, Those things happened. Villanova Players/Alumni | Pro-Football-Reference.com On Monday afternoon Villanova gathered in a meeting room at the Lexington Ramada Inn for its pregame Catholic mass and meal. The chemistry in those two weeks was incredible, and I still dont know what triggered it. Pinkney,. Ive got to get open to get that ball back, says Jackson. The 85 Wildcats remain the lowest seed to win the National Championship. Jensen alone had six. 27. Four years later, at the age of 24, Jensen and a partner started Showtime Enterprises, a marketing company that now employs 125 people in six offices (Showtime was subsequently acquired by Sparks Marketing Group, for which Jensen is an Executive Vice President.) He always liked to have people around him., In the early 1980s, many prospective recruits and their families were eager to buy a piece of Massiminos schtick. (This is still true.) But as a one-time top-division participant in football, will Villanova indefinitely suit its supporters in I-AA competition? At 5 a.m. on Sunday the Villanova coaching staff met in Massiminos hotel room and plotted a strategy. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Got to. He has never discussed the play with Martin. I threw a bad pass that Horace Broadnax was too lazy to bend over and catch, says Martin. 1985 Villanova Wildcats football team - Wikipedia All but two players and every coach and manager were present. The championship elevated spidery 6'9 1/2" center Ed Pinckney to the 10th pick in the NBA draft, launched a workmanlike 12-year professional career and eventually steered him back to Villanova, where he is now a first-year assistant coach under Jay Wright. Eleven years ago I wrote a . Jensens drive was a bold move by a player who had struggled all year with his psyche, even as the coaching staff tried desperately to utilize his outside shooting ability. It was Reggie Williams. It was believable. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. (In 2004, arranging an interview with Massimino was problematic. You lose two of those, youre in trouble and you might not make the tournament. His last Villanova team, in 91-92, was 14-15. In the wake of Villanovas 1985 championship, Massiminos assistant coaches were hot properties. The Wildcats unexpected presence in the championship game took their fans (and cheerleaders) to new heights in Rupp Arena. No, said Martin. The Villanova Programs mantra of We play for those who came before us is passed down from class to class. But like we know them, and we can play with them.. It was Villanova's first national . You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Why the 1985 Villanova team is the ultimate March Madness cinderella, Exclusive: 4* Christian Bliss (24) talks Nova, VU Hoops Tommy Godin sat down with George School standout Christian Bliss to discuss his recruitment, trip to Villanova, and more. Part of what is so fascinating about the game is that Villanova, when it did not turn the ball over, almost always scored. 1984-85 Georgetown Hoyas Men's Roster and Stats Previous Season Next Season Record: 35-3 (14-2, 2nd in Big East MBB ) Rank: 1st in the Final AP Poll Coach: John Thompson More School Info Big East Tourney Champ Georgetown (Men's) School History Roster & Stats Polls, Schedule & Results On this page: Roster Per Game Team and Opponent Stats Per Game 1. UCF football adds Villanova, completes 2023 non-conference slate Not a day passes when somebody doesnt ask him about 1985, and just last month a security guard gave him a yellowed copy of the Philadelphia Daily News from April 2, 1985. (The banner was hoisted in 2005. 2009 Villanova Wildcats football team | American Football Database | Fandom Thats where I belonged, and thats where I should have finished my coaching career. (Pinckney stayed at Villanova until 2007, spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves and since 2010 has been an assistant with the Chicago Bulls.) Youre good enough. Dwayne McClain says, Im elated to have Gary close with us. There was talk that Siena could become a mid-major power like Butler or Gonzaga. It was a daunting assignment and would require the game of his life. Some tell a different story now. Georgetown didnt have players like that, except Patrick. The Hoyas played for the national title three times in his four years and won the schools only national championship, in 1984.