On the morning of March 15, just under a week before the start of the NCAA tournament, Villanova broke the news that head men’s basketball coach Kyle Neptune had been notified of a leadership change following the end of the season.
Over the years, Villanova has been hailed as a powerhouse school when it comes to its accomplishments in the sport. With three championships, one in 1985 and two more recent wins in 2016 and 2018 under Jay Wright, basketball has come to define Villanova’s culture as we know it, serving as a valuable tool in uplifting the school’s name. In addition to its major NCAA wins, the team has also reliably reached the Final Four and Sweet 16 in previous years. This year, though, things were different, and students, alumni and other fans alike were unhappy.
This discussion reminded me of a question that I came across in the comments section of a Villanova basketball post months ago: are these complaints about our less-than-stellar record under Neptune justified, or are Villanova fans just spoiled?
The email sent to the Villanova community from University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. on Saturday cited the change in performance under Neptune this season as a determining factor in a decision that Villanovans have heard whisperings of all year.
“Villanova basketball is a source of enormous pride for countless Villanovans, and there are high expectations for the men’s program,” he wrote, emphasizing the hopes for victory that supporters have held, considering Villanova’s track record.
Freshman Jack McCormack came to Villanova out of state from Colorado and says it was the team’s success that drew him to the school.
“The Villanova team has a long history of success, drawing applicants from across the U.S.,” McCormack said. “The past few years have diminished school spirit and changed the energy of the community.”
There’s no question about the fact that the winning team has benefited the school beyond athletics. Thanks to the team making Villanova a household name beyond the local area, there has been a correlation between a win the previous year in the ‘16 and ‘18 championships and a sharp rise in applications from every region of the country, according to information from the Common Data Set. As such, Villanova’s acceptance rate has fallen from 49% in 2015 to about 25% in 2024, a major difference for a span of only nine years, as Villanova has attracted a larger and more varied audience.
Lakisha Kirnon is a junior who, during her three years at Villanova, has never seen Villanova appear in an NCAA tournament.
“As a junior, I’ve seen firsthand how Villanova basketball has elevated our University’s reputation,” Kirnon said. “As a tour guide, I’ve noticed a rise in campus visits, with more students asking about academics and university life, showing how basketball has helped improve our school’s visibility and appeal.”
It’s clear that the sport has helped Villanova in countless ways, and that the University as we know it would not be the same without the reputation we’ve gained for basketball. Whether we want to admit it or not, we do rely on it as a means of bringing in students, making money and popularizing the school’s name. Considering our many years of success, it would be a disservice to ignore the role that basketball plays in Villanova’s overall thriving.
As we look ahead to another year of March Madness where Villanova isn’t represented, Father Peter said it best, “Villanova men’s basketball is a valued and highly visible part of our University community. With world-class academics, incredible fan and donor support, first-rate facilities, a storied history and an enduring commitment to success in basketball, Villanova is poised to reclaim our place among the nation’s elite.”
Maybe we Villanovans are spoiled: students expect wins and the benefits that victory can bring. Many factors off the court are directly impacted by our team’s record on the court. The future of the University’s reputation, prestige and culture will depend on the choice made last week, as well as the selection of a new coach—for better or worse. Villanovans have never shied away from expressing opinions when it comes to their legendary team, so if this change in leadership can bring about some improvement, the school’s appreciation will outweigh this season’s disappointment.
