Jay Wright: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Villanova Coach's Future

Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright is reportedly the top coaching candidate on an NBA team's radar. However, the coach seems inclined to remain with his current team.

Continue for updates.

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Wright Comments on NBA Interest

Friday, April 8

"I can say right now that in my mind I plan to stay at Villanova," Wright said, per ESPN.com's Dana O'Neil. "But I also don't want to be a liar. I want to stay. I know I want to stay, but I just say I hope I can stay because I've learned from the past how crazy things can be. I hope I can stay at Villanova because this is where I want to be."

"When I went through it before, the offers were new and it was shocking," Wright added, per O'Neil. "Now I kind of know what they're going to be, and I'm really comfortable. I want to stay. I really want to stay."

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Wright the 'Top Choice' for Phoenix Suns Coaching Job

Thursday, April 7

Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News reported the buzz on Wright, who just wrapped up his 15th season at Villanova in epic style.

There wouldn't be a much better time for Wright to try his hand at the pros than now. His squad just came off a 77-74 victory over North Carolina in one of the most memorable national title games ever.

Phoenix represents an interesting destination, boasting a promising, young nucleus on the perimeter between guards Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker. Versatile scorer T.J. Warren has also shown promise.

Bill Simmons of HBO wondered whether an opening with a more storied NBA franchise might present itself as a superior job for Wright:

If the Suns can put together a better frontcourt for next season, though, they may be in business to make a massive improvement. Phoenix has the potential to be explosive offensively, yet its defense has left much to be desired this season, ranking 29th in points allowed per contest.

Villanova played at a high level on both ends of the floor in the NCAA tournament. One clear example was in a 95-51 Final Four win over Oklahoma, as the Wildcats shot 71.4 percent from the floor while holding Sooners star Buddy Hield to nine points and Oklahoma to 31.7 percent shooting.

With Villanova's top scorers Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins going through the NBA draft evaluation process this year, per CSNPhilly.com's Reuben Frank, Wright's decision to stay or go becomes more complicated.

Prior to the national title game, Wright explained why he's remained with the Wildcats for so long—and admitted he's thought about leaving before, per Philly.com:

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I have been tempted a couple of times. How close I was to going, I couldn't say. I mean, I really don't remember now.

But one thing you just realize the longer you're in this, it's not just you. I think someone asked me the other day, (Oklahoma coach) Lon Kruger has taken five different schools to the NCAA tournament. I don't think the way we do it would fit at other schools. So we're very happy. We love the school. We love living there.

I think our coaching style fits Villanova's culture. So to quote the great Jimmy Valvano, who said, "Don't mess with happy." That's kind of the way we look at it.

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Whether Wright's coaching style would suit the Suns is an interesting notion to ponder as well. Per NBA.com, Phoenix plays with the fourth-quickest pace in the NBA this season entering Thursday's games, with 100.58 possessions per 48 minutes.

Villanova had a much more methodical approach in 2015-16, opting for execution in the half court as opposed to uptempo in averaging 66.5 possessions per 40 minutes, per KenPom.com.

To look at recent history of college coaches heading to the pros as an example, the Boston Celtics' gamble on former Butler coach Brad Stevens is paying big dividends. Stevens has led the Celtics to an improbable playoff berth for the second straight year. However, his system relies on a faster pace (third in the NBA this season), and he's gotten Boston to buy in and essentially out-hustle everyone.

The resume Wright has built at Villanova is undeniably impressive, but based on the Suns' current personnel and Wright's traditional style, it's unclear how good the fit would be for both sides.