Gillespie, Wright Appear at Villanova Basketball Camp

Villanova Men’s Basketball held a pair of summer training camp sessions beginning on June 15, giving aspiring recruits between first and tenth grades an opportunity to hone their talent under the guidance of head coach Kevin Willard and his staff. The Wildcats, who began their own summer practice schedule around the same time, also hosted two special guests at the camp sessions: former point guard and two-time Big East Player of the Year Collin Gillespie along with two-time national champion head coach Jay Wright.

Gillespie recently inked a four-year, $48 million extension with the Phoenix Suns. He put himself on the map as a consistent starter last season, setting the franchise record for made three-pointers in a single season. Despite the big break, Gillespie wasn’t so busy that he couldn’t take the time to give back to the Villanova community and make an appearance for the kids. Wright, who retired from coaching in 2022, still serves as a Special Assistant to the President at Villanova, playing a role in fundraising as an ambassador for the University.

Wright pioneered ‘The Villanova Way,’ focusing on hard work and attitude as the fundamentals of success on and off the court. Gillespie, who toiled in the G-League for parts of three seasons before breaking into the NBA, provides one of the best examples of those principles. As such, they’re a natural fit as role models at the Wildcats’ summer camp.