Full-Court Pressure

Despite being a perennial tournament team, Villanova played the underdog role until last year. Now the champs are hungry for more.

- Max Bonnstetter

It is All Access Day at Villanova, and the gleaming floor at the Pavilion outside Philadelphia is packed with players who won one of the greatest games ever played in the history of the NCAA tournament. As national champions, these Wildcats are a bit better traveled and more well-known than they were at this time last year. Over the summer, they hung out with President Obama at the White House, went to City Hall in Philly, walked the red carpet at the ESPY's, and even traveled to Spain for three exhibition games against professional teams. (The Wildcats went 3–0.)

But despite all the players’ extraordinary experiences and newfound fame, on this October day Villanova looks every bit the “humble and hungry” team it was in April, when it stunned North Carolina to win the NCAA title.

The players begin with shooting drills and fast-paced half-court defensive drills. Through scrimmage after scrimmage, the pace never slows. They huddle in between with their arms around each other to listen to coach Jay Wright.