V for Villanova

I'm not into discussing college basketball too much right now, despite the wondrous run by George Mason to the Final Four. It's not that I'm upset by Villanova's loss -- I am, but I'm not disappointed in these guys. They didn't let us down. They just ran into a better team on a day when their shots wouldn't fall and they couldn't overcome it with the desire and tenacity they brought to every game. That's cause for sadness, but Villanova alums will always be proud of this team...

Everybody talked about it, about how hard this team played - and how could you not? It was the first thing out of Florida coach Billy Donovan's mouth after the game last night: "They have had an outstanding season, and we have great respect for their team, the way they played the game, how aggressive they are, and just the way they have taken on every challenge."

It was in your face every time you watched them on television or bought a ticket to see them in person. It is the quality that none of us can possibly forget - how they made the impossible work; how they took four guards and, through sheer determination, had one of the great seasons in the history of a great basketball program.

"We asked these guys to give us everything they have," Wright said. "This team did. And care about each other, love each other, and they did. So we are going to suck up this hurt a little bit tonight, but I am going to make sure these guys feel real good about themselves. I am going to start working on that right after this."

Because there would be one more meeting, Jay Wright said, one more chance to do some teaching before Foye and Ray and the rest of them scatter. When the talk turns to legacies, Wright says, "We can't control how it's going to be remembered." But he and they should know that their legacy is simple and secure.

Villanova Wildcats, 2005-06:

They played harder.

That's from Rich Hoffman's article in the Daily News Monday, and it expresses my feelings pretty well about how I will remember this team. This is possibly my favorite team I've ever followed in any sport -- mostly because they really left every bit of energy on the floor and let their fans know how much they cared. Yes, they fell short, but it wasn't due to lack of desire or effort. And hey, there's always next year... and yes, you get tired of saying that as a Philly sports fan.

But for now... to Dunleavy, Claxton, Charles and particularly Ray, Foye and Fraser -- you gave us far more thrills than we imagined possible for our basketball program when you arrived, and you rebuilt the foundation for greatness. Thanks for the wins, the joy, the effort and even the sadness. Thanks for caring even more than we did, and know the memories you created will be cherished long after you leave.