Ray Mernagh of NBE Basketball has a new story up about Villanova assistant Doug West, and the path he has traveled from the football-crazed fields of Western PA to Villanova. West credits Jay Wright with much of his success. Wright first came to ‘Nova when West was a junior, and even after West left for the NBA, their relationship got nothing but stronger.

“West could really play, obviously, but he also continuously worked on his game. He realized that would have to remain the case if he wanted to stick in the NBA, so he headed back to the place he by then considered his second home. The young Jay Wright was waiting for him, eager to work. “We’d meet every morning at 6 AM at a court that was right next to the football field,” says West.”

The article also talks about how West’s experience at ‘Nova has helped him become a great coach, and his future aspirations. Here’s a hint:

“I’m blue and white,” says West, “I bleed it.”

…We like that line, Doug…

Jeff Borzello of the NBE Basketball Report brings us the latest update on 2011 prospect Sterling Gibbs and it appears that Villanova is continuing to fade with the guard. Gibbs is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to Villanova, citing he needs to see what they do in 2010 if they are to remain an option.

“Villanova is in the mix,” he said. “I am looking to see what they end up doing as far as the 2010 class. Right now I don’t have any favorites,” he added. “All of the schools are equal right now.”

This shouldn’t come as any shock considering Jay Wright and his staff have stepped up their efforts to woo 2010 combo guard Cory Joseph. While that may not work out for ‘Nova in the end, it’s a safe bet to say the ship has probably sailed with Gibbs.

…To me, Gibbs is probably the guy who goes to Seton Hall or Pittsburgh and ends up killing us for 4 years…