Kevin Willard Opens Up on Villanova, the Transfer Portal & Expanding March Madness

Kevin Willard joins Jon Rothstein to discuss the challenge of rebuilding Villanova in today's college basketball landscape. From constructing a roster in the transfer portal era to balancing life as a head coach, Willard shares how he's approaching one of the sport's most high-profile jobs.

The two also discuss the Wildcats' 2026-27 roster, expectations in the Big East Conference, the non-conference schedule, the proposed expansion of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, and where the sport is headed in the years to come.

(0:00) Willard's Background

(1:45) Time Away from Family

(2:40) Bringing Villanova Back

(4:20) Is Villanova Still a Blue Blood?

(6:05) Coaching Career

(8:40) Big East Competition

(10:25) 2026-27 Roster

(11:30) Luigi Suigo

(13:40) Building the Team

(19:00) Notre Dame in Rome

(20:38) Injury Updates

(22:10) Non-Conference Schedule

(25:20) Expanded NCAA Tournament

(28:10) Future of College Basketball

(31:53) Looking Ahead

#CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC #EyeOnCollegeBasketball #JonRothstein

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