Jay Wright, who turned Villanova's men's basketball program into a national powerhouse over 21 seasons on the university's Radnor Township campus, will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 22, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The hall announced Wright as part of its Class of 2026 on Sunday. He joins coaches Tubby Smith and Ted Owens, plus players Danny Ainge, Glen Rice, and the late Walt Hazzard.

Wright compiled a 520-197 record at Villanova between 2001 and 2022, winning national championships in 2016 and 2018 and reaching four Final Fours. His teams claimed 13 Big East regular-season and tournament titles. He was named Big East Coach of the Year six times and Naismith College Coach of the Year twice.

The honor is Wright's second major hall of fame recognition. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11, 2021.

Wright called his 21 seasons at Villanova "a professional dream" when he stepped down in April 2022. He took a role as Special Assistant to the President at the university.

Celebrating the program Wright built

The program Wright shaped went 24-9 and reached the NCAA Tournament last season under head coach Kevin Willard. Residents can get an early look at the 2026-27 squad at the Summer Jam Open Practice on Monday, July 27, at 4 p.m. at Finneran Pavilion on campus. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Willard will lead the on-court workout, and players will be available for autographs afterward. Tickets are available through the Villanova athletics website.