Like spring softening the barrenness of winter, Villanova’s run to the Sweet Sixteen is reviving nectar for Philadelphia.
Jay Wright, as proficient as he is telegenic, has grown this team over the past four years into a legitimate No. 2 seed, deep and committed and eminently likeable. Take your pick: big man Daniel Ochefu, talented swingman Josh Hart, blue-chip freshman Jalen Brunson or the leader, Ryan Arcidiacono; the Wildcats feature disparate personalities who have developed into something whole, and wholesome.
It is a welcome respite.
Nerlens Noel, the first piece in Sam Hinkie’s dysfunctional puzzle, on Wednesday finally admitted that all of the losing is bringing him down.