Nova Notebook: Hoops Mania 2023 brings back fond memories

The latest installment of the Nova Notebook explores the origins of Hoops Mania and some of the memories of those at the center of it.

It is not always easy to determine the level of anxiety in student-athletes. In the heat of competition, it’s usually wise to focus on the job at hand. But mention Villanova’s annual basketball festival, known for more than two decades as “Hoops Mania,” and a smile quickly surfaces.

“My freshman year it was pretty surreal because I didn’t understand what was going on,” says Lucy Olsen, a junior guard who earned second-team All-BIG EAST honors as the Wildcats posted a 30-7 record en route to an NCAA Sweet 16 Tournament appearance a season ago. “One of the most fun things for me is dancing. That year (2021) the guys and I danced. It was really cool.”

“It’s always fun,” he notes. Eric Dixon who earned second All-BIG EAST men’s honors last season.

“Every year,” adds Villanova’s all-time leading scorer. Maddie Siegrist who ended her remarkable career last March before joining the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, “it was the beginning of the season. It was like, “Wow, the season is about to start.” I didn’t know what to expect as a freshman, but my last year (2022) turned out to be my best. Meek Mill was a great performer.”

Hoops Mania, which takes the stage just after 7pm on Saturday night to officially introduce the 2023-24 Nova Nation men’s and women’s teams, will feature some of the same elements it did in its early days in the 1990s: player introductions, disc jockey playing music, fan gifts and a sold out crowd. But some of the works that have since become staples were not part of the original format.

In particular, the appearance of a special musical guest occurred only in 2006.

While music played by a DJ has always been a staple of these events – along with student activities, prizes, intra-squad scrimmages and dunk contests – having a live professional performer as part of the show was not common. That changed forever in 2006, when the show ended with a performance by Tony Ya-Yo and a special guest appearance by 50 Cent.

“It was,” says the former Wildcats guard and now assistant coach. Mike Nardi“electric”.


This began the tradition of a concert to end the show. Over the years, a veritable who’s who has graced the set or stage, including Drake, Nicki Minaj and, in 2022, Meek Mill. Ask a current or former Wildcat and they usually have a favorite.


“I came to Hoops Mania when I was in high school,” says the senior guard. Bella Runyan, who appeared in all 37 games for the Wildcats last season. “I was just telling someone what I liked best. The performer was Swae Lee and he jumped into the crowd. I was standing right there. It was all so surreal.”


“I’m from Philadelphia,” he adds. Eric Dixon“It was great to see Meek Mill here. He’s on my list.”


The concert was just the first of many twists added to the show. The players’ dance routine was introduced in 2009 when Russell Wooten of the men’s team performed a memorable tribute to Michael Jackson.


Make no mistake, for competitive student-athletes who sometimes have little experience cutting the rug, dance performances can be the most stressful experience.


Olsen and Runyan took advantage of this opportunity.


“I love doing Tik-Tok, but this is different,” she says. “You need to be on good terms with everyone. Luckily we are all great friends. We like to say it’s active recovery from basketball. We train in dance classes, we train in our rooms. we have to make sure we don’t screw it up.”


“Honestly, I danced and I loved it,” Runyan adds. “It’s very unusual and very exciting. The fans come to watch us dance, but they’re not going to bother us.”


As always, these words are accompanied by a smile.


“It’s definitely a wonderful tradition and I look forward to it every year,” states Justin Moore

. “It’s more of a rally to help us get ready for the season. When Hoops Mania happens, you know the season is about to begin, and that just adds to the excitement.”


Nardi traces his Villanova roots back to what Hoops Mania is today. For him, it’s less about the performances or basketball and more about making a statement about Nova Nation.


“The only thing I think about at Hoops Mania is our fans and how they pack this building,” he states. “These are students, alumni, the entire Nova Nation. There’s simply no other place in the country where when you put on a show like this you get the kind of support that we do. We’re getting together to have a great evening.”


“That’s why we do what we do. Students should come and meet our teams and our (players) should appreciate the great support we have here. We always want to put on a great show.”

Siegrist is another woman who cherishes memories of that special October night in Villanova.

“It’s a great experience,” she says. “I think it’s fun for the students, I know it’s fun for the players. Although I don’t know about coaches. But overall it’s a great time and a great way to start the season.”