Good Morning, Nova Nation 1/21: Hey Now, He's An All-Star (Again)

Brunson Named All-Star Starter For Second Straight Season

January 21, 2026

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Who needs a home security system when we’ve got the Villanova women’s hoops team?!?

What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!

✨ Hey Now, He’s An All-Star (Again)
👟 Life In The Fast Lane
🏊 Going Back-To-Back
🔷 And much more!

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!

🔼 Hey Now, He’s An All-Star (Again). For the third straight season, Jalen Brunson finds himself among the NBA’s elite.

This week, the former Villanova star was named an All-Star starter for the second consecutive time, getting the third-most votes in the Eastern Conference.

As we mentioned, Jalen Brunson was named an NBA All-Star for the third time this week. Only two other former Wildcats have earned three or more All-Star nods.

Can you name the other two Villanova alums to reach that milestone?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom to see if you know your stuff!

🔼 Hosting The Hoyas. Not only will Nova Nation see the Wildcats’ men’s hoops team in another classic BIG EAST battle tonight at Finneran Pavilion, but they will get a special night of celebration as well.

Throughout the game against Georgetown, Villanova will honor the life and legacy of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer George Raveling, class of 1960.

The Hoyas and Wildcats are set to meet just after 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Network and Peacock along with the Villanova Sports Radio Network (Fox Sports Radio Philadelphia, iHeart App, SiriusXM channel 85 and the TuneIn App).

🔼 Coming This Week. Mark your calendars now.

Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota returns this week for Episode 7 featuring a sit-down interview with sophomore guard Malachi Palmer, a behind-the-scenes spotlight on Nova’s phenomenal in-arena host James Jackson, and more!

Episode #7
Friday, January 23 – 7:30pm on NBC Sports Philly
Friday, January 23 – 8:00pm on NBC Sports Philly+
Saturday, January 24 – 4:00pm on NBC Sports Philly
Sunday, January 25 – 9:00am on NBC Sports Philly
Monday January 26 – 6:00pm on NBC Sports Philly+

🔼 Accolades Aplenty. With just 17 days until the season opener for the Villanova men’s lacrosse program, the accolades are rolling in for the Wildcats.

Fresh off a third BIG EAST title game appearance in the past four years, Villanova was selected to finish second in the 2026 BIG EAST Preseason Poll.

In addition, three Wildcats earned mention on the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team as Jake Melchionni, Colin Michener and Jack Shoemaker each picked up unanimous honors. Melchionni and Shoemaker were also named as Preseason All-Americans by USA Lacrosse.

🔼 Preseason Praise. With its season opener just days away, the Villanova women’s water polo team received some preseason praise this week.

Sophomore attacker Riley Hull was named to the Preseason All-MAAC team and the ‘Cats earned the third-most points in the league’s preseason poll heading into the opener against Chapman this Saturday in Providence, R.I.

What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises.

Wednesday, January 21
🎭 Hedgerow Theatre Presents: Draw The Circle
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Georgetown l NBC Sports Network & Peacock l Tickets

Thursday, January 22
🤔 Trivia Night at Grace Winery
🏊 Men’s Swimming & Diving vs. Seton Hall @ 5pm

Friday, January 23
🎶 Live Entertainment at Streetlight Kitchen & Bar
🏊 Men’s Swimming & Diving at Pittsburgh @ 4:30pm
🖥️ Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota @ 7:30pm (NBC Sports Philly)
🖥️ Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota @ 8pm (NBC Sports Philly+)

Saturday, January 24
⛸️ Glice Skating at Linvilla Orchards
🤽 Women’s Water Polo vs. Chapman @ 10:45am (Providence, R.I.)
🎾 Women’s Tennis vs. Sacred Heart @ 11am (West Point, N.Y.)
🏊 Men’s Swimming & Diving at West Virginia @ 11am
🏀 Men’s Basketball at UConn @ 12:30pm l Fox
🏀 Women’s Basketball at St. John’s @ 2pm
🖥️ Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota @ 4pm (NBC Sports Philly)
🎾 Women’s Tennis at Army @ 5pm
🤽 Women’s Water Polo at Brown @ 5pm
👟 Track & Field at Penn Elite Invitational

Sunday, January 25
🍷 Wine & Cheese Pairing at Penn Woods Winery
🖥️ Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota @ 9am (NBC Sports Philly)
🤽 Women’s Water Polo vs. Indiana @ 12pm (Providence, R.I.)
🤽 Women’s Water Polo vs. Salem @ 3pm (Providence, R.I.)

Monday, January 26
⛳️ Fore! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchards
🖥️ Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota @ 6pm (NBC Sports Philly+)

Tuesday, January 27
🎨 The Lunar Project at Main Line Art Center
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Providence @ 7pm l Tickets

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!