Good Morning, Nova Nation 6/5: They're Backkkk

'Cats Return To The Field For Summer Work In Preparation For 2026 Season

June 05, 2026

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. The boys are back in town!

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

🏀 One Down, Three To Go
⚾️ Class Act
🏈 Countin’ The Days
🔷 And much more!

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

🔼 One Down, Three To Go. 42 points, 21 rebounds, 11 assists and six steals.

Just another day at the office for the Nova Knicks, who helped New York claim game one of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night with a 105-95 victory over the Spurs.

Jalen Brunson was a monster with his sixth 30-plus point performance of the postseason, finishing with 30 points, three rebounds and two assists. 13 of his 30 points came in the fourth quarter push that sealed the game for the Knicks.

He is now averaging 27.1 points and 6.3 assists per game during the 2026 postseason.

Game two is set for tonight at 8:30 pm. ET on ABC.

🔼 Class Act. For the first time in his career, Brayden Leonard has earned Academic All-District status, as announced by the College Sports Communicators this week.
 
This team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. All-District honorees were also considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. Leonard moves on as a finalist and has the chance to be a first-, second- or third-team Academic All-America® honoree.

🔼 Countin’ The Days. The calendar may read June, but we’re getting closer and closer to the return of Villanova Football.

We are now just 85 days away from kickoff for the 2026 season.

Wearing #85 for the Wildcats is local product, Nolan Clayton. The King of Prussia product has been a dependable force for the record-setting run game of Villanova as a tight end over the past few seasons.

In the past two years, Clayton has played in 25 games, hauling in five catches for 51 yards.

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

Friday, June 5th
🌳 Weekend Warm-Up Hike

Wednesday, June 10th
🪻Inside the Garden: Creative Conversations at Chanticleer
👟Track & Field at NCAA Championships (Eugene, Ore.)

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!