Philadelphia, Pa
From Villanova champ to Delaware star: Dylan Painter ready to dance in March Madness
Delaware ahead Dylan Painter began his school profession at Villanova. However now he’s seeking to assist the No. 15 Blue Hens get their first-ever win within the NCAA Event. To take action, they need to take down the second-seeded Wildcats.
It is UDel’s first journey to the Huge Dance since 2014, however Painter has been right here earlier than.
In his two and half years at Nova, he performed within the tourney twice and gained a Nationwide Championship.
However Painter, a well being habits science main, determined to switch to Delaware.
“I felt like I’ve had two superb school basketball careers, over there and over right here, so it is going to be thrilling,” Painter stated.
The Hershey, Pa. native stated watching and ready for Delaware, the CAA champions, to be chosen for March Insanity felt totally different than when he was a Wildcat.
“This undoubtedly felt loads totally different than it felt again there. Often, we have been known as like one of many first as a result of I believe we have been first total seeds each years,” Painter stated. “However this undoubtedly felt higher. As a result of this crew labored for this and I really feel like we have earned this. To be like a significant contributor for a crew that is going to the match is a superb feeling.”
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Painter stated his cellphone was going off with texts so he hadn’t gotten to second to see if any of his former Villanova teammates had contacted him after the announcement was made.
Villanova head coach Jay Wright instructed reporters he nonetheless stays in contact with Painter.
Wright stated he sends his former participant messages if he sees he had a great sport. Wright says Painter additionally reaches out every now and then.
“We’re actually happy with him. Not enthusiastic about enjoying him, truthfully, he is gotten to be a extremely good participant which we knew he would,” Wright stated.
Wright defined that Painter did not depart the Nova program disgruntled. Wright stated it was only a matter of Painter desirous to play extra instantly and getting that chance elsewhere.
Wright stated Painter understood all the pieces Villanova was about.
“We beloved him and we stayed in contact. He is aware of what we will do and he can clarify it. He is very clever,” Wright stated.
Wright stated that may be very regarding to him to play somebody like Painter who is aware of what he is aware of, however that is what the Huge East champions must do.
Blue Hens Head Coach Martin Ingelsby additionally has hyperlinks to Nova.
His father performed on the faculty. His two brothers and sister attended Villanova.
Ingelsby stated he has nice respect for Villanova and Jay Wright, and it will likely be an honor to play them on Friday. Simply do not search for his household cheering on the Wildcats.
“I’ve a whole lot of family and friends who went to Villanova, supportive of their program, however I believe they’re going to be sitting on our aspect Friday,” Ingelsby stated.
Painter in the meantime is coming to grips with dealing with his former crew.
“I used to be like ‘no method this occurs, no method the celebrities align like this.’ After which after we bought that decision up, my complete physique is rather like, ‘wow, I can not imagine this.’ So it will be good to have all of Delaware come out and help us. I do know it is a huge soccer rivalry. We’ll make it a giant basketball rivalry,” Painter stated.
The primary-round sport will happen Friday at 2:45 p.m. on the PPG Paints Area in Pittsburgh, Pa.
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