5 Lessons From Coach Jay Wright

After one of the most famous shots in college basketball history, the man with the most to celebrate in the 75,000-seat stadium was actually the most stoic.

Jay Wright calmly took a few steps toward his bench, then turned toward North Carolina Coach Roy Williams and extended his arms to the side.

It would’ve been hard to fault him had he run around like Jim Valvano in 1983, but that’s just not Jay Wright’s personality.

Wright was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this past weekend, and his journey has some important lessons for us as leaders.

1. Fundamentals can lead to greatness

In an era of basketball dominated by trendy new offenses and flashy finishes around the basket, Wright’s Villanova teams have found success by mastering the basics. They have great spacing on offense, pivot better than anyone in the sport and throw lots of bounce passes.

As leaders, it’s easy to become enamored with the latest technology and trends across our industries and convince ourselves that we need to copy the competition to keep up. But Villanova is a great reminder that sometimes keeping it simple, structured and disciplined can also take us to the top of our fields.

2. Find people who share your vision

Villanova won the national championship in 2016 and 2018, but just a few years before, Wright’s teams had failed to live up to expectations. He had recruited some big names who had talent, but they didn’t fit his style or system, and it led to disappointing finishes.

We must recognize that our vision as leaders isn’t for everyone and that regardless of our past success, some people simply aren’t going to buy into the present. We can’t exhaust our energies on them. Find long-term organizational fits, even if they may appear to have a little less talent on the surface.

3. Give credit to the opponent

Win or lose, Wright constantly sings the praises of his competition. He tweets congratulations to other coaches and speaks glowingly of players on other teams. He shows great humility by acknowledging the strengths of the people he’s trying to defeat.

Too often, we become hellbent on success and view everyone else as the enemy. But this us-against-the-world mindset is only sustainable for so long. Crediting the competition isn’t weak. It shows perspective, and it can be incredibly valuable for our organization’s reputation in the long term.

4. It can take years to break through

Wright had been in coaching for over three decades before he won his first national championship in 2016. His second came just two years later. He was criticized, ridiculed, and yes, his seat may have gotten a tad warm at one point. But he recruited the right personnel, prioritized critical values, and remained strong in his convictions throughout the turbulence. When his career is over, he will go down as one of the greatest coaches the sport has ever seen.

If we’re struggling today, let’s not think about Wright’s titles. Let’s instead consider his 2011-12 team that went 13-19 or his team a couple of seasons later that went 33-3 and was upset in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. Tremendous triumph is often preceded by agonizing defeat. We must stay the course when the winds are swirling.

5. Stay where you’re wanted

Wright’s name pops up annually for NBA coaching vacancies, but Villanova is where he’s appreciated, it’s where celebrated, and it’s where a statue will likely be built for him one day. He could get just about any coaching job in the world, but he’s found a program that fits his personality and belief system.

Too many times as leaders, we get a job and are already thinking about what it can do for our careers. We view where we are as a stepping stone to where we want to be. Wright is a great reminder that we must find organizations that are truly grateful to have us, and we must be loyal to them in return. Happiness and purpose aren’t always about working at a more prestigious company or earning more money. Sometimes, they’re about appreciating where we are currently.

Play hard, play together, play smart, play with pride, play with a great attitude. They’re hallmarks of Wright’s Villanova program.

But they translate far beyond any basketball court.