BEMD: Kevin Willard on Villanova playing in Rome, guard play and how Michigan impacted his roster building

Matt Norlander sits down with Villanova head coach Kevin Willard at 2026 Big East Media Day.(0:00) Matt Norlander with Kevin Willard at Big East Media Day(0:15) The goodies about going to play a game in Rome, the Pope and the upcoming experience(3:30) How did Kevin build the roster this offseason? + biggest surprise(5:10) Guard play is the key for Villanova(7:20) Why the season ended when Matt Hodge went down in the St. John’s game(8:15) The still-new gig at Villanova (and being a wise-ass)(9:45) Why the Big East will be better this season + non-conference schedule opportunitiesTheme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of GusterEye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”Email the show for any reason whatsoever: [email protected] Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/