The Oakland Raiders slogan has always been a commitment to excellence. That made-for-t-shirt statement goes beyond just victories, in college athletics. As coaches we have a responsibility to make sure those we coach excel both academically and socially, as well.

Add to that winning basketball games and you have the foundation, which we have begun to lay at Villanova.

For me returning -- to a place where I spent many years as an assistant -- is really a dream scenario. But personal aspirations are secondary to the goal of continuing the tradition of Villanova basketball.

Not long after I was named as the head coach, my coaching staff and I began to create and environment for success because it's not enough to just be successful in the Big East or claim victory in March.

Every one of my piers would agree that it must extend beyond the boundaries of the basketball court. Players cannot be satisfied with just forty-minutes of success. In order to really lay a solid foundation, it must be a 24-hour, seven day per week, 365 day a year process.

There is so much more to life than college basketball and it is vitally important that the young men and women understand and grasp that concept.

As coaches we always push our players to give one-hundred-and-ten-percent on the floor. But we also want them to put forth that same effort in their day-to-day lives.

Focus, pay attention and learn in practice and focus, pay attention and learn in the class room.

Display passion on the court and display passion socially.

That has always been my approach and the approach that I want those who play for me to embrace. I want players that strive for more.

In my first season we began assembling the build blocks of such a foundation. By no means are we close to where we want to be, but I really like the direction that this program is headed.

There is so much excitement surrounding the Villanova basketball experience. The administration is committed to success and advancement and students belong to the program. But more important is the excitement of the "Villanova experience."

All of us are in coaching because we love the game and we thoroughly enjoy making a difference in the lives of those we coach. But each of us has a life away from the game. Coaching is only part of who we are.

A lot of time and effort goes into my job and I truly love what I do. But I also love going home to my wife and three children.

I love basketball but I also love watching "Sponge Bob Square Pants," with my two sons or "The Powerpuff Girls," with my daughter.

Identifying and embracing things outside of basketball is what better prepares me for basketball. It's that message that I want to convey to my players.

Basketball is only one part of their day-to-day existence. Often people detached from college athletics lose sight of that fact.

So much is made of the stars of this game that go onto to enjoy the riches of the NBA, but the majority will pursue the riches of life itself.

And that is a point of emphasis that I try to reinforce, each and every day.

We still have some work to do, to reach the level of basketball success that we strive for. It's not a quick fix, but a process. I am very pleased with the progress that we have made, but I am more pleased with the progress that each of your young men have made as people.

They strive more. They are committed to total excellence.