Hempstead, NY - Former Hofstra University Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Wright, who transformed the Pride into one of the nation's top mid-major programs during his seven seasons in Hempstead, will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

The induction will take place on October 22, 2026, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Missouri.

Wright, who served as Hofstra's head coach from 1994 to 2001, laid the foundation for one of the most successful eras in program history before moving on to Villanova, where he won two NCAA national championships and established himself as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

The ninth head coach in Hofstra men's basketball history, Wright inherited a program looking to establish itself in the America East Conference and quickly elevated it into a perennial championship contender. He finished his Hofstra tenure with a 122-85 overall record, including an impressive 72-22 mark over his final three seasons.

Under Wright's leadership, Hofstra reached new heights. The Pride posted a 22-10 record during the 1998-99 season and earned the program's first-ever National Invitation Tournament berth. One year later, Hofstra finished 24-7, captured the America East Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977. The Pride followed with a 26-5 record in 2000-01, winning a second consecutive America East regular season title and earning another NCAA Tournament appearance.

Wright coached numerous standout student-athletes during his Hofstra career, including future NBA guard and current Hofstra Head Coach Speedy Claxton, while helping establish a championship culture that elevated the national profile of the Pride program.

Following his success at Hofstra, Wright accepted the head coaching position at Villanova, where he built the Wildcats into one of college basketball's premier programs. During his Hall of Fame career, Wright led Villanova to two NCAA national championships (2016 and 2018) and four Final Four appearances.

Wright compiled a career record of 642-282 including his 21 seasons at Villanova. 

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

In recognition of his tremendous impact on Hofstra Athletics, Wright was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, recognized as the official hall of fame for men's collegiate basketball and a property of the NABC Foundation, Inc., has enshrined the sport's most legendary figures since its inception in 2006. The Hall of Fame is housed within The College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Missouri – the most interactive basketball museum/experience ever created with the stated mission to celebrate the sport's rich history and the game itself on a year-round basis.