Tom Thibodeau doesn’t believe the new pope means his Knicks are now destined to win it all.
But he does think that Cardinal Robert Frances Prevost, a Villanova alum and Chicago native, being voted in as the first pope from the United States is helpful for his three former Villanova stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
“Yeah, now they can be forgiven for their sins,” the Knicks’ coach joked.
Brunson, the team’s superstar guard who has led them to a 2-0 series lead over the heavily favored Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, was thrilled to hear about the news.
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“Really cool. I’m just happy that we’re getting noticed for being a good school,” said Brunson, who won two national championships at Villanova.
Brunson has never met the new pope, and didn’t have any idea he was in the running for the prestigious honor.
“I knew that I was focusing on the game on Saturday,” Brunson said. “It’s really cool for him and I’m very happy for him, but I’m focused right now.”