GLEN MILLS, Pa. (AP) — Kris Jenkins, the former Villanova basketball star known for his iconic buzzer-beater in the 2016 national championship game, recently experienced a mix of joy and embarrassment regarding his championship ring. He humorously acknowledged a Villanova fan, stating that he owes them a drink or perhaps a memorable shot that rivals his legendary game-winning basket.
During the 2022 Final Four in New Orleans, Jenkins, who scored the decisive basket to secure the 2016 title against North Carolina, inadvertently misplaced his prized ring while enjoying the festivities. “I didn’t technically lose it,” Jenkins chuckled, “I just misplaced it.” The incident occurred at Pat O’Brien’s, a famous New Orleans bar bustling with fans and players cheering for the Wildcats.
The ring went missing amidst the celebration, leaving Jenkins and his fellow alumni puzzled. With thousands of Villanova fans present, Jenkins had shown off his ring, only for it to vanish shortly after. Fortunately, it wasn’t lost forever. A patron at the bar, recognizing the significance of the ring—evidenced by the oversized “V” and Jenkins’ name inscribed on it—handed it to Deirdre Keane, a 2014 Villanova graduate. “He said, ‘this one looks important,’” Keane recalled about the moment.
Keane, who wore the ring throughout the day, found it a bit too large for her finger. Although her intention was to return it to Jenkins, the process became complicated. She tried to pass it to another former player, but when that effort fell through, Keane, humorously reflecting on the situation, admitted, “I just kind of forgot to keep pursuing to get it back.” Meanwhile, Jenkins, who amassed 1,382 career points, was too embarrassed to admit he had lost the ring, anticipating he would never recover it.
Fast forward to October 2022, during a client appreciation event attended by Villanova coach Jay Wright and 1985 national champion Brian Harrington, the ring came back into play. Kevin Keane, Deirdre's father, revealed to Wright that his daughter had Jenkins’ championship ring. This prompted a phone call to Jenkins, who confirmed he had indeed lost the ring. “Yeah, that’s mine,” he said, laughing nervously, “Can I get that back?”
The ring’s return process lingered on, ultimately culminating in a reunion in November 2024. Harrington and fellow 1985 champion Chuck Everson were finally able to return the treasured item to Jenkins before he began his work as a color analyst for a St. John’s game. Jenkins was thrilled to receive his championship ring back, this time fitting perfectly on his finger.
The incident underlines the strong sense of community among the Villanova alumni. Jenkins expressed gratitude for the return, stating, “Of all the people in the world, a Villanova Wildcat? It’s just how we roll. Somehow, someway, we’re just always showing love and looking out.” This reflects the enduring spirit and connection of the Villanova fanbase, known as Nova Nation, highlighting moments that unite them, even in unexpected ways.
