Lot # 1464: 1985 Villanova Wildcats NCAA Basketball National Championship Ring - Presented to Assistant Athletic Director Larry Shane

Recall the biggest upset in the history of the NCAA Tournament, when you set your sights on this 1985 Villanova Wildcats national championship ring. This hefty gold ring was presented to Larry Shane, who had just transitioned from the position as head coach of Villanova's baseball team, to the position of Assistant Athletic Director at Villanova in 1985. Shane is also a member of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the Villanova Varsity Club Hall of Fame.

Under the guidance of genius head coach Rollie Massimino, the 1984-1985 Wildcats basketball team stunned the college ranks, by pulling off five upsets in the 1985 NCAA Tournament. A 25-10 season led to a number eight seed ranking for Nova in the '85 Tournament's Southeast Region. In succession, they beat SE #9 Dayton, SE #1 Michigan, SE #5 Maryland, SE #2 North Carolina, Midwest #2 Memphis State, and ultimately the East #1 seed Georgetown, which finished the regular season ranked #1 overall.

Though twice-beaten by the Patrick Ewing led Georgetown Hoyas during the 1984-1985 Big East season, coach Massimino mapped out an effective plan for victory in the national championship game, and his well-rounded, highly disciplined squad executed said plan to perfection, squeezing out a thrilling 66-64 win over the Hoyas, before a riveted national audience. Known as "The Perfect Game", this flawless win made the 1985 Wildcats the only number eight seed to have won the national championship, and also the lowest ranked seed to ever do so.

Marked "© Josten's 10K" on the interior of the band, this size 11 ring weighs in at a considerable 37.1 grams, with a gold purity content of 41.7%. Set over a blue stone on the front, is a raised gold letter V, centered by a small diamond. Encircling this center device, are eight diamond chips, the date "1985", and the legend "National Champions". A Villanova Wildcats mascot logo adorns the right shank, with the name "Shane" above, and the legend "Family The Big East" below. Seen on the left shank, is the school name "Villanova", along with a representation of St. Thomas of Villanova Church, with the school's motto "Unity, Truth, Love" on a banner above, and the legend "Big 5 Champions" below. Detail integrity is outstanding overall, and signs of wear are minimal. Accompanying, is the original Josten's jewel case.