Nova Nation turns out by the thousands for parade in Philly [photos]

Villanova fans united in Philadelphia to give their national champion men’s basketball team a parade down Market Street.

The fans were ten or more deep along the parade route, including high-schooler Lauren Miraglia, who skipped classes to see the teammates from what she calls her future school.

“You’ve got to support them, it’s the only team that’s doing well you know you gotta party like it’s 1985,” she said.

And party they did…the players threw t-shirts and other souvenirs to the crowd from the top of an open double-decker bus.

Paul Pivovarnik came from Havertown to welcome home the champions.

“Bring the kids down something exciting, a winning team in Philadelphia is very rare, I though I’d let them experience a celebration once in their life,” he chuckled.

Once the team got to City Hall, Kris Jenkins, who hit the winning 3-point shot Monday night, said he’s savoring the title.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of this team and this coaching staff,” Jenkins said.  “We put a lot of hard work in this year and this is something no one will ever be able to take away from us.”

Head coach Jay Wright said he was impressed by the outpouring of support.

“I promise you this is just a warmup for the Phillies, the Flyers, the Sixers and the Eagles, we’re going to do this again real soon I promise,” Wright said.

The fans weren’t so optimistic.  One held a sign reminding people the Sixers have only 10 wins this season.