Joe Arcidiacono: 'We Were At Phillies Parade, Now Ryan Is In That'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eight years ago, they were in center city attending the Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series parade.

WATCH: Parade LIVE

On Friday, Ryan Arcidiacono's parents., Joe and Patti, were attending a parade for their own son and his 2016 National Champion Villanova Wildcats.

"This is an amazing day," said Joe Arcidiacono. "We were here, how many years ago? Eight years ago with the Phillies, about 40 yards to our right here. And now the fact that Ryan is in that, on a float in a parade -- whatever you want to call it. It's just hard to characterize. It's just amazing."

Arch, a Langhorne, PA native and Neshaminy High School graduate, had 16 points and the game-winning assist in Monday's National Championship game. He was named as the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

"Each game presented such a major challenge," Joe said. "And I said to a buddy of mine, they beat four top 10 teams to win this thing, which is just unimaginable. It's the third hardest draw in the history of NCAA."

"He's a little proud," Patti joked.

Related: LIVE BLOG: Villanova Parade

Joe and Patti met as students at Villanova University, where Joe was an offensive lineman on the football team.

"Philly loves sports," Joe continued. "They've embraced Villanova, it's been a big part of the city forever. It's been amazing."

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• Villanova