Gettin' right down to it now. Here's a team that narrowly missed playing in the big game last season. We think they'll have a shot to rectify that situation this year.
#3 Villanova Wildcats
Location: Villanova, PA
Conference: Big East
2008-09 Record: 30-8 (13-5)
NCAA Postseason: Beat American, UCLA, Duke, and Pitt (great freakin' game) to make the Final Four. Defeated by eventual champs UNC 69-83 in the semis.
Head Coach: Jay Wright (8th Season)
Losses: 6'8" F Dante Cunningham (16.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg), 6'6" F Dwayne Anderson (9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6'7" F Shane Clark (5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg), 6'8" F Frank Tchuisi (1.0 ppg).
Key Returnees: 6'2" Senior G Scottie Reynolds (15.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.4 apg), 6'1" Junior G Corey Fisher (10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg), 6'5" Junior F Corey Stokes (9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), 6'8" Junior F Antonio Pena (5.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg).
Additions: 6'1" G Maalik Wayns (Philadelphia, PA), 6'10" F/C Mouphtaou Yarou (Natitingou, Benin), 6'7" F Isaiah Armwood (Baltimore, MD), 6'6" G Dominic Cheek (Jersey City, N.J.)
Bloggers say:
"Villanova enters the 2009-10 season as a popular pick to make a return visit to the Final Four. The reason? Strength, excellence, and experienced back court play. This is Guard U.Scottie Reynolds returns for his senior season after testing the NBA waters. Along with Junior Corey Fisher, the returning Big East 6th Man of the Year, a backcourt exists with two scoring threats and two ball handlers. Throw in the experience of Long Distance threat Corey Stokes and lock-down defender and jack of all trades Reggie Redding (who will return to the team in the 2nd semester) and many teams should be worried. Additionally, the future of Villanova Guards is strong in the current season as McDonald All-American Freshmen Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek join the team.
The reason for caution with this year's Nova squad is the loss of graduating seniors Dante Cunningham and Dwayne Anderson who were the inspiration and heart of last year's Final Four squad. Their departure will require the only experienced post player, Junior Antonio Pena, to step up. However, he will have help- redshirt sophomore (and Duke transfer) Taylor King joins the team as does 6'10" freshman Mouphtaou Yarou, a consensus top-10 recruit and Low Post option. Redshirt freshman Maurice Sutton and true-frosh Isaiah Armwood also allow depth and extreme athleticism down low."- Mike from VUHoops.com
Best Games:
12/6 "@" Maryland (Verizon Center, D.C.)
12/13 @ Temple
1/2 Louisville
Villanova's laudable decision to play all of their Philly neighbors (the Big Five plus Drexel) makes their non-con schedule pretty predictable. But the round-robin deal between the Philly schools is one of the few surviving gentlemen's agreements that makes hoops so fun. No backing down in Philly.
Famous Basketball Alums: Rollie Massimino, Kerry Kittles, Chris Ford and Ed Pinkney.
Places to eat: Mike from VUHoops.com gives us Kelly's, Flip and Bailey's, and The Grog. STF reader, Villanova Law School grad, and sometime Extra P. lunch buddy Stormy agrees on Kelly's and adds Gullifty's.