After Villanova’s loss in such stunning fashion in the Round of 32 on Saturday, it is hard to think of anything positive for the squad we have come to love. Believe there is something to be happy about, and optimistic about with Villanova basketball.
Despite losing three seniors in Daryl Reynolds, who really didn’t do much for the team aside from occasional rim protection, rebounding, and the rare finish in the paint, Kris Jenkins, who will forever be entrenched in Villanova history as a result of his 2016 NCAA championship game winning shot, and Josh Hart, who could very well end his career as the Naismith National Player of the Year, the Wildcats should boast arguably the best team in the Big East in the 2017 season.
Relive what I believe is the greatest shot in NCAA Basketball history, and most if not all Villanova fans would probably agree.
Josh Hart, a finalist for the 2017 Naismith National Player of the Year, in his best game of the regular season when he scored 37 points against Notre Dame. Hart, who signed with RocNation on Wednesday, should be drafted in the NBA draft, both for his offense, as well as his defensive prowess.
Although at least two of the seniors graduating will be sorely missed, both because of their leadership, but more importantly because of their talent, Villanova will return a very strong team next season.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
Donta DiVincenzo is probably the biggest returning player for Villanova. Winning is a tradition at Villanova, and so is passing on the moniker of “star” of the team from year to year. This year it was Josh Hart, next year it will be a battle between Donta and rising junior Jalen Brunson for that title. DiVicenzo really came into his own as this past season went along, culminating in his superior performance in the Big East tournament and in his two games in the NCAA tournament. Both of these experiences should bode well for his future development from Freshman role player, to college basketball superstar.
Brunson has a very Villanova feel to him. Obviously not as flashy as DiVincenzo, Brunson relies on nifty eurosteps and a deadly mid range, and sometimes reliable three point shot. Another year should mean even more confidence and development for Brunson, who some would argue was the most consistent player for the Cats from the beginning to the end of the season. Jenkins obviously had his off nights, Hart as well, and even Donta had his fair share of disappointing performances. Mikael Bridges also will return. Bridges was great defensively, but needs to get better on the offensive end if he’s going to fill any of the void left by Hart and Jenkins. At times, he seemed very tentative to shoot, and was hardly ever aggressive taking the ball to the rim, despite being an above average to great finisher when driving to the basket. The most important piece to return, although returning might not be the right word, is Omari Spellman. Spellman, who was the 18th ranked prospect in last years high school class, missed this past season due to a suspension by the NCAA for academic ineligibility. Spellman, a power forward, could be a godsend for the Wildcats down low, and should immediately be the starting center or power forward for next season’s squad.
Even though this season was disappointing, the next version of the Villanova Wildcats will be young, but also will add some extra talent as well as gaining experience with key players. Don’t be surprised if they run away with the Big East once again.