2008 Villanova Wildcats Basketball Preview

The Villanova Wildcats (22-13 overall, 9-9 Big East) finished eighth in the Big East in 2007-2008. After a decent regular season, the Cats went to the NCAA Tournament and made it to the Sweet 16 where they lost to Kansas 72-57. For the past four seasons, Villanova has gone to the Big Dance three of those times, and they got to the Sweet 16 and once to the Elite Eight.

In the frontcourt, there are many options as Nova shows depth, experience and talent. Senior forward Dante Cunningham (30.0 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 54.4 FG%, 69.0 FT%) is a big banger who plays both ends of the court well. Two seniors look to battle for playing minutes. Last year, Dwayne Anderson (21.0 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 50.3 FG%, 62.8 FT%) put in some clutch playing time, while Shane Clark (22.3 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 43.9 FG%, 84.1 FT%) was inconsistent. There are plenty of other guys who could make it into the rotation.

In the backcourt, Scottie Reynolds (32.5 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 41.2 FG%, 77.9 FT%) is a playmaker and game-breaker. Although he’s played point guard, Reynolds is much better when he’s given the opportunity to shoot. Last season, he manned the shooting spot. Sophomore Corey Fisher (21.9 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 35.4 FG%, 74.7 FT%) will occupy the point. He put time in there as a freshman and although his ball handling was fine, his shot was deficient. Villanova needs more accuracy from him. Guard Reggie Redding (20.6 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 39.3 FG%, 63.2 FT%) will be utilized on defense.

This season, the Cats put a veteran club on the court, but in a conference as top heavy as the Big East, they’ll find it tough finishing any better than eighth. Still, coach Jay Wright will do his best to ensure that his team is competitive in the post-season. In the NCAA, two-and-out seems likely but an extra win or two from this team is always possible.