2005 Villanova Wildcats Basketball Preview

2005 Villanova Wildcats Team Preview

The Wildcats are a team rich with guards that are tough mentally, skilled physically, and also fast and experienced. Randy Foye and Allan Ray are both seniors and starters, while sophomore Kyle Lowry offers amazing pop off the bench. Coach Jay Wright should feel confident about this season, especially after last season, when his team won 10 of their last 12 regular season games, went 24 and 8 overall, and made it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1988.

Then there’s the optimism born from the reality that the Wildcat starting five of last season is returning. How often does that happen with a top NCAA basketball team? But the frontcourt has two important question marks and they’re named Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser. Forward Sumpter and forward/center Fraser both suffered serious injuries last season; Sumpter spent the off-season trying to heal while his counterpart underwent surgery.

Fraser, who’s had several knee injuries, will most likely be doubtful all season and Sumpter, who was good for 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season, is coming back from a torn ACL.
One difference maker could be forward Will Sheridan, who stands 6’8” and weighs in at 238 pounds. Sheridan, a junior, uses his big frame inside to mix it up and control the boards. His 5.8 RPG placed him second on the team in that category (only Sumpter had more).

The dynamic backcourt can score, defend, and rebound. Foye, who’s considered by many to be the most complete, all-around guard in the conference, can take charge of a game and make a difference. Ray led the Wildcats in scoring last season, averaging 16.2 PPG, and shot 82.8% from the foul line and hit 37.6% from downtown.

Many think if Sumpter can stay healthy that Villanova, with three seniors and two juniors starting, could eclipse Connecticut and Syracuse in the Big East. They’re certainly poised to make the most out of that possibility.

For more info on the 2005 Wildcats check out the official Villanova athletic site.