Villanova
Odds to win title: +2500
2014-15 record: 33-3, 16-2 Big East
Betting odds c/o Bovada
Villanova is a favorite in the Big East despite the losses of Darrun Hilliard, JayVaughn Pinkston and Dylan Ennis. It brought in a strong recruiting class and has some returnees to form a talented group that college basketball oddsmakers set the odds at +2500 for a 2016 NCAA title.
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The Villanova backcourt is a hallmark strength of the program, and this year’s crew has a nice mix of talent in it. 6’1” freshman Jalen Brunson looked great in the FIBA U-19 tournament and led the US to victory while winning the MVP award. He had 30 against Greece in the semis and he is a good playmaker in addition to his scoring. He will not commit mass turnovers and is a good guy to base an offense around.
Brunson will be joined by senior Ryan Arcidacono and junior Josh Hart. Arcidacono is a good passer and shooter and he has to hone his accuracy this season. Last year he was good for 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Hart averaged 10.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game and he is a big threat in the open court if the Cats can get running. The team lost Dylan Ennis as a transfer to Oregon but freshman Donte DiVincenzo should be able to fill that niche. He is a very good athlete and capable of breaking defenses down off the dribble. Phil Booth will also play a role as a stabilizing guard and shot maker.
The Wildcats do have some scorers on the inside. Daniel Ochefu averaged 9.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season and he is a high percentage shooter whose offensive arsenal is not that diverse. He is a very good rebounder though and can protect the rim and block shots. Kris Jenkins is a good three point shooter but is undersized at 6’6” 240, which causes him to average just about two rebounds a game. He will need to hit the glass harder to earn the minutes.
Redshirt freshman Mikal Bridges will be a source of points at small forward, but he needs to continue to work on adding bulk. Freshman Tim Delaney is a workhorse and he should be able to contribute immediately as an energy guy off the bench. His defense and work ethic could make him the starter.
Villanova lost some key players but the recruits are all very good. Arcidiacono and Hart can both score and the Cats should be able to get out and run on some opponents this season. Ochefu will have to grow further as a player and go outside of his comfort zone some offensively. The Wildcats can score enough to give the team a chance.
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