2006-2007 Big East Preview: #4

#4- Villanova Wildcats

Last season: 28-5 (14-2), lost to Florida in the Elite Eight.
Coach: Jay Wright (6th year). 104-59 at Villanova.

Villanova is a different team this year, having lost Randy Foye, Allan Ray, and Kyle Lowry to the NBA. All of these players were obviously guards, so gone will be the four guard offense used by Jay Wright's team last year. The two returning starters are both seniors, guard Mike Nardi and forward Will Sheridan. These players, along with fellow senior Curtis Sumpter, will provide critical leadership to the rest of the young wildcats. Sumpter, who sat out last season with a knee injury, was an all-Big East performer in 2004-2005.

In the backcourt, Villanova has Nardi, along with freshman Scottie Reynolds. I expect Reynolds to be a tremendous player for Villanova in the years to come. Also joining the Nova backcourt this year is Reggie Redding.

The frontcourt will be Villanova's strength this year, a stark contrast from last season. Sumpter, Sheridan, Dante Cunningham, and freshman Casiem Drummond form what could be the best frontcourt in the Big East. Sheridan and Sumpter will provide much of the scoring, but Drummond is going to be a beast down the road. Jay Wright has really solidified himself as one of college basketball's best coaches and recruiters.

A lot of people aren't so sure Villanova will finish this high in 2006-2007, but I just love their senior leadership and talented freshman class. They have a very balanced team experience and talent-wise. A tremendous home court advantage, whether it be at the Pavillion on campus or down the Main Line at the Wachovia Center, will make them extremely tough to beat at home. They have an average non-conference schedule, playing a good share of cupcakes but also some tough teams. In the Big East season, they will play Syracuse, Georgetown, and Notre Dame twice. A record of 4-2 in those games would be a hell of an achievement. I think people are underestimating Villanova this season due to the loss of the three NBA guards. Hopefully they will prove me correct in giving them a high ranking.

Schedule and predictions:

11/11 @ Northwood- W
11/17 vs./@ College of Charleston- W
11/18 vs./@ Xavier (likely)- W
11/20 vs./@ Alabama (likely)- W (two great games there at the Paradise Jam)
11/25 vs. Navy- W
11/30 @ Stony Brook- W
12/2 @ Pennsylvania- W
12/6 @ Oklahoma- W
12/9 vs. Drexel- W
12/20 vs. Rider- W
12/23 @ La Salle- W
12/30 vs. Temple- W
1/3 @ West Virginia- W
1/6 vs. DePaul- W
1/8 @ Georgetown- L
1/13 @ Syracuse- L
1/17 vs. Notre Dame- W
1/20 vs. Texas- W
1/23 @ Providence- W
1/27 @ Notre Dame- W
1/29 vs. Pittsburgh- L
2/3 vs. Louisville- W
2/6 vs. St. Joe's- W
2/10 @ Seton Hall- W
2/14 vs. Cincinnati- W
2/17 vs. Georgetown- L
2/19 @ Marquette- L
2/24 vs. Rutgers- W
2/28 @ Connecticut- W
3/3 vs. Syracuse- W

Projected record: 25-5 (11-5).
Postseason: NCAA Sweet 16.