Location: Villanova, Pa. | Founded: 1842 | Enrollment: 6,250 | Colors: Blue and White
Coach: Jay Wright | Home Court: The Pavilion; Wachovia Center | Capacity: 6,500; 20,056 Record:
(22-13, 9-9
Big East)
It's safe to say that in the first week of February, most thought that if Villanova was going to reach the Sweet 16, it would be in the NIT.
A Feb. 4 loss to St. John's capped a five-game losing streak for the Wildcats, leaving the team at 3-6 in the Big East. It only got more painful, as a controversial call denied the team overtime on the road against Georgetown, with a foul called far from the basket in the final seconds leaving the team at 4-6 and worried about simply qualifying for the Big East tournament.
But the Wildcats caught fire, finishing the regular season at 9-9 in the Big East and punching their NCAA Tournament ticket with a victory over Syracuse in the opening round of the conference tournament. That got the team into the NCAAs as one of the final at-large squads with a No. 12 seed.
Like in the regular season, it looked bad for Jay Wright's crew early, as the team trailed by double-digits against Clemson in the opening round. And like in the regular season, the Wildcats caught fire at the right time, storming past the Tigers and then knocking off Siena in the second round before falling to No. 1 seed and eventual national champion Kansas.
In the Kansas game, Wright coached to the whistle, making changes even in garbage time when he was unhappy with his reserves' effort on defense. His goal was to get the team to see the game as a missed opportunity, one that it had a chance to win if not for the constant stream of mistakes.
Ultimately, however, the season has to be considered a success. A year that was certain to be challenging given the team's youth culminated with a third Sweet 16 berth in the last four seasons, and with the core of the team back in 2008-09, the Wildcats are a team to watch.
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Wow I came home from my basketball game to see villanova up 45 21 at the half. I dont have ESPN FULL COURT so i couldnt watch it but this is a great way to start the week heading into a UConn game which could put us on the bubble again.
Does anyone else feel kind of betrayed by this local baller who has to get away from his hometown because he snitched on a family member to go to a school with a dirty and unethical coach running the point?
Arguably the top 2-guard in the 08 recruiting class is seriously considering VU. (scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=1752095) He is the only 5-star recruit not to have signed by now. He is from southeastern PA.
My take on this is that he would like to go to VU, but he sees the number of quality guards already on the roster. If Scottie Reynolds go
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It looks like Nova will loose Grant. This is not a terrible surprise since Wright's taller lineup was effective at the end of the season and there is every reason to think Corey Stokes and Dyane Anderson will continue to be very productive next year. I suppose it also is a confirmation that Scottie Reynolds will be back at point next year.
The last two times Nova made it to the sweet sixteen and further, they were knocked out by the eventual champion (UNC in 05, and Florida in 06) If you are a high seed in Nova's bracket and you beat them, you should already put your names on the trophy because you are destined to win it all.
Go to: http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=4595159 and check this game out. What you do is you create a player at any position and you try to get teams to sign your guy. It takes time for teams to sign you but once you get on a team it's awesome.
now that the season is over who do you think villanova gets in recruiting? will the class be better then last years 2 5-star prospects in fisher and stokes? give me your thoughts. we need big men.
We need your help! CardsFan DrewSki, a UofL fan, is matched up against HogsRoll07, an arkansas fan, in Member Mayhem. This is going to be a tough one and your vote would help support the big east. thanks, and here is the link
