The Villanova Wildcats have become a powerhouse in college basketball, winning two NCAA championships in the past three years. But where are they now? Let’s take a look at the current state of Villanova basketball and what they have to look forward to in the future.
Current Status of Villanova Basketball
The Villanova Wildcats are currently ranked #16 in the AP Poll and are coming off a regular season in which they posted a 20-7 record. They have won their last three games, including a big win over Xavier, and look to be in good shape heading into the Big East tournament.
The Wildcats have been led this season by Player of the Year candidate Collin Gillespie and All-Big East selections Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jermaine Samuels. Gillespie has been a consistent force all season, averaging 19.7 points, 5.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Robinson-Earl and Samuels have been just as important for the Wildcats, averaging 16.5 and 10.7 points per game, respectively.
In addition to their three stars, the Wildcats have been bolstered by a deep rotation of role players. The likes of Justin Moore, Caleb Daniels, and Cole Swider have all played important roles for the team this season, providing scoring, defense, and energy off the bench.
NCAA Tournament Outlook
Villanova has put themselves in a good position to make the NCAA Tournament, but their ultimate fate may depend on how they perform in the Big East tournament. The Wildcats are currently projected as an 8-seed in the tournament, with a chance to move up if they make a deep run in the Big East tournament.
The Wildcats have a solid resume, with wins over Xavier, Creighton, and Butler, but they may need another quality win in the tournament to ensure their place in the Big Dance. The Wildcats will have to be ready to play their best basketball in the tournament if they want to make the NCAA Tournament and make a run at the title.
Villanova’s Future
Villanova has a bright future ahead of them, with a strong core of players returning from this year’s team. Gillespie, Robinson-Earl, and Samuels will all be back next season and are expected to lead the team. The Wildcats will also have an influx of talent coming in, with a top-25 recruiting class that includes five-star recruit Chris Arcidiacono.
The Wildcats will also benefit from the return of Bryan Antoine, who missed this season with a shoulder injury. Antoine was a five-star recruit and was expected to be a major contributor for the team before his injury. His return will give the Wildcats an even more potent offense and should make them a threat to win the Big East title next season.
Conclusion
The current state of Villanova basketball is strong, as the Wildcats have put themselves in a good position to make the NCAA Tournament. They will have a chance to make a run at the title if they can make a deep run in the Big East tournament. The future looks even brighter for the Wildcats, as they have a strong returning core and an influx of talent coming in. With the return of Bryan Antoine, Villanova looks to be in great shape heading into next season and could be a major contender in the Big East and beyond.