Weekly Player Evaluation: Dante Cunningham

Player: Dante Cunningham

2007-2008 Key Stats: 30.0 minutes, 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 54.4 FG%

2007-2008 Review: Last season Dante Cunningham led the team in rebounds and blocks and was the second leading scorer, but somehow he is underrated.  He is “the rock” of the team because he is so steady and consistent.  He quietly does what he needs to do to help the team win.  Cunningham usually isn’t the go-to option on offense.  He only scored 20+ points once last season, but he always scored right around 10 points a game.  He also led the team with five double-doubles.  Despite his modest reputation, Dante was the star on several occasions last season because of his knack for making game-winning shots.  Dante had what should have been the game-winning put-back with 2.2 seconds left against NC State in the Old Spice Classic.  Of course everyone remembers Dante’s put-back off of Malcolm Grant’s miss with 5.9 seconds left to seal the epic comeback victory over LSU.  He sank the game-winning free throws against Pitt with 10 seconds left.  Finally, despite missing a free throw with 4.9 seconds left against UConn, Dante got his own offensive rebound to save the game. 

2008-2009 Preview: This year I expect more of the same from Dante “the rock” Cunningham.  He is entering his final year at Villanova and is the most experienced player on the team.  Last year Cunningham added a mid-range jumper to his repertoire, but he struggled to make it consistently.  I’m sure he has been using the offseason to perfect that shot.  The best thing about Dante is that you know what you're going to get from him every night.  He will average close to a double-double, have a high field goal percentage, and play hard on defense.  Not only is Dante the second-leading scorer and anchor on defense, he will also have the responsibility of guiding the young Wildcat forwards.  Let's hope Dante makes the most of his last year in Villanova blue and white.

Randy Foye, Links

Hoopsworld had an interview with Randy Foye recently.  Foye feels very confident this season: 

"I feel as though I can do better.  I came off the injury last year averaging 13 points and four assists on half a leg, basically.  This year I'm looking to do big things.  This year you're going to see a lot of me, man.  Just write that.  I know deep down inside the way I am when there's a lot of controversy or when my back is against the wall.  I'm going to look competition right in the face, I'm not going to run from it.  You're going to see a lot of me this year."

Randy backed up those strong words with a fantastic 12 point, 15 assist preseason game last Sunday. All signs point to Foye having a breakout year.

Weekly Player Evaluation: Antonio Pena

Player: Antonio Pena

2007-2008 Key Stats: 6.9 points, 4.3 rebounds

2007-2008 Review: It’s hard to believe Antonio Pena is only a sophomore.  Pena redshirted the 2006-2007 season, so this will be his third year with the team.  ‘Tone had a promising first season, but like the other freshmen on the team, his play was inconsistent.  He was probably the best low post scorer on the team, and he could also knock down mid-range jumpers.  He scored in double figures twelve times.  His season high was 17 points, which he had on three occasions.  He had one double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds at Pitt), and those 10 boards were his season high.  ‘Tone is also a good passer for someone his size.  However, Pena struggled on the defensive end and was foul-prone, which keep him off the floor at times. 

2008-2009 Preview: Pena will play most of his minutes at the power forward position, but he can also play small forward or center.  This season Pena needs to get stronger on defense and stop picking up quick fouls.  He is the most skilled low post scorer on the team, so he needs to find a way to stay on the floor.  Pena is very athletic and one of the best dunkers on the team. I'd like to see Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher try to throw him some more alley-oops this year. 'Tone could improve his rebounding and shot-blocking numbers which were low.  He had a tendency to try to draw charges, but at 6'8 I would rather see him go up and try to challenge the shot. Pena is a decent 3-point shooter, but Jay Wright kept him in check last season.  Look for ‘Tone to have a little more freedom around the perimeter this year.  If he can avoid foul trouble, I think Antonio will have a spike in scoring and average about 10 points per game this year.

Weekly Player Evaluation: Corey Fisher

Player: Corey Fisher

2007-2008 Key Stats: 9.1 points, 2.7 assists, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals

2007-2008 Review: Corey Fisher was probably the most hyped incoming freshmen last season and there were high expectations for the young point guard.  With Scottie Reynolds already on the team, and with fellow freshmen guards Corey Stokes and Malcolm Grant, many fans were anticipating a return to the three and four guard lineups that were so successful a few years ago.  However, things didn’t quite work out that way.  The young guards struggled to play together, especially on the defensive end, forcing Jay Wright to go with a bigger and more experienced lineup.  One word to describe Fisher’s first season is inconsistent.  At times, he was the best offensive player on the floor, scoring 20+ three times last year, and he even earned the nickname “Fisher Price” because of the way he toys with defenders.  However, at other times he was ineffective and struggled to get playing time.  The highlight of Fisher’s season came in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year.  He had 17 points, including a huge three-pointer as the shot clock was winding down to help seal the upset victory over Clemson.

2008-2009 Preview: Corey Fisher has all the tools you would want in a point guard.  He’s a great passer, he can shoot the three, and he can drive the lane and finish around the basket.  His weaknesses are on the defensive end, but after a year of experience he should be much improved in that area.  Another problem with Fisher is his tendency to resort to streetball plays, which often result in turnovers.  Jay Wright might feel more comfortable playing Fisher and Reynolds alongside each other this year because they both improved defensively, but I think Fisher will primarily play the backup point guard role behind Reynolds.  Fisher could excel in a sixth man role because of the instant scoring he can bring into a game.  I would like to see Fisher get more playing time alongside Reynolds this year.  They are two of the best guards in the Big East, and with their quickness they can cause some real matchup problems for opposing teams.  He should be more consistent in his scoring this season; I project him to average around 13 points and 4 assists per game.   

Weekly Player Evaluation: Reggie Redding

Player: Reggie Redding

2007-2008 Key Stats: 4.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals

2007-2008 Review: Last year Reggie Redding’s role on the team diminished as the season went on.  Jay Wright called him the best defender on the team, but he struggled offensively.  Early in the season Reggie was the team’s perimeter defensive specialist, and Jay Wright would call on him to guard the opposing team’s top scorer.  One example was November 18 when Villanova was trailing by eight points at halftime to Bucknell, behind 17 first half points by John Griffin.  Reggie Redding shut down Griffin, his former high school teammate, in the second half, holding the sharpshooter to five points and securing a Villanova victory.  However, Redding’s offensive deficiencies kept him off the floor, especially when Villanova’s younger guards like Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher began to improve defensively. 

2008-2009 Preview: For Reggie Redding to become a prominent member of Villanova’s core rotation again, he will have to improve his shooting.  Last season it got to the point that I cursed every time he attempted a three-pointer because 75% of the time it wasn’t going in.  Redding gained playing time his freshmen year and early last season because of his size (6’5) at the guard position.  With the emergence of Corey Stokes, also a 6’5 guard, Redding’s importance was reduced because Stokes was much a better shooter.  This season Reggie will most likely maintain a role off the bench for defensive situations.  

Lowry Preview

Memphis Grizzlies blog 3 Shades of Blue did a nice season preview of the team by position.  Here is what they had to say about point guard Kyle Lowry:

"The former Wildcat has become a bulldog on the Grizzlies roster. Kyle lit the city on fire on opening night of his rookie campaign when he announced his presence with authority posting 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in leading the Grizzlies 2nd half charge. Suddenly Kyle Lowry was the most exciting rookie in franchise history (which is pretty impressive consideringShane Battier, Shareef Abdur Rahim andPau Gasol had preceded him). Just as suddenly he was gone for the year after breaking his wrist in the 10th game of the season. His sophomore season was a struggle as he fought for playing time behind veteran Damon Stoudamire and rookie Mike Conley. Kyle's wild play energizes the team on the defensive end but his lack of control hurts the team on the offensive side of the ball. Still Kyle produced at a rate similar to Conley in nearly the same amount of time on the court and usually with inferior players around him. While his game seems best suited for a backup role right now Lowry's grit and determination means that no one is going to take the starting spot without a fight. "

Link: http://3shadesofblue.blogspot.com/2008/09/previewing-point-guards.html

Sumpter at Clippers camp

Curtis Sumpter has officially been signed by the Los Angeles Clippers, and is attending training camp.  He is not guaranteed a roster spot, so he will have to use his time at training camp to prove his worth.  The Clippers currently have Al Thornton and Ricky Davis at the small forward position, where Sumpter will most likely be playing.  Steve Novak and former Wildcat Tim Thomas can also play small forward, meaning that the Clippers don't have a dire need at Curtis' position.  The chances of him making the team may be slim, but I wish him the best of luck.

Links: http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/roster_addfour_080926.html

http://vuhoops.com/2008/09/30/curtis-sumpter-signed-and-at-clippers-camp/

Weekly Player Evaluation: Dwayne Anderson

Player: Dwayne Anderson

2007-2008 Key Stats: 6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 50.3 FG%

2007-2008 Review: At the beginning of last season Dwayne Anderson was named one of the four team captains, which at the time I thought was a curious decision considering his lack of playing time during his first two seasons at Villanova.  It remained a curious decision throughout the first half of the season, as Dwayne played limited minutes off the bench.  However, all that changed on February 9 at the Pavilion.  In an attempt to halt the team’s five game losing streak Jay Wright inserted Dwayne Anderson into the starting lineup for the first time in his career.  Anderson showed flashes of what he could do, specifically in an early season game against Hartford.  Villanova was struggling to pull away from an opponent they were expected to blow out.  Midway through the second half Dwayne Anderson entered and was a complete game-changer.  He hustled for steals, dove for loose balls, and was relentless on defense.  I thought after that game, he would be rewarded with more playing time, but he would have to wait a little longer.  When Jay Wright finally called on him to start against Seton Hall, in a game Villanova desperately needed, Dwayne delivered once again.  He had 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, a blocked shot, and to top it all off he hit the game-winning three-pointer with 13 seconds left.  Anderson remained a constant in the starting lineup for the rest of the season, and he continued to deliver every night.  Perhaps his best game of the season was on March 8 at Providence.  He had 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.  Dwayne was the key to the team’s turnaround, which is why I named him the MVP for the second half of the season.  In the end I realized why he was named a team captain.

2008-2009 Preview: Dwayne’s great play was a surprise last year, but the difference this year is that the fans and coaches will expect it from him.  He will be under more pressure because of that, but I think he will be able to handle it.  Anderson’s strengths are not in scoring, which is ok because the team is loaded with offensive weapons.  For the team to be successful, Dwayne needs to continue doing all the unheralded things he did last year such as rebounds, steals, blocks, hustle plays, and knocking down the occasional three-pointer.  As a senior captain, he will probably be in the starting five, and based on last season’s performance, he will deserve it.  Hopefully he will use his position of leadership to pass on his hardwork and unselfish attitude to the younger players on the team.

Weekly Player Evaluation: Scottie Reynolds

Player: Scottie Reynolds

2007-2008 Key Stats: 32.5 minutes, 15.9 points, 3.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 38.3 3PT%

2007-2008 Review: No Wildcat had higher expectations last season than the reigning Big East Freshmen of the year, Scottie Reynolds.  When all was said and done, he did a fantastic job handling the pressure and fulfilling those expectations.  He scored in double digits in all but six games, highlighted by a 32 point outburst at Cincinnati, a 27 points/ 9 assists game at Temple, and a 25 points/ 8 rebounds/ 5 assists game in the NCAA Tournament versus Siena.  However, Scottie did experience a fair share of struggles during the season.  As the leading scorer and the face of the team, Reynolds took a brunt of the blame for the losses during the team’s slump in the middle of the season.  He also had to adjust to being the main focus of opposing defenses.  Jay Wright tried to start Corey Fisher at point guard and move Reynolds off the ball, and it seemed to work for a while, but Scottie was more comfortable with the ball in his hands.  Once he moved back to the point, Scottie played much better and carried the team to the NCAA Tournament.

2008-2009 Preview: Scottie is expected to be the leading scorer once again this season.  He should have a better grasp of what his role is.  He will probably spend time playing point guard and shooting guard, but I suspect he will play a majority of the time at the point (with Fisher backing him up).  I project Scottie to have a slight increase in points and assists this year, possibly 18 ppg and 4 apg. At season's end he may seriously be contemplating a jump to the NBA.

Weekly Player Evaluation: Corey Stokes

Player: Corey Stokes

2007-2008 Key Stats: 6.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 88.1 FT%

2007-2008 Review: As a highly touted freshmen and McDonald’s All-American, Corey Stokes had a disappointing start to the season.  Stokes was a high school superstar, but he had difficulty adjusting to the college game.  He didn’t reach double figures in scoring until midway through the season.  In February he seemed to have figured it out, and by the end of the season he joined the starting five and was one of the best players on the team.  He averaged 12 points per game over the last twelve games, and scored a season-high 20 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament versus Siena.

2008-2009 Preview: Stokes should be a starter this season, possibly at the shooting guard or small forward position.  I will expect him to pick up right where he left off at the end of last season.  He is the best three-point shooter on the team, and with NBA range, he is one player who definitely won’t have trouble adjusting to the newly extended three-point line.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the second leading scorer on the team behind Scottie Reynolds this season.  

Weekly Player Evaluation: Casiem Drummond

Player: Casiem Drummond

2007-2008 Key Stats: 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.6 blocks, 52.4 FG%

2007-2008 Review: Casiem had a solid start to the season, and I thought it was going to be a breakout year for the young big man.  He was a beast on the glass and in the paint, averaging 8.5 rebounds and 1 block per game over the first seven games.  He had a monster game against NC State in which he grabbed 17 boards.  However, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot in early December, and was never the same since.  He played significant minutes in only six of the last twenty-seven games and had fourteen D.N.P.’s.  I think the loss of Drummond was a major cause of the slump Villanova experienced midseason.  He was the starting center and the team’s only real inside presence, and it took a while for the young Wildcats to figure out how to play without him. 

2008-2009 Preview: After the long off-season Drummond should be back to 100% this year.  He will be a key player and might begin the season as the starting center.  When healthy, Casiem is a legitimate double-double threat in points and rebounds.  At 6’10, 275 lbs. Drummond is the only true center on the team.  The team learned how to play without him last season, but I think it will be a major asset to have him on the floor because of his rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall defensive presence.  

A closer look at the schedule

Villanova opens the 2008-2009 season versus Albany at the Pavilion. Bilal Benn will make his return to the Pavilion in Villanova's opening game of the Philly Classic against Niagara. Villanova won't face a real threat until the final round of the Philly Classic when they will play either Penn State or Rhode Island. As usual the Wildcats will playfour Big 5 games, with the biggest tests coming from Temple and St. Joseph's, teams that both made the NCAA Tournament last season. The highlight of the non-conference schedule is Texas, at Madison Square Garden as a part of the Jimmy V Classic. Villanova will play a total of eighteen Big East games, with home-and-homes against Marquette, Syracuse, and Providence.

My early season prediction is that Villanova goes undefeated in non-conference play and 12-6 in the Big East to finish 25-6 on season, making their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

2008-2009 Schedule Released

2008-09 VILLANOVA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Nov. 6 (Thursday) NORTHWOOD (exh. at WS)

Nov. 14 (Friday) ALBANY

Nov. 17 (Monday) FORDHAM

Nov. 19 (Wednesday) NIAGARA (Philly Classic)

Nov. 25 (Tuesday) MONMOUTH (Philly Classic)

Nov. 28 (Friday) vs.Towson (Philly Classic at Palestra)

Nov. 29 (Saturday) vs. Penn State or Rhode Island (Philly Classic at Palestra)

Dec. 2 (Tuesday) at Penn+

Dec. 4 (Thursday) HOUSTON BAPTIST

Dec. 9 (Tuesday) vs. Texas (Madison Square Garden-ESPN)

Dec. 11 (Thursday) SAINT JOSEPH'S+ (ESPN2)

Dec. 14 (Sunday) at La Salle+

Dec. 22 (Monday) NAVY

Dec. 29 (Monday) TEMPLE+

Jan. 1 (Thursday) at Marquette* (ESPN)

Jan. 6 (Tuesday) at Seton Hall*

Jan. 10 (Saturday) LOUISVILLE*(WC - ESPN)

Jan. 18 (Sunday) ST. JOHN'S*

Jan. 21 (Wednesday) at Connecticut*(ESPN)

Jan. 24 (Saturday) at USF*

Jan. 28 (Wednesday) PITTSBURGH* (WS)

Feb. 1 (Sunday) CINCINNATI*

Feb. 4 (Wednesday) at Providence*

Feb. 7 (Saturday) SYRACUSE* (WC - ESPN)

Feb. 10(Tuesday) MARQUETTE*(ESPN2)

Feb. 13(Friday) at West Virginia*(ESPN)

Feb. 19 (Thursday) RUTGERS* (ESPN or ESPN2)

Feb. 22(Sunday) at Syracuse* (CBS)

Feb. 25 (Wednesday) at DePaul*

Feb. 28 (Saturday) GEORGETOWN*(WC-ESPN)

Mar. 2 (Monday) at Notre Dame* (ESPN)

Mar. 5 (Thursday) PROVIDENCE*(ESPN or ESPN2)

Mar. 10-14 (Tues.-Sat.) Big East Tournament (ESPN/ESPN2)

HOME GAMES IN CAPS played at The Pavilion unless otherwise noted

* Denotes BIG EAST Conference game

+ Denotes Philadelphia Big Five game

WC - Game played at Wachovia Center WS - Game played at Wachovia Spectrum

1 - Philly Classic. Early round games at the Pavilion. Nov. 28-29 at Palestra, Philadelphia, Pa.

2 - Jimmy V Classic, Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Randy Foye Interview

Here's an audio interview with Randy Foye on Timberwolves.com. Foye spent his offseason improving his point guard skills by watching tape of Tony Parker and Chris Paul. He also had very good things to say about new teammates Mike Miller and Kevin Love. Despite the team's poor record last season, Randy has high hopes for 2008-2009.

Weekly Player Evaluation: Shane Clark

Player: Shane Clark

2007-2008 Key Stats: 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 84.1 FT%

2007-2008 Review: Shane Clark probably had the most disappointing season of any Wildcat last year. He had a great start to the season scoring twenty-five points in the first game and scoring in double figures in five of the next eight contests. However, he had a drastic drop-off in production and playing time after that, failing to score in double figures for eighteen straight games. It was thought he might have been suffering from mono or some other kind of sickness, and he even sat out two games during that span. Shane rebounded somewhat towards the end of the season, finishing in double figures in four of the last seven games.

2008-2009 Preview: I have always been a Shane Clark fan, and I thought he could have been the next Curtis Sumpter because of his size, rebounding, and outside shooting. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I still think he can be a key contributor to the team. I really don’t know what to expect from Shane this season. If fully healthy and playing like he was at the beginning of last season, he may earn his starting job back. If not though, he can still be a valuable option off the bench.

New Highlight Video

Villanova Runnin' Wild
Created by: Sean Donovan
Song: Airbourne - "Runnin Wild"
Highlight Video of 2007-08 season, including post-season footage from the Big East and March Madness Tournaments.

Welcome Mouphtaou Yarou

I have no idea how to pronounce his name, but Mouphtaou Yarou has committed to Villanova. He is a highly touted recruit from the class of 2009, ranked #14 overall and #5 among power forwards. Yarou is 6'9, 210 lbs., and very athletic. He is originally from Benin in West Africa and now plays for Montrose Christian in Rockville, Maryland. He will be a teammate of fellow 2009 Villanova recruit Isaiah Armwood at Montrose Christian. Originally a soccer player, Yarou has only been playing basketball for about three years, yet he is very skilled for his size and experience. He may still be growing and is rumored to have grown two inches in less than a year after moving to America. Yarou could be the elite big man Villanova has been hoping for. He might end up being the prized recruit of an already impressive 2009 class consisting of Maalik Wayns, Isaiah Armwood, and Taylor King.

More info:
On Youtube
On Rivals
On DraftExpress
On ESPN

Weekly Player Evaluation: Frank Tchuisi

This is the start of a new feature where I will examine the performance of each player on the team last season and try to project what to expect from them this coming season. It will continue with one post each week, leading up to the 2008-2009 season. In no particular order Frank Tchuisi will be first.

Player: Frank Tchuisi

2007-2008 Key Stats: 1.4 minutes, 0.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.1 blocks

2007-2008 Review: Tchuisi saw very limited minutes last season, playing mostly during garbage time of blow-out games. He was a leader who would get in the middle of the pre-game huddle to pump up the team.

2008-2009 Preview: I don’t expect Frank to see much of an increase in playing time this year. He will continue to be a leader on the bench. In his limited time on the floor, he has shown flashes of being an athletic shot-blocker. If he can improve some other areas of his game (ball handing, basketball IQ), Villanova could use him selectively as a defensive role player off the bench.

Coach Gunning to Rockets

Brett Gunning is leaving his associate head coach position at Villanova to become the director of player development with the NBA's Houston Rockets. In one sense it's sad to see Brett go because he was an integral part of Jay Wright's coaching staff and the team's success, but it's nice to see him continue to move on to bigger and better things. Gunning has been a part of Jay Wright's staff since his Hofstra days. Brett will have his hands full in Houston as there is already tension between Yao Ming and new teammate Ron Artest.

Up Close With Kyle Lowry

Here's a video interview of Kyle Lowry with HoopsWorld at Adidas Nations.