This year started off great for the Villanova men's basketball team. They were consistently ranked in the top ten all season, but on February 8th, something truly amazing happened. The Associated Press released the top 25 rankings, and for the first time in program history, Villanova was ranked #1. They kept their number one ranking for another week, after winning against DePaul, Saint John's, and Temple. Now that the season is coming to a close and the Big East tournament is drawing near, here are 11 reasons why Villanova will be lifting the National Championship trophy on April 4th.
1. Ryan Arcidiacono
Ryan has been averaging 12 points a game, but he has done so much more for the team than just score. He also averages 4 assists a game, and always manages a handful of steals. It is the end of an amazing career at Villanova, and you know he is expecting nothing less than winning it all in his final year.
2. Daniel Ochefu
Ochefu has had some monster games this season. His 20 point, 18 rebound performance against Seton Hall, and recent 25 point game against Saint John's, showed how he can take over a game. He grabs rebounds every game, and has had 10 games with 10 or more rebounds this year. Expect him to dominate during the postseason.
3. Josh Hart
Josh has definitely been the best player on the team this year. He is averaging just about 15 points a game, and has had only 2 games where he scored less than 10 points. He has a huge impact on every game, and will be the key to a deep run in the tournament. Don't be surprised when he wins the Big East tournament's most valuable player.
4. Jalen Brunson
Jalen could be one of the most underrated freshmen in college basketball this year. Last week's game against Temple, where he scored 25 points and made 9 out of 11 shots, showed what kind of performance he is capable of having. If he continues to have these kinds of games, the freshman could be leading us deep into March Madness.
5. Kris Jenkins
Jenkins is averaging 11 points a game, and always adds a good amount of rebounds and assists. He is capable of knocking down threes, playing in the paint, and is a great defender. He has been on fire as of late, and if he keeps the streak going, they will be tough to beat.
6. Phil Booth
Booooth. While Booth is not a starter, he always plays a vital role in games coming in off the bench. He can grab tough rebounds, put up points when needed, and is a nightmare on defense. The key to a deep run in the tournament is a strong bench, and Booth always has an impact when he comes into a game.
I could not find a gif of that nasty crossover, but here's the link.
7. Darryl Reynolds
Like Booth, Reynolds is not a starter, but plays a huge role coming in off the bench. He played exceptionally well when Ochefu was out injured, and had 19 points and 10 rebounds in Villanova's key victory against Providence. He is a great big man, and is part of the strong bench Villanova has that will lead them in the tournament.
8. Mikal Bridges
Bridges is an all-around player, capable of doing a little bit of everything. Every game he can get points, rebounds, and steals. The trio of Booth, Reynolds, and Bridges will play a key role in the post-season, and will be the difference in a deep run in the tournament.
9. Henry Lowe
Yes, I know he has less than 20 total minutes this season. Yes, I know he has not scored this season. But it's Henry. If they find themselves losing in the last few minutes of a tight game, Henry is capable of giving one of those speeches that will go in the history books as being one of the greatest speeches in sports history. Henry Lowe will lead us to the promised land.
10. The bench mob
Villanova has arguably one of the best benches in college basketball. Sure, they really only play when we are winning by more than 20. But the loudest cheer from the fan section is when Jay gives them the nod, and the bench mob comes in the game to wreck havoc. I am interested to see what kind of celebrations the freshman Donte DiVincenzo can add to the arsenal.
11. Jay Wright
Who could forget the best-dressed coach in college basketball? Armed with a stellar lineup and wide variety of suits, Jay is looking to bring home the trophy for the first time since 1985. The pinstripes will not let us down.
