Villanova Scouting Report

[Donyell 360]

Smith had some really good outings prior to the Christmas break, especially in the dime column. But coach seems to have really limited hus minutes since the start of January.

Even when Smith was playing 20+ minutes and showcasing an impressive assist to TO ratio, there was something about his game that made me uncomfortable. Too often the offense seems to stagnate when he held the ball. Maybe that isn't his fault but for whatever reason it just looks awkward when he is in charge. Hopefully he can recapture the swagger he showed with that eurostep against Florida at MSG. We will need him at some point.

 

[Donyell 360]

But you’re ok with your SG @ 27%??? 😉

27.5

 

[Donyell 360]

True, but does it deserve it's own thread? It's a subtopic comes up, is it that thread egregious to carry on a mildly relative side topic?

If Tarris does his job tomorrow, we don't let Lindsey torch us, we win by double digits.

And it is relevant because we will be watching Lewis play tomorrow.

 

[Donyell 360]

Trouble is how few go in for us ...

Silas
Ball
Mullins

Did I miss anyone? I'm really being generous including Mullins but with his shot making ability, he is dangerous even when he doesn't make it all the way to the rim.

Edit: I interpreted "go in" as drive the ball into the paint. But you may have meant "shots go in" I think there are other guys who if they get paint touches can finish near the basket, but getting there is the real problem.

 

[Lafayette]

Tarris often and early - I mean unless we get a wide open 3 from AK or Mullins we know they are weak at the 5. I don’t think Brennan can guard Reibe either.

We are taller at the guard spots as well so we might do a Purdue defense and just let Brennan beat Tarris which plays to our strength.

 

[HooperScooper]

Tarris often and early - I mean unless we get a wide open 3 from AK or Mullins we know they are weak at the 5. I don’t think Brennan can guard Reibe either.

We are taller at the guard spots as well so we might do a Purdue defense and just let Brennan beat Tarris which plays to our strength.

All I know is that we are not losing to a guy whose first name is Duke. Hope Reed torches him.

 

[CTBasketball]

I disagree with this.

There's a lot to like about Lewis, but I cannot be on board with any point guard shooting 26% from three.

He’s probably going to win Big East ROY. He’s a good player.

 

[RuffRuff]

He’s probably going to win Big East ROY. He’s a good player.

PG for third place big east team slapped together overnight.

 

[Tyler2Rings]

Game makes me nervous but hopefully they do to Nova what they used to do to UConn during the dark days. There is a 80-60 type game etched in my mind from years ago.

Nova is not 2018 UConn... Will be a high level game

 

[superjohn]

A - he wasn't a 5 star, he was a 4 star. He was generally in that 35 range.
B - if the kid was afforded 15-20 minutes, and had the chance to win a title, who knows. He certainly wasn't coming here with Smith here. You're probably right no this one, just saying he would have been a nice get to season up as a future PG, a position we have a hard time with. I guess we can always portal him over......

Oh cool, point guard is now a position we have a hard time with.

You've said Silas is easily our MVP. Tristen was first team All-American, RJ was first team All-Big East.

Last season was our only struggle with the position because Mahaney didn't pan out and Hass was playing hurt.

 

[RuffRuff]

Oh cool, point guard is now a position we have a hard time with.

You've said Silas is easily our MVP. Tristen was first team All-American, RJ was first team All-Big East.

Last season was our only struggle with the position because Mahaney didn't pan out and Hass was playing hurt.

It's pavlovs dog at this point. Why is it that big a deal that I say he could have been a nice long term get at PG? Who said we have a hard time with PG? I said he could have been a nice get instead of Malachi as a talented frosh, since he was on the short list. He's a really good player. I said nothing about Silas, he's awesome.

 

[gsmooth]

I love Alec Millender channeling his inner Rick Flair in this

This is very important. Home fans at UConn games have been neutered by the 6 titles and they resemble the wine and cheese crowd. A loud raucous crowd can effect the games and officiating in UConn's favor. Look no further than 4 years ago in 2022 when Hurley got ejected with 5 minutes remaining in the first half. The fans were so incensed with anger and so loud every 50-50 call after Hurley's ejection went UConn's way and they pulled the upset against a better Villanova team that eventually advanced to the Final Four.

 

[gsmooth]

I can't tell you how much of a relief it is to be actively discussing college hoops and enjoying it immensely after the past 3 years. Crap I can hardly wait til selection Sunday. Which had always been one of my top 3 days I looked forward to each year.

Yeah, us UConn fans were hoping your Nova team would get out of the no man's land of Neptune the last 3 years. Welcome back and best of luck except for the 2 games Nova plays UConn.