It appears that the days of the tough, gritty, Villanova Wildcats may be gone (for this year at least). Remember when we had that never say die attitude? Remember when our seniors stepped up and CARRIED the team through a BIG EAST war? Yeah, that doesn't exist anymore.
Some of this is frustration in the moment, but more of it is a season-long problem that has finally made me snap. When I was at Villanova, we were the underdog. We got shown no respect, and we played like it. This team? They look like they really believe they are entitled to win each game. They play with not fire, with no heart.
More after the jump...
The 2005-2006 teams would be ashamed. The 2009 team would be appalled, because these same players actually helped them achieve Villanova history. There was none of that to be seen today, maybe save Corey Stokes, who FINALLY looks like he is ready to step up.
Darius Johnson-Odom (yeah, who?) set himself a career high with 24 points. Lazar Hayward added 20. David Cubillan had 17. I'm sick to my stomach.
Right now, we all have to pull back our expectations for this team in the NCAA Tournament. 3 weeks ago we were fighting for a 1-seed. Right now we're looking down the barrel of a 4. And we probably deserve a 5 if we take into account how we're actually playing at the moment.
Scottie Reynolds, God love him, is not a great leader it seems. Reggie Redding we knew was not. Those are our seniors. Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes were great as role players last year, but they haven't made the leap to be leaders yet. And then everyone else is young. That's not the recipe for a team looking to make it back to the Final Four.
Hell, at this point, I'd be happy with the Sweet Sixteen.
Going into hibernation until Selection Sunday.