2011 Villanova Basketball Preview: Dallas Ouano & Nick McMahon

Welcome to the beginning of our 2011 Villanova basketball season preview. We're going to be previewing a player per day from here on out - which will take us right up to the first exhibition game against New York Tech. First up, the walk-ons - Dallas Ouano & Nick McMahon.

When we think about the makeup of our beloved Villanova Wildcats, we get very caught up in the big-names - and not just when they're on campus, but even before they arrive from high school. For as big as Allan Ray and Randy Foye were during their time, we were perhaps equally excited by the names Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher, and Corey Stokes.

Sometimes we forget the guys who aren't in the spotlight. The guys who are pushing our stars to the brink in practice every day, and the guys who never stop offering up encouragement even when we're getting run out of the gym.

This year, the team will look to both Dallas Ouano and Nick McMahon. More on each after The Jump.

Ouano hails from the Jersey Shore, and plied his trade at powerhouse Christian Brothers Academy in high school where he played against current teammate Dominic Cheek, who starred at St. Anthony's. Standing 6'0" and 180 lbs., Ouano came to Villanova as a preferred walk-on and joined the team as a practice player during the 2009-2010 season.

The next year, he claimed a roster spot on Jay Wright's squad, appearing in 3 games and registering a total of 9 minutes. Sticking true to the walk-on role, he was only needed in emergency situations and in garbage time when Villanova was up big.

Sadly, Dallas Ouano suffered a knee injury during camp this year, and underwent successful surgery in early September for a torn medial meniscus ligament in his right knee. Yet to score in his career, he's a lock to be a fan favorite when he returns to action later in the year.

Nick McMahon has joined the Villanova roster after spending the previous year as a practice squad player. He's taken the same route into a Villanova uniform as Dallas Ouano has, and it may be no surprise that the Colts Neck, NJ native also attended Christian Brothers Academy, winning back to back conference championships in his junior and senior year.

With the injury to Ouano, McMahon is now the Wildcats lone healthy walk-on member of the team. At 6'0 165 lbs., McMahon will likely be the emergency ballhandler should the rapture happen and all three of Maalik Wayns, Tyrone Johnson and Darrun Hilliard run into trouble during a game.

When we're back on Monday, we dive into the freshman crop. First, we'll preview Achraf Yacoubou.