2016 Villanova Basketball Preview: Tim Delaney

Hometown: Mullica Hill, New Jersey

High School: Pitman H.S./ Blair Academy

Height: 6'8 1/2"

Weight: 235

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About a month prior to the start of the 2015-16 basketball season, it was announced Tim Delaney would undergo surgery for a torn labrum in his left hip. In mid January, news came out that Delaney had surgery once again, this time on his right hip and it was confirmed he would sit out his freshman season. Delaney got a redshirt, and still has all fours of eligibility left.

There has been a lot of chatter of when, or if, Delaney would be healthy and ready to go. Based on the Spain trip, and other open practices that time is nearing.

We didn't see all that much of Delaney in Spain, but him getting on the court at all was a huge positive. Couple that with the appearance he made in the Blue/White game and it seems as if his hips are close to, if not at, 100%.

Due to Omari Spellman having to sit out the 2016-17 campaign, Delaney's health becomes much more prominent. Darryl Reynolds is the starter at the '5', but after that things get a little murky. Kris Jenkins will start at the '4' and Eric Paschall will likely get time at both the '4' and '5'. Mikal Bridges will also play the '4', adding more depth to the frontcourt.

Thanks to the crowded rotation, Delaney will likely be competing with Dylan Painter to become an important part of the 'Cats lineup. Delaney is a stretch '4', with a very solid shot and a decent rebounder who isn't afraid to go up for the ball, much of the same qualities Painter has. Who becomes more of an integral part of the 'Cats 2016-17 season will come down to who grasps the defense the best and how much the injuries slow Delaney down.

Best Case Scenario: Delaney is eased into the lineup and slowly but surely is back up to game speed. By late January/February he's playing a role similar to Darryl Reynolds last year but with less minutes due to jam in front of him. His defense and rebounding are solid and he helps stretch the floor on offense.

Worst Case Scenario: The surgeries take their toll as Delaney struggles to get back up to game speed. We see more of Painter and small ball with Paschall at the '5'.

The Wisdom of Crowds Returns

We are pleased to bring back our Wisdom of Crowds experiment for the 2016-2017 season. In this series, we ask that you consider the points covered in our player preview to supplement your own personal insights and instincts to predict the points per game each scholarship player on the roster we score in the upcoming season.