2018-2019 Villanova Basketball Player Preview: Tim Delaney

VU Hoops will be kicking off the 2018-19 Villanova Basketball season with an entire month of team coverage. Check in every day for new player previews, schedule breakdowns, team analysis, event recaps, and season predictions as we get closer to the first tip-off of the year!

After three hip surgeries and one fully healthy season behind him, Tim Delaney is ready for the 2018-2019 season to begin. With 49 minutes in 22 game appearances, Delaney has settled into a relief role at the end of the bench. But his understanding of Jay Wright’s system and experience with two National Championship teams may be more valuable than any game time he sees with these young Wildcats.

Profile and Stats: Tim Delaney (RS JR)

Hometown: Mullica Hill, NJ | High School: Pitman/Blair Academy | Height: 6’9” | Weight: 230

Player Preview

From the humble leadership of Ryan Arcidiacano to the composure of Jalen Brunson, Delaney has learned a lot from the great players that came through Villanova’s basketball program. Following the examples set by the likes of Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Donte DiVincenzo, the seasoned backup knows what it means to play 40 minutes of Villanova basketball . Through each season Delaney has grown, and now in 2018 has put himself in a unique position to be a leader on this time.

Rather than worrying about how many points he may score or what games he will see action in, Delaney is looking forward to another season of teaching and learning. Injuries, although daunting and unavoidable, have shown that Delaney has the grit and determination required to overcome his obstacles. He never gave up, even with three surgeries, and this shows in his character.

It’s that character that Jay Wright is hoping to instill in the newest Villanova Wildcats. With four members of the freshman class being added to the squad, Delaney’s advanced knowledge of the game and the team will be of great help to these young guys. Jay Wright values leadership from players like Tim Delaney that embody it even when they’re not on the court.

Villanova Basketball is not just successful because of their winning record. Rather, they reap success through the commitment of each and every one of its players. From the leading scorer to the newest walk-on, each player is essential to the success of the team. That’s why Delaney’s role as a red-shirt junior will be interesting to follow this season.

With only two years left of eligibility, Delaney has much to prove, and much more to give to those around him.

Best Case Scenario

Delaney continues to show physical improvement, and takes on a backup role with the team. If ever there’s foul trouble or Wright wants to keep players fresh, Delaney can come in and eat up minutes without being prone to “rookie mistakes” like some of his younger teammates. Those same skills have him first off the bench when the game is in hand and Wright needs a senior leader to run out the clock.

Worst Case Scenario

Delaney is put onto the bench for yet another season. The addition of the new class, including Quinerly, Slater, Swider, and Bey need the time he’d normally eat up at the end of games to acclimate to the speed of college basketball. But no matter what, Delaney will be able to have influence from the bench and in practice.

Wisdom of the Crowds

We are pleased to bring back our Wisdom of Crowds experiment for the 2018-2019 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 player on the roster we score in the upcoming season.