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Happy Monday Nova Nation! It was a mixed bag for Wildcat fans on campus over the weekend. We got our first real-ish taste of Nova Basketball with the Blue/White Scrimmage. Unfortunately that was followed by Villanova Football getting shut out for their third straight loss as they continue to deal with a string of injuries. But for those of you who follow recruiting closely, your attention may have been off campus.
A lot of big names in the 2019 and 2020 classes that Villanova is courting were off visiting other schools this weekend. Isaiah Stewart was up at his “hometown” school of Syracuse. Another 2019 big man, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, was out at Arizona and seen hanging with former Villanova target Nico Mannion, who already declared for the other Wildcats. 2020 target Jeremy Roach was down visiting the Blue Devils over the weekend as well.
The week after a recruit visits another big school is always a little pins and needles for those who follow it. Especially if they haven’t been to your school yet. There’s always the danger that they forego any other visits and just commit on the spot. Just this off-season we’ve seen that work in Nova’s favor (see Bryan Antoine) and against them (see Reid Travis).
On one hand, if the recruit already had their mind made up it may be a good thing that they don’t waste other coaching staff’s time by continuing their recruitment. On the other hand, I have to imagine that a Jay Wright recruiting pitch, especially after two titles, is a hard thing not to be swayed by. Personally, I’d always want coach to get a guy on campus. While most times a recruit ends up going where everyone expects them to, sometimes you never know.
In other “news”, Villanova looks like a Top 10 team, updates on a few NBA Wildcats, and Emma Decker is on pace to record the most assists in a Villanova Women’s Volleyball career. Enjoy!
Isaiah Stewart Officially Visiting Syracuse This Weekend | Cuse Nation
Syracuse will host one of their top 2019 targets for an official visit this weekend.
Stats & Player Evals from Blue/White Scrimmage | Patreon ($)
CoBL has an extensive recap if you are looking for more thoughts from Saturday’s scrimmage.
Visitor Profile: '20 PG Jeremy Roach | The Devil's Den
Five star point guard prospect will be on campus this weekend and has already been offered a scholarship.
Duke Basketball: Cole Anthony's latest tweet keeps fans on edge of seat | Ball Durham
Five-star combo guard and Duke basketball target Cole Anthony teased teams by tweeting Friday that he cut his list but did not reveal which schools remain.
Weekend Visitor Report: October 12 | 247 Sports
Key visit weekends are taking place at Kentucky, Arizona, Oregon, Auburn and other places this weekend.
Takeaway’s from Today’s Blue/White Scrimmage | The Villanovan
The banners have been raised. The rings have been distributed. The choreographed dance has been performed. The newly renovated Finneran Pavilion is back open for business following Hoops Mania.
Villanova Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wildcats | Busting Brackets
The reigning national champions lost a substantial amount of talent this offseason but Villanova basketball still looks poised for another strong season.
College Basketball’s Impact Freshmen | NBC Sports
There are some big names, but this is not a great freshman class. Jahvon Quinerly falls under the “Five Potential Trae Youngs” category.
Dick Vitale’s preseason Top 40 | ESPN
Dick Vitale expects Bill Self to have another strong Kansas team, especially with the return of Udoka Azubuike. How strong? The Jayhawks top Vitale’s preseason top 40.
Depleted Villanova gets blown out, 37-0, by James Madison | The Inquirer
The Wildcats give up back-to-back punt returns for touchdowns and lose third straight.
The good, the bad and the ugly of JMU vs. Villanova | The Breeze
Sports editor Catie Harper provides the good, the bad and the ugly of the first half of JMU football vs. Villanova.
Josh Hart says he’s in ‘gray area’ between Lakers young core, vets | Silver Screen and Roll
Josh Hart says he doesn’t know where he belongs on this Lakers team, but does it really matter?
The definitive 'A Star is Born' NBA power rankings | FanSided
Lady Gaga just hit the big screen and turned our world upside down. Which NBA player has the best chance to do the same this season? Big surprise, it's Josh Hart.
Ryan Arcidiacono survives hard knocks of Bulls training camp to win roster spot — for now | Chicago Tribune
Gritty guard Ryan Arcidiacono has snagged the Bulls' 15th roster spot — for now. The team signed Tyler Ulis off waivers, and he might compete with Arcidiacono for a backup point guard spot.
Nova’s Emma Decker Distributes 3,000th-Career Assist | Volley Mob
Villanova junior Emma Decker surpassed the 3,000-career assists mark on Saturday in her team’s loss to 10th-ranked Creighton in 4 sets at home inside Jae Nevin Field House. The 6-3 setter distributed 42 assists against the Bluejays to raise her career total to 3,020, which ranks 6th in Wildcat volleyball history.
Residents decry bright Villanova University stadium lights | Mainlinetimes
RADNOR — The Radnor Township manager, community development official and solicitor promised to craft a new ordinance to deal with light pollution for the Board of Commissioners to consider. Apparently blinds are for the weak.
Auburn transfer Mustapha Heron ruled eligible to immediately play at St. John’s | NBC Sports
Auburn transfer Mustapha Heron is immediately eligible to play at St. John's this season, making the Red Storm an intriguing potential NCAA tournament team.