Villanova Basketball’s “Secret Scrimmage” is a National Championship rematch

Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! Yesterday, Jeff Goodman dropped some interesting info on how the Villanova Wildcats are preparing for the upcoming season.

That’s right, it’s a rematch of the 2016 National Championship... and no one will get to see it. UNC and Villanova have butted head multiple times during Jay Wright’s tenure, often in the NCAA tournament. Clearly he’s built up a friendship with the Tar Heel’s Hall of Fame Coach, Roy Williams, in order to make this happen.

For those of you unfamiliar with the “secret scrimmage”, everybody does them. It’s a way to see how your team does when not playing eachother, but doesn’t have the formality or public viewing of an exhibition game. Behind closed doors, the coaches can stop and start games in order to try different scenarios or lineups. That’s usually why it’s important for the two coaches to be on the same page and keep things running smoothly through the stoppages.

The fact that Wright is attracting a program like UNC to come to Philly speaks volumes of how high he’s risen in the coaching rankings. Not only will this be a great team for Nova to practice against, it’s equally beneficial for the Tar Heels. The only thing that could make all this better would be if we could see it!

In other “news”, more on Villanova’s “new” stadium, LOTS of recruiting updates, and Jalen Brunson is killing it in China. Enjoy!

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels to participate in secret scrimmage | Keeping It Heel
The Tar Heels will play their secret scrimmage game against the defending NCAA Champions when they take on Villanova in October.

Wildcats Team Preview and Season Prediction 2018-19 | Athlon
An expert look at the Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team for 2018-19, along with predictions, records, stats, and a link to their schedule.

Villanova Reopens Finneran Pavilion | Arena Digest
After undergoing an extensive renovation, Finneran Pavilion was unveiled by Villanova University on Friday.

USA Basketball: Top Performers out of 2019 and 2020 classes
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - 88 of the nation's best prospects ascended on the U.S. Olympic Training Center for USA Basketball Training Camp. Who stood in 2019 and 2020?

USA Basketball: The Bossi Awards
Isaiah Stewart continues to impress.

2019 Matthew Hurt names core group of seven schools | Zagsblog
It looks like Villanova is off the list. Thanks to sayheycord for sharing!

Class of 2020 point guard Jeremy Roach to visit Duke, Villanova | Zagsblog
Roach will visit Nova on 11/3. Thanks to johne118 for sharing!

Sixers fall to Mavericks to split NBA China Games | The Morning Call
Joel Embiid scored a game-high 29 points, Markelle Fultz struggled with six and T.J. McConnell came off the bench to score eight as the Sixers fell to the Dallas Mavericks 115-112 Monday to split the NBA China Games. Brunson has looked good through two games.