Mikal Bridges is producing for the Suns

Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! Last night, on behalf of Villanova fans everywhere, I drove down to South Philly for the 76ers game. I wasn’t there to watch the game, I was there on a mission: re-recruit Mikal Bridges to join the Villanova Wildcats.

Bridges was in town with the Phoenix Suns, and despite him now having earned a starting spot with his team, I knew I had to plead my case. I told him his old team was in a rut and could really use his skill and leadership right about now. I explained to him that we had an open scholarship and how the Nova Nation would welcome him back with open arms. But even with my well layed out plan, it was as if the draw of NBA stardom had drowned out my pleas for him to return.

That or it was the crowd groaning as Bridges picked off a pass and sprinted down the court for a dunk. I’ll admit it’s possible that Mikal didn’t hear any of my ramblings from up high in section 207A, especially since it was in the middle of his first game in the Wells Fargo Center as an NBA player. But still, I want you all to know that I tried.

Bridges is now the third Villanovan taken in the 2018 NBA Draft to start for their team. All four rookies, which also includes Donte DiVincenzo, Omari Spellman, and Jalen Brunson, have proved to be great investments. I’m still upset that Bridges wasn’t starting for the Sixers last night, but as you’ll read in today’s links he’s used the mantra he learned in college to set himself up for success regardless of who he plays for. Attitude.

In other “news”, it’s feast week, get to know Omari Spellman’s sister, and Brian Bowen is suing Adidas. Enjoy!

(Quick note, I’m trying out a new format with the links by adding section titles. This way, if there’s something you’d rather not waste time clicking on you can just move on by. Let me know what you think in the comments below)

Mikal Bridges

What a long, strange return trip it's been for Mikal Bridges | delcotimes.com
For about an hour last June, back when his team was still content to build a winner with the highest possible draft choices, Brett Brown was certain he had his next great small forward.

Euphoria, then shock, then excitement: Inside Mikal Bridges’ wild NBA Draft night | The Athletic
Bridges and his loved ones look back on the night that turned from "fairy tale" to surprise, when he was drafted by the hometown Philadelphia 76ers then traded to the Phoenix Suns.

AP Poll

College basketball rankings: Michigan rises in new top 25 | SI.com
Several Big Ten teams (and an ACC squad) made statements as the back half of our college hoops power rankings saw a big shakeup.

Hoop Thoughts: The Big Ten’s big week, why Izzo is wrong, Nova’s woes, my Top 25 and lots more | The Athletic
Preseason projections are a paradise of postulations that produce a plethora of premature...

Furman Loss

City 6 observations start at Villanova and its historically ugly week | The Inquirer
Also, St. Joseph's forward Taylor Funk heated up and Penn's defense is again for real.

Furman basketball believes it is onto something special | Greenville News
The Paladins are 5-0 after victories against two teams that reached the Final Four in March.

Advocare Invitational

Big East Basketball What To Watch: Week Three | Anonymous Eagle
There’s a lot of early season tournament action this week, plus a couple of very interesting non-tourney contests, too.

Thanksgiving Week College Basketball Tournament Previews | Basketball Society
College Basketball is heating up this Thanksgiving week with some great tournaments and our Pat McMahon breaks down the best match-ups.

Feast Week will fill your holiday with hoops | ESPN
Can Villanova get untracked? How good is the Big Ten? Holiday tournaments could provide some answers.

Behind the Scenes: Best Players in the 2018 Advocare Invitational | MFST
We are days away from one of the best early season college basketball tournaments, the 2018 Advocare Invitational. This year, MFST will be live from the tournament as Dan Schalk and Brandon Reid are heading south for Thanksgiving to take in this loaded field. Below are the best players on each team in the field.

Villanova Basketball Adjacent

Michigan State recruit Taiyier Parks surrounded by talent from the start | ESPNW
One brother plays for the Hawks, the other plays for the Owls. Taiyier Parks chooses Michigan State, and she's still surrounded by talent.

Other College Basketball Stuff

Brian Bowen sues Adidas, associates over corruption scandal | NBC Sports
Bowen is currently playing in Australia.