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Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! Chris has taken a significant portion of the VUHoops budget in order to grab some 2019 Villanova futures in Vegas this week, so Uncle Brendan steps in for a second day of links. And just in time for brunch!
Today my attention was grabbed by an LA Times article that does a great job of startling both sides of the “rest vs rust” argument, focusing on the ACC. They talk about how the ACC tournament champions haven’t fared well in the NCAA tournament. Awww, poor ACC! But when looking at the sport as a whole (Spoiler Alert!) it turns out the best teams usually end up doing the best in the NCAA tournament. Who would have guessed!?!?
But it did get me thinking about Villanova and how their conference tournament success (or failure) has lead into the NCAA tournament. Jay Wright’s teams were unable to make the BET Championship game in his first 13 seasons as head coach. During that time they had 9 NCAA Tournament appearances, 4 Sweet 16’s, 2 Elite 8’s, and a Final Four. Not too shabby. But during the last 4 seasons, Villanova has made the BET Championship every year, winning three of them. In that same time, they’ve won two NCAA titles and been eliminated in the 2nd round twice. So what does it all mean?
It means that if your team is good enough to make your conference championship, they have a better chance of a deep run in the tournament. But there are no guarantees. There are so many other factors that play into this that trying to base it on just one is simply crazy. Just because you’re more likely to find success, doesn’t mean it will happen. Just ask Virginia. That said, Villanova’s last two national championships came after playing on Saturday in Madison Square Garden. I’d like to keep that streak going.
In other “news”, Bridges and Brunson could both be Sixers, other schools can learn from Nova, the Big East is losing a lot of big names, and both basketball teams had great seasons for the Wildcats.
Do conference hoops tournaments hinder NCAA preparation? | LA Times
In the last 25 years, 58 of 100 Final Four teams played in their conference tournament championship game. Forty-three won their league title, while 15 finished second.
2018 NBA mock draft - Update | ESPN ($)
Which teams will land the best prospects in the 2018 NBA draft? Jonathan Givony breaks down the new picks in both rounds.
Lessons Learned from Watching the National Championship | State of The U
What can the Canes take from Villanova’s run to create success in Coral Gables?
Creighton guard Khyri Thomas declares for NBA draft, won't hire agent | omaha.com
Creighton's Khyri Thomas has declared for the NBA draft but the junior guard will not hire an agent, leaving the option open for him to return to CU for his senior season.
St. Johns transfer Tariq Owens commits to Texas Tech | Viva The Matadors
Coach Beard never sleeps.
Villanova Ranked No. 42 in Latest Learfield Directors Cup Standings | Villanova.com
Updated standings for the Learfield Directors’ Cup were released this week following the conclusion of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons. Fresh off winning its second NCAA men’s basketball title in the last three seasons, and coming off strong NCAA performances by the women’s basketball and indoor track & field teams, Villanova surged to No. 42 in the latest rankings.
Lawsuit alleges three Michigan State players raped woman in 2015 | NBC Sports
A lawsuit alleges that three Michigan State men's basketball players raped a woman in 2015 and the school didn't offer the proper solutions to help her.