Predicting Villanova Basketball’s Awards

Happy Friday Nova Nation! Nothing that inspired an opening in today’s links, so instead I took inspiration from next weeks ESPYs. With the sports awards right around the corner, I got to thinking who could win the Villanova Basketball awards at the end of this year. So without further ado, here are my picks for the Villanova awards:

Villanova Basketball Award - Phil Booth. This award is THE prize of the basketball awards ceremony. While Booth may not end the season as the leading scorer or the top prospect on the team, he could certainly be the most important to the teams ability to grow together and succeed.

Most Outstanding Player - Eric Paschall. The big man started showing his full potential towards the last of last season, breaking out in the Kansas game. Paschall could end up as the leading scorer next season, as well as the anchor of the defense. He’ll be a huge reason whether Villanova flys or falls this year.

Villanova Attitude Award - Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree and Jahvon Quinerly. DCR had several highs and lows last season, but through it all he kept his head up and stayed with the team’s mantra. There’s a lot of talk about him being the leading candidate to step into the starting lineup after Spellman’s departure. If he’s going to be successful, attitude will be a big part of it.

Quinerly will have a ton of obstacles facing him as he starts his freshman year. He’ll be asked to be a leader on the floor, adopt the culture of Villanova Basketball, and adjust to the next level very quickly. The good news is he’s capable of all that and more. If Quinerly can achieve all his goals in his rookie campaign, he’ll surely be a candidate for this award.

Jake Nevin Award - Joe Cremo and Colin Gillespie. The Jake Nevin award goes to the player(s) that set a great example for their teammates. Last year Phil Booth and Donte DiVincenzo both won the award, and I think we’re looking at another example of that.

Cremo, despite being new, is going to be a senior on this team. Wright will look to him to take on some leadership responsibilities and set an example for what will be a very young core behind him. Gillespie has a good shot at stepping into the “6th man” role this season, and that has its own responsibilities like leading by example. I think both players will be up to the task and the award will be shared for a second straight season.

Paul Arizin Award - Jermaine Samuels. Samuels had a rough start last season, and then just as he started to be getting his sea legs he fell victim to the great broken hand plague of last season. Now with that year behind him and a chance to make a jump, he’s got a great opportunity to take on a bigger role this year. I think he’s up for the challenge.

Who would you pick for the Villanova Basketball Awards? In other “news”, the Big East and Big 12 are still in talks, early season tournament brackets are out, and more recruiting coverage. Enjoy!

Big East challenge would be great for Big 12 basketball | News OK
In lieu of going to 20 conference games, Big 12 basketball is considering a challenge series with another conference.

Ultimate guide to early season tournaments | ESPN
From the Champions Classic to the Jimmy V Classic, keep track of where your team will be playing in the 2018-19 season's early tournaments.

Biggest Offseason Priority for 2018's Final Four Teams | 12up
Villanova needs to recover from the loss of their core four.

Five-star Bryan Antoine discusses where leaders stand - Rivals
Jay Wright has built quite the relationship with the Antoine family.

Duke Recruiting: Isaiah Stewart Update | Duke Basketball Report
Big man is ready to cut his list again.