/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65381136/Nova_Mug.0.jpeg)
Happy Thursday Nova Nation! In nearly 100 years of basketball, the Villanova Wildcats have faced off against 268 different opponents. That number could grow this year as Villanova has three potential opponents in the Myrtle Beach Invitational that they’ve never faced: Baylor, Utah, and Coastal Carolina.
If Villanova makes it to the Championship game, there’s a good chance they’d face either Baylor or Utah. But it got me thinking, what other schools Villanova has yet to play? Here are the five power conference schools Villanova hasn’t faced.
Baylor - The Baylor Bears are Villanova’s most likely opponent should they make it to the Championship of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. Baylor will likely be ranked to start the season, and would be an excellent addition to this year’s schedule.
Northwestern - A school known more for its academics than its athletics, the Northwestern Wildcats are based out of Chicago. With the Big East having so many other schools in and around the Windy City, maybe Villanova could schedule them the next time they head out to face DePaul.
TCU - The Horned Frogs may never have faced Villanova before, but their coach sure has. Jamie Dixon holds the longest active win streak against Jay Wright, beating him in their last 6 meetings while he was at Pitt and a member of the Big East.
Texas A&M - Another former Big East coach, Buzz Williams, heads the Aggies now. Villanova has been doing some recruiting down in Texas lately, and as they grow their national footprint a home and home with an A&M program that’s on the rise could be beneficial to both schools.
Utah - Another school that could end up on this year’s calendar, Utah is the only PAC-12 school that has yet to play Villanova.
I leave it to you Nova Nation, who would you want to see show up next on Villanova’s schedule?
Poll
Which New Opponent Should Villanova Schedule?
This poll is closed
-
25%
Baylor
-
25%
Northwestern
-
13%
TCU
-
27%
Texas A&M
-
7%
Utah
In other “news”, Big East updates, Villanova has another secret scrimmage with UNC, and former Wildcats in the NBA prepare for a new season. Enjoy!
Villanova Basketball
The 33 best non-conference games in college basketball in 2019-2020 | NBC Sports
Set your DVR now!
College basketball national champions: Ranking best of 2010s | SI.com
There have been 10 national champions since 2010. How do they stack up when compared to each other?
Per Jeff Goodman: 2019 ACC Basketball "Secret" Scrimmages | ACCSports.com
From College Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman — a look at the "secret" preseason ACC Basketball scrimmages for the 2019-20 season, including UNC vs. Nova
Big East
Why Andre Jackson chose Connecticut over Syracuse basketball | syracuse.com
The Albany Academy senior had been courted by SU coaches for a couple years.
2019-20 NCAA Preview: Top Big East Storylines | Def Pen
Def Pen continues its NCAA basketball preview this week with a focus on the Big East. As a conference, the Big East underachieved but looks to improve.
After Texas Tech, what is the next program to go from off-the-map to powerhouse? | NBC Sports
These are the seven programs that will thrive in the coming years.
NBA Wildcats
Kyle Lowry hasn’t been cleared to practise yet, but the Raptors aren’t worried | The Star
Point guard will be playing soon, coach Nurse says, and he should be able to catch up quickly.
Phoenix Suns' Kelly Oubre Jr., Mikal Bridges sidelined again at camp | AZ Central
Suns wings Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mikal Bridges are both sidelined with injuries on Day 2 of training camp in Flagstaff.
Atlanta Hawks: Omari Spellman Talks About Being Traded | Soaring Down South
Omari Spellman, the former #30 overall pick of the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft, talks about getting traded after only one season.
2019 Rookie Scale Rankings: No. 29 Golden State Warriors | The Athletic
Sam Vecenie breaks down the Warriors organization, ranking their young talent and examining the impact those players could have in the NBA.
Bucks' Donte DiVincenzo playing well after long rehabilitation | Journal Sentinel
This may be his first time practicing at the UW, but there's an element of déjà vu to the start of training camp for Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo.
Villanova Football
No. 8 Villanova heads to William & Mary Saturday | KYW
The No. 8 Villanova Wildcats will bring a 5-0 record down to Virginia this weekend for a road Colonial Athletic Association game at the College of William and Mary.
Brake-etology: Keith Brake's Preliminary Top Eight Seeds | Bison Report
As Missouri Valley play begins this week, what does the seeding picture in the FCS look like?
The FCS Playoffs are what make the subdivision unique from the
Villanova Athletics
Wildcats Hosting Villanova Classic This Weekend | Villanova University Athletics
The Wildcats are back at home after two successful road trips the last two weekends. Last weekend, the team swept UConn in singles play and Quinnipiac in doubles.
Women’s Soccer Set to Host Georgetown Thursday, Travels to Butler Sunday | Villanova University Athletics
The Villanova Wildcats (5-3-2, 1-0 BIG EAST) will continue BIG EAST play this week against the 2018 BIG EAST Champions, the Georgetown Hoyas, on Thursday at Higgins Soccer Complex. On Sunday the Wildcats will travel to the Butler Bulldogs for a 1:00 P.M. kickoff in Indianapolis.
Wildcats take on BIG EAST Rival Providence at Home on Friday | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova (3-5, 0-2) is looking to turn around a four-game losing streak on Friday against BIG EAST rival Providence and earn its first conference victory of the
College Basketball
Zion Williamson leads college basketball All Decade team | SI.com
These five players shined the brightest in college hoops over the last 10 seasons and left an indelible mark on the sport.
SB 206: 9 potential impacts of pay-for-play changes | Yahoo! Sports
What comes next in college sports is anyone’s guess, but the 'slippery slope' Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany ranted about Wednesday is already here. Here are a few perhaps unexpected possibilities of what's to come.
UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett receives Nell and John Wooden Excellence in Coaching Award | WTKR.com
Virginia head coach Tony Bennett was recognized with the Nell and John Wooden Excellence in Coaching Award on Wednesday. Bennett led Virginia to its first-ever NCAA Championship in 2019 as the Cavaliers amassed a school-record 35 wins and claimed a share of its ninth ACC regular-season title.
IOWA QUOTEBOOK: Palestra Game Will Be Special For McCaffery | SI
Coach grew up in Philadelphia, and played in legendary arena.