Villanova Basketball 2019-2020 Player Preview: Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree

VUHoops continues our coverage of Villanova Basketball’s 100th Season by previewing the entire Wildcat roster. Be sure to check out all of our coverage including Top 10’s, event coverage, and schedule previews. Check back over the coming weeks as we begin the celebration of 100 years of Villanova Basketball!

Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree (Junior)

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

High School: Neumann-Goretti

Height: 6’ 9”

Weight: 229 lbs

Player Preview

Through two seasons with the Wildcats Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has established himself as an efficient rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. While he’s shown flashes of offensive talent, his contributions have come more on the defensive end where he averaged nearly 6 rebounds and a block per game last year. Now as the senior member of Villanova’s young frontcourt, he’ll be asked to anchor the defense and step up his contributions offensively in the post.

But possibly more important than his play on the court, will be his leadership off it. Last year, Phil Booth was the heart of the team. Not just as the leading scorer, but as the leader that created a special bond with all of his teammates. Cosby-Roundtree may not have the sweet jumper or next level skill set that Booth had, but he does have that same connection to Villanova Basketball and his teammates that made Phil Booth so special. Even at the end of last season, it was Booth himself who described the sophomore as having that same heart.

That connection will be important this year as Cosby-Roundtree and his fellow captains look to instill the values of Villanova Basketball in the six newcomers this season. It’s not just about teaching the new players about the system or the x’s and o’s, it’s also about a mindset and a code that sets Villanova apart as the greatest culture in college basketball. That’s almost, if not more important than learning where to set a pick or when to take a jump shot. But yeah, that’s very important too!

As for his own production, Cosby-Roundtree went on a run last season that shows he’s ready to contribute as much on offense as he does on defense. Early in the season he went on a four game run where he averaged over 10 points and 11 rebounds, including being named the MVP of the AdvoCare Invitational. But as the offense became focused around the team’s senior leaders and the big man had to fight through a leg injury, his production, minutes, and even spot in the starting rotation began to drop.

This year Cosby-Roundtree will likely begin the season in the starting rotation, just as he did last season. But if he wants to hold onto that role as the young freshman class quickly develops behind him, he’ll have to find a way to contribute more on offense, continue ripping down the boards, and prove himself to be the true keystone of Villanova’s interior defense.

Best Case Scenario

The junior big man picks up right where he left off last year, continuing to be a an efficient rebounder. He converts more off the offensive glass and is able to flirt with a double-double on any given night. On the other end of the court he not only directs the defense, but quickly helps develop the young bigs under his tutelage. He finishes the season in the starting rotation averaging 10 points and leading Villanova in rebounds while being named to the third-team All-Big East.

Worst Case Scenario

The progress many were hoping for in the offseason never translates, and Cosby-Roundtree starts the season coming off the bench. He’s still an efficient rebounder, but without the offensive contributions he plays second fiddle in the front court to the talented freshman and sophomore classes. Despite the dip in production, he remains the heart of the team and a vocal leader.

The Wisdom of the Crowds

We are pleased to bring back our Wisdom of Crowds experiment for the 2019-20 season. In this series, we ask that you consider the points covered in our player preview to supplement your own personal insights and instincts to predict the points per game each scholarship player on the roster we score in the upcoming season.