Villanova Basketball needs someone to step up to beat #1 Kansas

Happy Friday Nova Nation! The big day is almost here as the #1 Kansas Jayhawks come to town tomorrow to take on your #18 Villanova Wildcats. Because it’s a Saturday game, we’re bumping our Game Day Poll up a day and asking who’s going to step up for the Wildcats. In the past we’ve asked who’s going to be the leading scorer, but when you’re taking on the best team in the country you need more than one guy to have a good day. In fact, Villanova will probably need someone to have an unexpected good day.

And so for today’s poll, we’re asking who is going to score the most points over their per game average? Sure Saddiq Bey or Collin Gillespie could be the leading scorer, but we’re expecting those guys to put up around 15+ per game. The Wildcats are going to need someone like Cole Swider or Jermaine Samuels (both under 10 PPG) to step up and have a big game. Or maybe one of the rookie sensations like Justin Moore or Jeremiah Robinson-Earl puts up a new career high. Or if you’re really pulling for a darkhorse, maybe Brandon Slater or Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree put up 15+. I leave it to you Nova Nation, who’s going to step up for the Wildcats?

In other “news”, Jay Wright and Rollie Massimino eligible for this year’s Hall of Fame Class, Phil Booth returns to his high school with his G-League team, and everything you need to know about Villanova vs. Kansas. Enjoy!

Villanova Men’s Basketball

College Basketball All-Decade: The best coaches of the last ten years | NBC Sports
Our college basketball all-decade content rolls along, with a look at the best coaches of the last ten years. Quick #Spoiler: Jay is #1.

Bryant, Duncan, Garnett top list of Hall of Fame nominees | News | The Mighty 790 KFGO
The nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2020 class could build a team that's almost impossible to beat, starting with Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Jay Wright and Rollie Massimino are both eligible for the honor as well.

Villanova vs Kansas

Kansas vs. Villanova: 2019-20 college basketball game preview, TV schedule | Busting Brackets
The nation’s No. 1 team, Kansas, will travel to Philadelphia for a top-20 showdown on Saturday afternoon versus Villanova from the Wells Fargo Center.

Jayhawks expect to have their hands full with Villanova freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | KUsports.com
Throughout the late stages of his college recruitment, it always looked like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl would be on the floor for Saturday’s clash between No. 1 Kansas and No. 18 Villanova.

A closer look at the Villanova Wildcats | Jayhawk Slant
No. 1 Kansas and No. 18 Villanova will meet in Philadelphia early on Saturday afternoon.

Self talks Villanova, Robinson-Earl, 3-point defense, and more | Jayhawk Slant
On Thursday afternoon, Bill Self conducted his weekly press conference in Lawrence.

Bill Self on if KU is ready for a road test like Villanova | The Kansas City Star
Kansas Jayhawk coach Bill Self talks about his team's readiness for its first road game against a top-20 opponent in the Villanova Wildcats. Self spoke to reporters on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Big East

Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Creighton, Georgetown emerging | Busting Brackets
Another week of Big East basketball is complete and the middle of the league is still a jumbled mess. Where does each stand in the rankings this week?

Seton Hall basketball, shorthanded, stuns seventh-ranked Maryland | APP
5 takeaways on a gutsy, season-salvaging win at the Rock

Seton Hall's Myles Powell is not expected to return 'anytime soon' | NBC Sports
Myles Powell is not expected to return from a concussion soon. An All-American shooting guard, Powell is still in concussion protocol.

Villanova Basketball Alumni

Nova Notebook: A Special Saturday Awaits a Villanova Legend | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova great Jim Washington will have his No. 50 jersey retired Saturday when the Wildcats host No. 1 Kansas

‘We felt like we belonged’: The 2005 win over Kansas that changed the course of Villanova hoops | The Athletic
The Wildcats were only 9-4, but on a snowy day in Philadelphia, they stunned the second-ranked Jayhawks.

NBA Wildcats

Phil Booth center of attention in return to alma mater Mount Saint Joseph as member of Capital City Go-Go | Baltimore Sun
The rookie guard and former Villanova standout was thrilled for the opportunity to practice at his alma mater’s The Smith Center before the Go-Go hopped onto a flight from BWI Marshall Airport to Las Vegas.

Kyle Lowry has triple-double in Raptors’ victory over Pistons | Fox47
Kyle Lowry had 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double in a 112-99 Toronto Raptors victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

NBA Rumors: Bucks Could Trade Donte DiVincenzo Or Sterling Brown For Jrue Holiday, Per ‘CBS Sports’ | Inquisitr
As his team continues to struggle in the 2019-20 NBA season, rumors have started to circulate around Jrue Holiday and his future with the New Orleans Pelicans. After months of telling everyone in the ...

Villanova Football

Thursday’s Southeastern Pa. roundup: Dapree Bryant surpasses 1,000 career points in Coatesville’s win over West Chester East | The Inquirer
Dapree Bryant, a Villanova football recruit, scored 22 points in the Red Raiders' win.

Villanova Athletics

Villanova Golf Adds Three During Signing Period | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova, Pa. – Villanova golf has announced the addition of three golfers to the program. One transfer will join the team next semester and two signees will represent

Field Hockey Signs Five To Class of 2024 | Villanova University Athletics
Head coach Joanie Milhous and her staff announced the signing of five athletes who will make up the class of 2024.

College Basketball

Memphis blew it with James Wiseman, who withdrew to prep for NBA draft | NBC Sports
James Wiseman withdrew from school on Thursday. He was the victim in a game that was played between Penny Hardaway, the University and the NCAA.

James Wiseman leaving Memphis stings for college hoops, but you can't blame him for bolting | CBSSports.com
James Wiseman was failed by adults at almost every turn. He should be commended for taking control of his situation