Should Villanova Basketball add another player before the 2020 season?

Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! This morning Cole Anthony will announce where he’ll be playing point guard next year. While a handful of Villanova fans are holding out hope that he could surprise everyone and choose the Wildcats, I’d bet heavily in the other direction. Villanova isn’t even the most likely school in the Big East to land him (Georgetown made his Top 4). In fact, if he did pick Villanova I’d be worried more concerned about if Villanova paid him to come than happy he was on his way. But I digress.

For me the conversation has shifted from WILL Villanova add another player this offseason to SHOULD they? There are certainly pros and cons to both arguments, and this morning I figured we’d take a look at both sides of the argument. For starters, Villanova does have two open scholarships so adding more depth is a possibility. I’m a positive guy, so let’s start with the pro side of the argument.

If Villanova were to add another player for next season, it would have to be in the backcourt. Not only are things already getting crowded up front, but for the first time ever at Villanova Jay Wright is without a true point guard. Bringing in someone who could start at the point or be a veteran backup to Collin Gillespie are both options that add much needed depth to the position. There also isn’t a clear cut option for a red shirt next season. If everyone on the current roster is expecting playing time, it may not hurt to bring someone in for the future with the intention of sitting out 2020. That gives the player an extra season to learn the system, work in the gym, and adjust to college life before having to take the court.

On the con side, a sixth new team member could be a big issue for this coaching staff. That would mean half the roster is trying to pick up Villanova’s system, and only a third of the team would have significant playing time from last year. We saw the struggles with five new players last season, and that was with two fifth year seniors to help guide them. As far as the future goes, Villanova has a number of targets in the Class of 2020, but only two open scholarships. Considering that there are no seniors on the team heading into next year, the only way another scholarship would open up would be through transfer or a player leaving early for the NBA. While that’s not out of the question, especially with the talent next year’s team will have, it’s far from a guarantee. With most of the elite prospects off Nova’s radar in 2019, it may be best to focus on bringing in two more great fits for the 2021 season.

So I leave it to you Nova Nation (man I pass the buck to you guys a lot), should Villanova take another player before the 2020 season?

In other “news”, Brandon Hitner is getting some late round buzz in the NFL Draft, Kyle Lowry’s Raptors look to advance to the next round of the playoffs tonight, and Villanova should be back on top of the Big 5 next season. Enjoy!

Villanova Basketball

NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early Big 5 power rankings for 2019-20 | Busting Brackets
With all the changes Big 5 NCAA Basketball programs are going through, the balance of power in Philly hoops might look a little different in 2020.

What's next in the world of college basketball recruiting | Lexington Herald Leader
The Kentucky basketball program is sure to have an interesting end to the 2019 recruiting cycle, and 2020 should be no less intriguing. Duke, Villanova, Memphis, Kansas, Louisville and Arizona are among others to watch.

Class of 2019

Class of 2019 Player Rankings -- Risers, fallers, names to know | ESPN+
Who is one-and-done? Most college-ready? Paul Biancardi answers all the questions you have about about the Class of 2019. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is one of the most college ready players in the class.

2020 NBA mock draft - New top three prospects, latest intel | ESPN+
Our experts break down the risers and fallers in next year's draft class. Bryan Antoine projects as the 16th overall pick.

NBA Wildcats

Former 76ers assistant, Villanova coach to help lead U.S. team | phillytrib.com
Former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce and Villanova head coach Jay Wright and will be assistant coaches for USA Basketball this summer, when the Americans will compete in the

Examining Kyle Lowry's Playoff Struggles | Last Word on Pro Basketball
Kyle Lowry's playoff struggles are largely an exaggeration. His performances in his six postseasons are no worse than his regular season performances.

Lakers Season in Review: Josh Hart | Lakers Outsiders
Josh Hart didn't get the chance to finish the 2018-2019 season on the court, but he's a solid player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Suns fire coach Igor Kokoskov after one season | Hattiesburg American
Phoenix has dismissed Igor Kokoskov after finishing with the second-worst record in franchise history at 19-63. Mikal Bridges and company will have a new coach for next season.

NFL Wildcats

Eagles-Only 7-Round Mock | 97.3 FM ESPN
For the first time you can say with reasonable certainty that the Eagles draft board is set. This has Villanova's Brandon Hitner (RT) as the Eagles 6th round pick.

NFL Draft 400: Ranking the Draft's Top Interior Offensive Linemen | Bleacher Report
After 11 months of evaluations, conversations with scouts and coaches and endless nights on the road or at games, our staff is finally ready to answer the burning questions surrounding the 2019 NFL Draft. Villanova's Brandon Hitner comes in at #33.

Villanova Lacrosse

Postseason Prospects in Peril, Hopkins Falls Further in Nike/USL Top 20 | US Lacrosse Magazine
While the weekend’s events didn’t alter the landscape much, it did set up the possibility of a fairly unusual development in the Big East: A regular season co-champion failing to make the conference tournament.

Other Pro Wildcats

Rafters sign two from Southeast | Hub City Times
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters announced the return of right-handed Delaware pitcher Winston Allen and the signing of Villanova freshman outfielder Dylan McNary.

College Basketball

Duke recruiting: Top-30 recruit Cassius Stanley commits to Blue Devils' No. 1 class | CBSSports.com
The Blue Devils extended their lead atop the 2019 rankings by landing another top-30 prospect to their class

Ranking the Best Transfers in College Basketball This Offseason | Stadium
Jeff Goodman ranks the top transfers in college basketball – one list for grad transfers and another for players sitting out a year.

How to Watch: Cole Anthony's Commitment Announcement | 247 Sports
The five-star guard will announce his college decision on Tuesday morning.

Kansas transfer Charlie Moore commits to DePaul | Big East Coast Bias
Moore went to Chicago’s Morgan Park High School.