Team USA’s Big East All-Stars Capture Bronze at Pan Am Games

Happy Monday Nova Nation! We all learned a few lessons this weekend watching Villanova’s Collin Gillespie, Jermaine Samuels, and the rest of the Big East All-Stars. First, both members of Villanova’s dynamic duo have made significant improvements this offseason. Second, the Big East is going to be a lot of fun to watch next year. And third, if you’re supposed to cover the Pan Am Games over the weekend don’t forget to bring your laptop with you. But I digress.

After being run out of the building in the semifinals by the tournament favorite Argentina (which was full of former NBA players and current pros), Team USA was able to pull away late to win the Bronze medal over the Dominican Republic on Sunday night. Collin Gillespie led the team with 24 points, shooting 50% from the floor and over 40% from deep. He also had a game high +25 as he led his team in +/-. After his final substitution, he embraced Team USA head coach Ed Cooley.

Jermaine Samuels was also very impressive in the team’s final game of the tournament. A new pull up jumper off the dribble was on display yet again (can’t wait to see more of that in the fall) as he had 9 points in the Bronze Medal game. He was also second on the team with 7 rebounds, adding an assist and a massive block. The rising junior was Team USA’s leading scorer on Friday night against Puerto Rico, scoring 17 points while shooting 67% from the floor and 50% from deep.

Overall I think this was a great opportunity for both Villanova players as they prepare for the upcoming season. As starters on the team, they proved that they’re two of the most talented players in what should be a much improved Big East. They’ve now made connections with a lot of players around the conference, and while they may compete against one another, it was clear that they made some great friendships moving forward. But I think Providence Head Coach Ed Cooley summed up the experience best.

In other news, Coach Shack talks about his career at Villanova, Jalen Brunson talks about learning from his dad and Dirk, and must see/read pieces on Villanova’s All-Time leading scorer in basketball, Shelly Pennefather. Enjoy!

Villanova Basketball

U.S. men's hoops claim bronze in Pan Am Games | ESPN
Collin Gillespie and the United States men's basketball team secured a bronze medal Sunday with a 92-83 win over the Dominican Republic.

U.S. Men’s Basketball Team Defeats Dominican Republic For Bronze Medal At Pan Ams | Team USA
Not bad for a bunch of kids. Sporting players entirely from the NCAA’s Big East Conference, the U.S. men’s basketball team defeated the Dominican Republic 92-83 behind a 20-6 run spanning almost six minutes in the final quarter. Team USA’s win earned the squad bronze at the Pan American Games Lima 2019 at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum.

Alpha Diallo helps lead Team USA to Pan Am bronze medal | providencejournal.com
Paced by a strong effort from Alpha Diallo, clutch shooting by Collin Gillespie and the inside play of Geoffrey Groselle, Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic, 92-83, in the Pan American Games to capture the bronze medal on Sunday night at Dibos Coliseum in Lima, Peru. Providence College senior Diallo shot 8-of-12 from field and finished with 23 points and five rebounds. Villanova's Gillespie had a team-high 24 points while Groselle delivered 18 points and 10

AUDIO: A #ShackFit Season Premiere by The Full 40 | SoundCloud
Strength and conditioning coach John Shackleton talks about the start of his career, what it takes to be mentally tough, and what it's like to work for Villanova Basketball.

NBA Wildcats

Warriors rookie Eric Paschall shows off skill set in pick up run | Warriors Wire
The Golden State Warriors signed rookie Eric Paschall, to a three-year, fully guaranteed deal in July.

Tough love? Jalen Brunson learned it from his dad (and Dirk) | Mavs.com
As the son of an NBA player who survived for nine seasons in the league mostly on grit and hard work, Jalen Brunson knew his journey to the NBA would not be easy. His father, Rick Brunson, made sure of it.

Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry lead updated USA Basketball finalists for World Cup | NBC Sports
USA Basketball lost half of its original 20 finalists for the FIBA World Cup.

Mavs news: Jalen Brunson says being drafted is ‘one of the most emotional moments’ he ever had | Clutch Points
Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson was impressive in his rookie year, putting up 9.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds last season.

NFL Wildcats

Broncos' Trey Johnson: Shines in HOF Game | CBSSports.com
Broncos' Trey Johnson: Shines in HOF Game

Villanova Alumni

ESPN captures embrace between Villanova legend Shelly Pennefather and coach Harry Perretta 25 years in the making | The Inquirer
Villanova women’s basketball coach Harry Perretta has been making the same trip down I-95 since 1994.

Whatever happened to Villanova basketball star Shelly Pennefather? 'So I made this deal with God.' | ESPN
She left her family, friends and basketball career to become a cloistered nun. Now, more than two decades later, Sister Rose Marie reaffirms her choice of faith over fortune.

College Basketball

ESPN releases newest projected NCAA Tournament bracket | 247 Sports
With rosters almost entirely set, what could an NCAA Tournament look like next March?