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Happy Monday Nova Nation! Welcome to a Monday edition of over-analysis theater in which we dive way to deep into a twitter post. The Villanova Basketball team made an appearance during Saturday’s football game, and the walking boot guard Collin Gillespie had been wearing earlier last week was noticeably absent.
Amazing atmosphere on campus today - Congrats @NovaFootball on the win - V’s up !! pic.twitter.com/dJJUVsAyda
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) September 28, 2019
Twitter pictures obviously aren’t the best source for medical updates, but there are at least two positive takeaways that Nova fans can glean from Jay Wright’s post. First, the walking boot that held Collin Gillespie out of the first day of practice appears to be gone. That’s right in line with Wright’s statements last week, saying it was simply precautionary and that the junior guard could have gone if they needed him to.
The second is the continued rehab of Bryan Antoine’s shoulder. In the first photo, Antoine has both arms raised high with the Villanova V’s, while in the second he has them draped around the shoulders of his teammates. The star freshman looks to be getting range of motion back in the shoulder he had surgery on, and it was even reported that he was seen after practice last week putting up shots.
This all supports my theory that while Wright says they’re not expecting the guard to be at 100% until December, it’s entirely possible we see him playing in games before then. It’s understandable that Villanova wants to ‘err on the side of caution and make sure they’re doing what’s best for Antoine’s health and career first and foremost. But I think we can expect him to see some minutes in the first month of the season.
In other “news”, Villanova Football is now a perfect 5-0, the former Wildcats in the NBA are getting ready to start a new season, and Collin Gillespie is mentioned among the breakout candidates for 2020. Enjoy!
Villanova Basketball
Duke's Tre Jones leads college basketball breakout candidates | SI.com
Whether they're going from bench player to starter or simply taking on a bigger role, these players are in line for a notable jump in 2019-20.
Villanova Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Wildcats | Busting Brackets
Villanova basketball is an elite program constantly in the national spotlight. What might be in store for the 2019-20 season for the Wildcats?
You Tube Gold: Villanova-Georgetown 1985 National Championship | Duke Basketball Report
A classic - perhaps the classic - upset. HBO's documentary of the 1985 National Championship.
2020 NBA Draft: First prospect rankings has UNC's Cole Anthony at top and LaMelo Ball in top 10 | CBSSports.com
Here's why Anthony is a worthy No. 1, but there's not much separation in the top tier of players in our first rankings
Villanova Basketball Recruiting
Duke basketball: Competition heats up for fierce five-star forward | Ball Durham
The Duke basketball staff is not the only one in pursuit of a five-star 2021 small forward who has the type of game that regularly spurs blue-blood battles.
Evan Daniels: Kentucky the leader for 5-star PG Devin Askew | Cats Pause
Kentucky has already staked its claim to the nation's No. 1 recruiting class with a quartet of top-50 commitments but still has several holes to fill in 2020. One of those is at point guard and the Wildcats have zeroed in on Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei 5-star Devin Askew.
NBA Wildcats
Mikal Bridges can’t ignore breakout talk but he just wants Suns to win | AZ Central
Mikal Bridges is still working nonstop even as he enters his second NBA season. The question is, will it lead to a breakout performance?
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden and Jimmy Butler Express Interest In Playing In 2020 Olympics | Forbes
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden and Jimmy Butler all expressed interest this week in playing for Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Raptors news: Kyle Lowry reacts to lack of respect for Toronto after winning NBA title | Clutch Points
Kyle Lowry doesn't care about a lack of respect, saying that all that matter is what the Toronto Raptors have accomplished by winning an NBA title.
Mavs player profile: Will Jalen Brunson's value continue to skyrocket in his second NBA season? | Dallas Morning News
Jalen BrunsonPosition: Point guardAge: 22 Size: 6-3, 190 poundsExperience: 2nd seasonContract: On the second year of his rookie contract that pays...
Raptors news: Kyle Lowry admits winning title won't truly sink in until banner raising | Clutch Points
Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry had a whirlwind summer after winning the NBA title, and he admits it won't all sink in until the banner raising.
Raptors going easy on vets Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry at training camp | Yahoo! Sports
QUEBEC CITY — The Toronto Raptors opened training camp at Laval University on Sunday, but the two most senior members of the team are still shaking off the cobwebs.
Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson could take a second year leap | The Smoking Cuban
Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson could be in line for a second-year leap. See why and what it means for the Mavs.
Villanova Football
Villanova rolling behind revamped offensive line | delcotimes.com
RADNOR – Villanova guard Paul Grattan was about to conduct an interview after practice Wednesday morning when quarterback Dan Smith briefly interrupted the conversation.
Fast Start Paces Wildcats to 33-17 Victory over Maine | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, Pa.—In front of a large Family Weekend crowd, No. 8 Villanova (5-0, 2-0 CAA Football) scored the first 30 points of the game in a span of 17 minutes in
Barlee making most of his opportunities for Villanova | delcotimes.com
RADNOR – With Jalen Jackson nursing a quad injury, Villanova turned to freshman DeeWil Barlee to serve as Justin Covington’s backup against 12th-ranked Maine Saturday.
FCS Leading Rusher Justin Covington Explains 'Nova's '0 & 9' Mentality | Flo Football
Villanova running back Justin Covington joined us during Colonial Time to discuss the 'Cats early success in 2019.
Villanova Athletics
Villanova Sweeps UConn in Singles Play at Brown Invitational | Villanova University Athletics
The Wildcats completed another Fall Tournament at the Brown Invitational this weekend in Rhode Island.
McInroy’s Goal in the 57th Minute Lifts Villanova to a 1-0 Victory over Xavier in BIG EAST Opener | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova, Pa. - A second-half goal and some tough defense led the Villanova Wildcats (5-3-2, 1-0) over the Xavier Musketeers (7-2-2, 0-1), 1-0, in the BIG EAST
Villanova Picks up First BIG EAST Win at Providence | Villanova University Athletics
Providence, RI – Villanova volleyball (10-3, 1-1) got back in the win column to pick up its first BIG EAST win in a four-set victory at Providence (5-10, 0-2) Sunday
Villanova Wins Three Flights at SJU Invitational | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova had a successful weekend it's second tournament of the Fall season.
Villanova Set to Host Home Golf Tournament This Week | Villanova University Athletics
Malvern, Pa. – Villanova golf is set to host its home tournament, the Wildcat Invitational, Monday and Tuesday of next week at White Manor Country Club.