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Today’s recap is a bit different, as it’s more about what one key player was unable to do for Villanova this season.
The Wildcats missed senior captain Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree during the 2020-21 season after problems with his leg. Cosby-Roundtree initially was reported to have an injury on his left leg, which resulted in surgery for a stress fracture that kept him out for the entire season.
Although we cannot look at Cosby-Roundtree’s stats for this season, it’s worthwhile to consider what could have happened this season had the senior leader been on the court.
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree’s Career Stats
| SEASON | GP | GS | MIN | FG | FG% | 3PT | 3P% | FT | FT% | OR | DR | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEASON | GP | GS | MIN | FG | FG% | 3PT | 3P% | FT | FT% | OR | DR | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 2017-18 | 40 | 1 | 11.3 | 1.3-1.7 | 77.9 | 0.0-0.0 | 0 | 0.5-0.7 | 64.3 | 1 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 3.1 |
| 2018-19 | 36 | 16 | 20.5 | 1.9-3.0 | 64.8 | 0.0-0.0 | 0 | 1.2-1.6 | 74.1 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 5.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 5.1 |
| 2019-20 | 29 | 0 | 7.7 | 0.7-1.0 | 69 | 0.0-0.0 | 0 | 0.1-0.2 | 57.1 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 1.5 |
What ‘Nova Missed from Cosby-Roundtree
Cosby-Roundtree was an integral part of the Wildcats’ lineup, before getting injured. He played 105 career games, with his best showing coming early in his sophomore year during the Advocare Invitational, where he was named the tournament’s most outstanding player. The interior defense provided by Cosby-Roundtree was crucial, and something the Wildcats failed to make up for in many of their games.
With Cosby-Roundtree out, the only dependable frontcourt minutes came from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Villanova’s reliance on him to step in for Cosby-Roundtree put a lot of pressure on the sophomore, and in games where he was off or in moments where he needed a break, the Wildcats were in trouble. Cosby-Roundtree gave depth to the team, which is so necessary in any program that wants to win titles. Without Cosby-Roundtree, the comfort of a solid rotation was not much of an option, and the ‘Cats had to just make it work in the frontcourt.
Physical talent aside, Cosby-Roundtree is often credited with strong leadership skills. While he was still a captain this season, he did not get the opportunity to bring that sense of leadership and stability out onto the court. With the rest of his team looking up to him, that ‘Cats might have had some more fire if he was able to give guidance right alongside of them. Either way, Cosby-Roundtree still played an essential role for the 2020-21 Villanova team as a role model and leader, even though he had to do it from afar.
Looking Ahead
Although Cosby-Roundtree is set to graduate this year, his extended eligibility gives him the option to return to Villanova next season.
There is still uncertainty surrounding that decision, as he is currently recovering from a serious but successful surgery on his left tibia.
An announcement regarding next season likely will not come until the summer, but a decision to stay could be beneficial to the ‘Cats. He would provide security to the front-court, and return as an experienced leader.
If Villanova doesn’t get him back, the team will have to rely on young players to step it up. Center minutes could go to Eric Dixon, Trey Patterson, or Nnanna Njoku. Either way, Cosby-Roundtree has left his legacy on Villanova basketball, and we can only hope that he wishes to continue it and get a proper ending to this time with the ‘Cats.