Reynolds' return cements 'Nova as contender
Villanova’s prospects for a Final Four return just got a little brighter.
Actually, a lot brighter.
After all, with Scottie Reynolds returning for his senior season, the Wildcats not only have a four-year starter and their floor leader back, but everyone knows Reynolds is the go-to guy for a game-winning shot. Just ask Pitt.
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Scottie Reynolds
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I felt like I learned a great deal from this process,” Reynolds said. "I'm blessed to be in the situation I am in. I'm happy to be back at Villanova."
That applies to ‘Nova coach Jay Wright, too. He turned down a shot at the NBA, and must be elated to see Reynolds do the same.
The Wildcats won’t need to lean on Reynolds, either. He’ll be the focal point, to be sure, but as we saw for most of this season, he doesn’t have to do it all.
Versatile, aggressive guards like Reggie Redding, Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher should ensure ‘Nova’s defense remains a handful. And if it’s anything like the D we saw in tourney wins against Duke and UCLA, the rest of the Big East is in trouble.
Sure, they’ll miss Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark. But if the incoming recruits are as good as the hype – Rivals.com ranks them No. 2 overall, right behind Kentucky – losing those two won’t matter.
Mouphtaou Yarou (a 6-foot-9 power forward), Maalik Wayans (6-1 point guard) and Dominic Cheek (6-5 shooting guard) are all top 30 recruits. Most programs settle for one or two guys of that caliber, not three.
The deadline for early entrants to withdraw from the draft – provided they haven’t signed with an agent – is June 15. Guys like Jodie Meeks, Damion James and Ater Majok could have the same kind of impact as Reynolds if they return.
But until they decide, Villanova’s on this short list of title contenders for 2010: Kansas, Michigan State, Purdue, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina and West Virginia.
Who’s the rest of the Top 25? Expect that list on Monday.
