It’s no secret that Villanova has a dangerously thin frontcourt. Dante Cunningham is playing his way into a 1st team All-Big East selection, but after that, what is there? Transfers by Andrew Ott and Casiem Drummond have left just Frank Tchuisi in the “true” frontcourt player category.
We need more of this!
Many Wildcat fans had hoped that Antonio Pena would take a huge step foward this season. We knew what Cunningham was going to bring night in and night (and really, nobody could have projected the season he’s having). But what was Antonio Pena going to do? And after the transfer of Drummond, his development became even more essential.
To date, it has truly been a mixed bag. Pena is averaging 7.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg, which are very good numbers in Villanova’s offense for a clear cut number 2 frontcourt option. But if you’ve really watched the games and not just looked at the stats, his performance has been somewhat frustrating at times.
He puts up 14 and 8 vs. Louisville, but it should have been more like 20 and 12 with all the missed free throws and missed rebounds. He has the ability to disappear for a game; Monmouth, St. Joe’s and Marquette he went scoreless. And he has the ability to put up big numbers; 14, 13, and 12 points against Louisville, St. John’s and UConn, respectively.
He’s stronger than he thinks he is, he’s just as athletic as Dante or Dwayne Anderson, and he’s got some good offensive skills. In my mind, he just hasn’t put it all together yet. The missed dunk at UConn comes to mind. The missed free throws at Louisville. The traveling violations, the bad passes. It’s always something.
But today, I felt like I saw a different Antonio Pena. A confident one. Sure he didn’t have the best stat line (6 points on 2-7 shooting and 1 rebound) but he was actively looking for his offense. I know that I, and several other people, are always yelling at him to tear the rim down instead of gently laying it in. And in fairness, he needs to be better about that. But today, he pumped faked, dropped stepped and delivered a thunderous dunk early in the game.
THAT is the Antonio Pena that Villanova needs. I think he’s coming around and we’ll be seeing more of the good Pena, especially as he realizes that he’s it. There is nobody else behind him. It’s up to him to take control of this situation. So carpe diem Antonio. I know you will.
imisskylelowry
Gregg
January 24, 2009
Good summary of his state of play. “Finishing” is everything (he and Reggie share the disease of not finishing). I love to watch Antonio when he plays with authority and confidence. He is really putting it out on “D” and I believe he is a powerful offensive force to be reckoned with – sooner rather than later. See ya at the Pitt game!