The NBE Basketball Report has been doing weekly updates throughout the season, and just released their stock report for the Big East teams as the Big East Tournament begins. NBE categorizes Villanova’s stock as “rising” and believes the sky is the limit for their post-season success.
“4. Villanova 25-6, 13-5, Stock: Rising
National Ranking: 13
Last game: W 97-80 vs. Providence
Big East Quarterfinals vs. No. 5 Marquette or No. 12 Georgetown/No. 13 St. John’s
Current Streak: W 2
Postseason Status: NCAA
Projected Big East Tournament Finish: QuarterfinalsStrong Point: Villanova finished the regular season as the leagues top scoring offense with 79.5 points per game. They also had a 3rd best field goal percentage of 46.6%.
Area of Improvement: The Wildcats slipped a little bit towards the end of the season, ending with a scoring defense average of 73.3 points per game given up. They gave up 70 or more points in 8 of their last 10 games.
Overall Analysis: With the Big East’s most improved player of the year on their roster in forward Dante Cunningham, and a slew of talented guards, headlined by senior Scottie Reynolds, the skies are certainly the limit for the Wildcats. If all goes as planned, two of the best backcourts in the country in Villanova and Marquette will square off in the quarterfinal round. Reynolds with his team leading 15.7 points per game and veteran leadership would remain the X factor in such a game.”
…Oddly enough, NBE says Marquette is struggling, yet projects them to beat Villanova in the quarterfinals…hmmm...
