ESPN writer Andy Katz and Scouts Inc. National Director of Recruiting Paul Biancardi completed a very thorough break-down of the ACC today. While covering key offseason stories, important players, and primetime freshmen, they also discuss 10 non-conference games they “can’t wait to see” this year. #6 on the list represents the Maryland Terrapins vs. the Villanova Wildcats, which will take place on December 6th down in Washington D.C. at the BB&T Classic. Katz, on the game:
The highlight matchup of the BB&T Classic will be Greivis Vasquez versus Scottie Reynolds at the point. But both teams will want to push the ball and get after each other defensively. The Terps are a trendy pick for a top-four ACC finish, while the Wildcats should be the Big East favorite.
Other ACC-Big East matchups that Katz points out are Duke at Georgetown (date TBD) and a potential classic if Duke and UConn both make it to the finals of the NIT Season Tip-Off (Nov. 27th). With the ACC being analyzed today, one would think that the Big East is next on the list so stay tuned.
Remember that soft nonconference schedule Villanova played last year? Not so much this year. Personally, I would rather take a few lumps early in the season, if it means being better prepared down the stretch. Any thoughts?
Lauren
August 17, 2009
I definitely agree about taking the lumps, especially with a bunch of freshman who will be playing expanded minutes.
I still think our OOC schedule isn’t anything to write home about. Puerto Rico will hopefully provide a few tough contests and Maryland in D.C. will be tough but outside of that it’s pretty bare.