With the year coming to a close, it’s time to reminisce about some Villanova basketball things.  First, Jonathan Tannenwald, who writes a blog called “Soft Pretzel Logic” for the Philadelphia Inquirer, compiled a list of the top ten local college basketball games of 2009.  The #1 game is obvious, but see the other Villanova games that made Tannenwald’s list.

Obviously, the players made these games so special and memorable, but some players who we thought would be a part of these games were not.  I’m referring to those that transferred out of the Villanova basketball family.  Jay Wright has seen his fair share of transfers in recent years, so let’s take a look at how these players are doing at their respective universities.   

-Bilal Benn (transferred to Niagara University in May 2007): While on the Main Line, Benn represented what Villanova basketball is all about; toughness, hard work, defense, pride.  Unfortunately, he just could never get in a rhythm on the offensive end, as he couldn’t knock down shots and turned the ball over too much.  It also didn’t help that Scottie Reynolds was on the verge of becoming a freshman phenom, so Benn was put on the back burner so to speak.  At Niagara, though, he has become a star, averaging 15.6 points and 11 rebounds per game this season for an underrated team.  Benn has missed the last couple of games after undergoing minor knee surgery, but he should return in mid-January.

-Andrew Ott (transferred to Penn State University in January 2008): It’s usually tough to find big men on a Villanova roster, but at 6′ 8″, some thought Ott had the potential to be a low post threat for the Cats.  In all honesty, he just didn’t have the body to compete in the rugged Big East.  He logged some minutes when others were in foul trouble, but other than that, he was rarely used in games.  Thus, he departed to Penn State, where he hoped to be a more integral part of a team.  He has achieved that to a certain extent, playing in all 12 Nittany Lion games this year and averaging 10 minutes, 3.3 points, and 2.2 rebounds per game.  While not all that impressive, Ott is definitely more suited to play in the Big 10 as opposed to the Big East.

-Malcolm Grant (transferred to University of Miami in April 2008): Easily the most puzzling of transfers I can remember.  Everyone could see Grant had a ton of talent and potential, but he could not find consistent minutes at Villanova.  There were constant rumors that he was in Jay Wright’s doghouse, but no one ever admitted to this.  Nonetheless, he singlehandedly brought the Cats back to win one of the most exciting games in Villanova history.  Down 21 to LSU with 8 minutes to go at the Wachovia Center, Grant was inserted to spark a lackluster team, and he did just that, willing the Wildcats to victory.  Despite these heroics, he was still overshadowed by fellow recruits Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher, which may have played a hand in his decision to transfer.  In his first season with the Hurricanes now, Grant is one of the studs for a very solid 12-1 team.  He plays nearly 24 minutes a game, while averaging 11.4 points and almost 4 assists a game. 

-Casiem Drummond (transferred to Marist University in December 2008): Probably the biggest guy to put on a Villanova uniform in recent years, there were high expectations for Drummond.  With Villanova’s usual lack of size, Drummond was seen as the force that could fill the center position void.  In his sophomore year, he averaged 13 minutes, 5 points, and 5 rebounds per game.  Unfortunately, he struggled with weight issues throughout his time on the Main Line, and transferred early in the 2008-2009 season.  Transferring from Villanova to Marist, many assumed he could dominate for the Red Foxes in the MAAC.  Drummond just became eligible to play a few weeks ago, and then was declared academically ineligible, so he will not be on the basketball court any time soon.

"Strong...to the goal!"

I got a comment today from Ray on the Bilal Benn article that I posted, and it got me to thinking about the other players that have transferred out of the program. Malcolm Grant transferred to Miami (FL) at the end of last season and is currently sitting this year out, and Casiem Drummond transferred to Marist earlier this year, and will sit out for a year as well.

Andrew Ott, on the other hand, is actually playing for Penn State this year, albeit in a very limited role. The crazy thing is, I was watching the Providence-Louisville game tonight and at halftime they showed highlights from the Penn State-Illinois clash (if you heard about that game, I’ll address that in another post, don’t worry) and low and behold Mr. Ott made the highlight reel!

ESPN showed Ott running the pick and roll like freaking Karl Malone, finishing the play off with a silky smooth drive that would make his momma proud. I actually did a double-take when they flashed Ott’s face as he took off down the court.

Anyways, just wanted to provide an update on Ott. This season he is averaging 1.8 points per game for Penn State. In the win over Illinois tonight he had 4 points, 4 rebounds and a steal. You go, Andrew Ott.

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.