Villanova Basketball: Projecting the 2018-19 rotation for the Wildcats

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Eric Paschall #4 and Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrate during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats attempts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Phil Booth – Guard

Senior | 6-foot-3 | 10.0 ppg/3.2 rpg/2.9 apg

If Phil Booth can stay healthy this season, which has been an issue in the past, he could be in for a huge year. Injuries have derailed his potential to be a star in previous years and he can now be classified as an underrated player from a national perspective. An incredibly important piece on both of Villanova’s championship teams, Booth could emerge as a star in his final collegiate season.

As a player, Booth has been a steady presence in the ‘Nova backcourt for the past several years (when healthy). Although he might not wow viewers with his play, he consistently produces when on the court. For reference, he averaged exactly 10.0 points per game as a redshirt junior last season while posting shooting splits of .530/.379/.800 (2P%/3P%/FT%). Of course, it helps to play with four future NBA players but that efficiency is still commendable.

In addition, he is quite simply a winner. I know that sounds cliche but it is true. He already has two national championships under his belt and the Wildcats are always better when he is on the floor. During this past season, Villanova posted a 30-1 record when Booth was a member of the starting lineup. Yet, in the nine games of the year where he either did not play due to injury (7) or was recovering and coming off of the bench (2), the ‘Cats went just 6-3. Those records speak for themselves.

In summary, Booth brings much more to the table than just his play on the court. Most notably, he is an outstanding leader. Now in his fifth year at the school, Booth has a ton of collegiate experience and a championship pedigree. Considering the fact that Villanova has two young guards poised to take the reins after his graduation in Quinerly and Gillespie, his leadership and teaching could seriously help develop the future of the program. Not only will Booth leave ‘Nova as an extremely decorated player after this season but his lasting impact could be felt for a number of years.