Villanova Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wildcats

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Jalen Brunson #1 of the Villanova Wildcats raises the trophy and celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

While Villanova’s starting lineup boasts a few players with plenty of collegiate experience, the bench is much younger. In fact, just about every potentially major contributor this season off the bench is an underclassman. Still, even though there is a general lack of experience, this bench is immensely talented on paper and could emerge as a major part of success this season.

In terms of returning talent, sophomores Collin Gillespie, Dylan Painter, and Jermaine Samuels project as the most important reserves. Gillespie, a combo guard who emerged as a strong bench contributor last season, should be in for another solid season even if his playing time does not increase a ton. He averaged 4.3 points (.452/.394/.800), 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.4 minutes per game last season.

Then, Painter and Samuels will provide depth to the frontcourt of the roster. Painter, a 6-foot-11 big man, will likely be the primary reserve behind Cosby-Roundtree at the center position. He is the tallest player on the roster and is returning after sitting out last season. Painter is a solid rebounder and could see more playing time against bigger matchups. Additionally, the 6-foot-7 Samuels could see some minutes on the wing. He only played 6.1 minutes per game last season.

Furthermore, Villanova basketball has an elite recruiting class beyond just the presence of Quinerly. Brandon Slater, Cole Swider, and Saddiq Bey are all forwards with plenty of size to receive playing time right away. In my opinion, one of these players could end up redshirting this year due to the presence of so many quality reserve forwards.