Busting Brackets
Fansided

Villanova Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Wildcats

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: A general view of the Villanova Wildcats basketball rack prior to the game against the Butler Bulldogs at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: A general view of the Villanova Wildcats basketball rack prior to the game against the Butler Bulldogs at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 06: Bey #15 of the Wildcats drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 06: Bey #15 of the Wildcats drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Projected Starting Frontcourt

Jermaine Samuels | F | 6-foot-7 | 222 lbs | Junior

As one of the only upperclassmen on this roster, Jermaine Samuels looks poised to play a big-time role for the Wildcats this season. The junior forward is fresh off a strong campaign last season in which he started 22 total contests and averaged 6.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. He is also an efficient scorer with the ability to stretch the floor out to 3-point range. He shot 34.7% from distance on nearly three attempts per game a year ago.

Samuels’ versatile skillset is a great fit in Coach Wright’s offensive system. While it is unlikely that Samuels will be a star offensive weapon for the Wildcats this season, he is a very reliable tertiary option that could average close to double-figures per game. He understands his role within the team dynamic and also showed flashes of being a solid shot-blocker last season. As an upperclassman, Samuels will be asked to take on a leadership role this season.

Saddiq Bey | F | 6-foot-8 | 216 lbs | Sophomore

Saddiq Bey was Villanova’s most impactful freshman on the team last year. Despite not being the most highly-rated newcomer, Bey quickly emerged as a legitimate starter with three-level scoring ability and strong rebounding skills. He averaged 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes per game last season. Now entering his sophomore campaign, it is reasonable to expect that Bey will reprise his role as a starter.

There will be plenty of competition for frontcourt playing time this year but Bey should be a lock for the starting lineup. He was named to the All-Freshman Team in the Big East last season and should only continue to improve. Bey might not make a ton of offseason headlines but he will likely be one of Villanova’s best players this season. He is a smart forward that seemingly always makes the right play.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | F | 6-foot-9 | 232 lbs | Freshman

As Villanova’s highest-rated incoming freshman, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has received a fair amount of attention this offseason. The five-star prospect (No. 16 overall) is widely projected to be one of the best newcomers to the conference this year while emerging as an immediate star for the Wildcats. He brings plenty of size at 6-foot-9 and projects as a possible one-and-done at the collegiate level. Robinson-Earl is a remarkably consistent performer and is definitely ready to be an impact player.

JRE’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism make him a very intriguing player. He is an outstanding finisher around the rim and also can consistently knock down mid-range jumpers. Although he is not a major threat from distance, that is not a requirement considering his frontcourt partners (Samuels and Bey) can both stretch the floor. JRE is also a reliable passer, rebounder, and defender as a do-it-all big capable of taking on a major role for Villanova right away.