Villanova Basketball: Key storylines for Wildcats in heading into 2020-21

VILLANOVA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats talks to Jermaine Samuels #23 against the Butler Bulldogs in the second half at Finneran Pavilion on January 21, 2020 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Butler Bulldogs 76-61. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 07: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

1. Will Saddiq Bey return to Villanova Basketball next year?

Saddiq Bey could be the centerpiece to Villanova’s championship hopes. He led the team in points with 16.1 PPG, Win Shares with 4.9 and PER with 21.6; he also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The sophomore had a phenomenal year spearheading the Wildcats offense and decided to enter the NBA draft with the option to return. With the draft pushed back, Bey has yet to back a decision and Wildcat Nation waits.

If Bey were to leave, Villanova has options to replace him like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jermaine Samuels who each played over 30 minutes a game, with Cole Swider being a secondary option as well. However, none of these players have emulated Bey’s shooting ability. Bey shot 45% from three on over 5 attempts, while none of the other players mentioned shot above 36%. Bey’s style is like former Villanova player Mikal Bridges; he’s a great shooter and defender.

Bey also rises to the occasion as his shooting improves in conference play with a 48% mark from three and 17.3 PPG. He dropped 29 at Butler last season, and 20 at Seton Hall which ended up being a vital win in earning Villanova a share of the regular-season title.

Even if Bey leaves, Villanova will still be very good, and probably favorites for the Big East Regular Season Title. But without Bey, their national championship aspirations take a major hit.