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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VILLANOVA, PA – DECEMBER 04: Justin Moore #5, Brandon Slater #3, Collin Gillespie #2, Jermaine Samuels #23, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Is this the year of Bryan Antoine for Villanova Basketball?

Last year, Bryan Antoine was supposed to light up the Big East. The five-star recruit was ranked the #16 in the Class of 2019 and had dominated high school ball at Ranney School in New Jersey. However before the season started, Antoine had surgery on a shoulder issue and Villanova was considering redshirting him. He ended up returning and appearing in 16 games, but only played 87 minutes and averaged 1.1 PPG. Furthermore, Jay Wright isn’t known for catering to five starting recruits (remember Jahvon Quinerly); so, does Antoine have a future at Villanova?

I think so, and I think the stars are aligning for Antoine. While Collin Gillespie is the undisputed main guard, Antoine should have the opportunity to prove himself and earn a spot in the starting lineup instead of Justin Moore (or they could play together if Wright plays three guards). Antoine finally has a full healthy offseason to work on his game, and Wright can see him at his full potential.

Furthermore, Villanova has no recruits coming in and does lack in-depth at the guard position. It isn’t out of the realm of possibilities for Antoine to play 30 minutes per game if he shows his potential early in the season.

Regardless of Bey’s decision, Antoine could be a difference-maker and determine whether this is a Sweet 16 team or National Championship team. Remember Donte DiVincenzo from Villanova’s 2018 Championship team? I think Antoine can be that for the Wildcats, while also boosting his draft stock in the process.

Next, we delve into the most uncertain area of Villanova’s team.