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 – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Who are the key bench pieces for Villanova Basketball?

Regardless of whether Bey leaves or not, there are some constants for Villanova. Justin Moore and Collin Gillespie should begin the year as the starting duo in the backcourt. While Robinson-Earl and Samuels, who each started every game last year, will expect to start in the frontcourt. But, how much of an impact will the bench make?

Villanova has a plethora of depth at the forward position led by Cole Swider. The Sophomore and former top-40 recruit averaged 6.1 PPG last year and shot 35% from three. If Bey stays, he’s the favorite to be the 6th man due to his scoring prowess. We can also look at Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, who has been plagued by injuries in the last few years. After averaging over 20 minutes per game in the 2018-19 season, he dropped to under eight per game due to various injuries in the 2019-20 season. Can he stay healthy and be a key piece for Villanova his senior year?

When we look at guards, there’s Bryan Antoine who I mentioned before and Chris Arcidiacono. While Antoine, Gillespie and Moore are the clear top three guards, there isn’t much depth behind them, meaning Arcidiacono (younger brother of Ryan who plays on the Chicago Bulls) could be in for some vital playing time if foul trouble or injuries occur.

After looking at the key bench pieces, we can now look at the ceiling, floor and realistic expectations are for Villanova this year.