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Villanova Basketball: 5 early lessons from 2021-22 Blue/White scrimmage

By Trevor Sinodhinos

Feb 19, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie (2) talks with Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie (2) talks with Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Slater is the x-factor

At 6’6 and 210 pounds Brandon Slater averaged fewer than 17 minutes per game last season, as he was not skilled enough to play ahead of Justin Moore and not big enough to play ahead of Jermaine Samuels. To start off the 2021-22 season Slater is an inch taller and 1o pound heavier, which brings him within ten pounds of Samuels. Slater will still be coming off the bench, but his ability to log minutes at the power forward position is going to help increase his floor time.

Slater was not just ‘pure effort’ on the defensive end and on the boards during the Blue/White scrimmage, he was also demonstrating skill, vision, and leadership. Now in his fourth season, the former No. 52 recruit will have increased value as his 101 Defensive Rating will skyrocket this season.

Slater was easily the most active on the defensive end of the court while playing plenty of time at the power forward position with Njoku and Cosby-Roundtree not playing and being opposite Samuels. Slater will not be the offensive threat that Caleb Daniels and Samuels are, but his defensive upside will be instrumental this season whenever the Wildcats need to hold onto a lead while Daniels or Samuels get a breather.

After a career season in 2020-21 by averaging 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, look for Slater to make 2021-22 his career season, and he will have his defense to thank.