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

Caleb Daniels will take it back to the AAC days

Prior to averaging just over nine points and two rebounds per game with Villanova last season, Caleb Daniels averaged 16.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with Tulane as a sophomore. If the 2021 Blue/White Scrimmage is any indication, the 6’4 small forward is in the form to approach those numbers in the Big East.

Even when the fact that he led all scorers with 22 points is not considered – for dropping 22 points while playing the complete 40 minutes of a scrimmage is not comparable to going up against the defense of UCONN or Creighton – Daniels past the eye test as he simply looked the fastest and strongest on the court. He had great height and strength on each rebound while shooting 6 for10 from beyond the arc – although he was not mentioned when discussing the increase in threes – as well as extending his defense to prevent three-point attempts.

Daniels finished the 2020-21 season as the Wildcats’ lowest-scoring starter and was the only starter below a 12 point average. The St. Augustine grad may not have been a top 100 recruit, but he will outproduce fellow Big East 2017 recruits; No. 88 Jamorko Pickett from Georgetown and teammate No. 45 Jermaine Samuels.

Daniels has the ability to not only create shots but makes shots that will turn him into the Wildcats’ second scoring option. Whether it’s taking a defender off the dribble, flashing to the hoop, or taking a long-distance three, Caleb Daniels will be effective this season.