Villanova at UCLA: 5 storylines to watch for top-5 matchup

Juzang and Gillespie

Regardless of the list, or how many players make up said list, Johnny Juzang, and Collin Gillespie are on the list of players that will be considered for the Player of the Year Award come season’s end. This should come as no surprise, as they will each be the most important player on one of the top teams in the nation, an important prerequisite for such an accolade.

The one disappointing aspect of their two teams meeting is that – due to the Wildcats’ big backcourt –  there most likely will not be an opportunity to see the two matched up against each other on the court. The prospect of Coach Cronin matching up with 6’3 Gillespie, 6’4 Caleb Daniels, and 6’4 Justin Moore is intriguing, for 5’11 point guard Tyger Campbell would see reduced playing time in favor of David Singleton. Coach Cronin could also opt to play No. 8 ranked freshman on RSCI, Peyton Wilson at small forward, thus sliding Jules Bernard to off-guard and Juzang to point.

Whether they are matched up with each other from the tip, or periodically off switches caused by ball screens, or because Gillespie is having his way posting up Campbell, the two players will be difficult to compare due to their contrasting styles and impact they have on the game. Gillespie will be looking to get back to averaging 14 points on ten shots while dishing out over four assists per game. Juzang is hoping to continue his efforts that saw him average 23 points on 18 shots over a six-game span in the NCAA Tournament.

Both are the most important players on their teams, both are expected to improve this season, both will be in the year-long conversation for National Player of the Year and both will be on the Pauley Pavilion court Friday.