Another Bubble Year for Villanova?

On paper, the Wildcats are a solid team yet again.  All key players from last year's Sweet 16 run have returned.  This lineup consists of two former McDonald's All-Americans (Scottie Reynolds and Corey Stokes), a former New Jersey Player of the Year (Corey Fisher), and a standout senior having a breakout year (Dante Cunningham).

With this apparently talented lineup, the 'Cats have managed to avoid bad losses thus far.  They are, however, still severely lacking in the quality win department (0-4 vs. Top 25 teams to date).  Despite its constant Top 25 ranking, the Wildcats are again poised to make a run to the NCAAs as a bubble team.  Though, their strong conference schedule should (hopefully) benefit them come Selection Sunday.

It is clear that 'Nova is good enough to play with the likes of UConn, Louisville, and Marquette (and we'll see tonight how they play against Pittsburgh)—but obviously—they are missing "something" to put them over the edge against the good teams.

This writer is confident that the Wildcats will eventually figure out how to win against a formidable Big East foe (good thing they have six or seven shots against top 25 teams left on their schedule).

But, what is Villanova missing exactly?

Star players? Check.  Handsome, well-dressed coach?  Check.  What else does a college basketball team need?

Sure, there's the obvious.  Improve overall play and decision-making during late game situations (e.g. Louisville game), but the problems lie beyond that.

While many Villanova fans are eternally grateful for the success that Jay Wright has brought to the university, there are those who are very frustrated with his style of coaching (myself included).

From seemingly illogical substitutions to lack of simple inbounds plays, Coach Wright can be easily held accountable for the team's mediocrity.

That's not all though.

Overall team ball handling is an issue, as the team lacks depth and experience at the one position.  If Scottie or Corey Fisher were to get in foul trouble, the Wildcats would be left with Reggie Redding—who with any pressure would not be able to get the ball over half court.  Plus, let's not forget that Scottie is not really a  true/prototypical point guard to begin with, and Fisher is still young and careless.

Defense has usually been a strong point, but Villanova's lack of size will haunt them against teams like Georgetown and UConn—especially since their best big man is undersized.

In addition, Villanova needs more consistent play from its star players—specifically—Scottie Reynolds.  As the best guard of "Guard U", his teammates look to him as a leader.

To be a better leader, Scottie needs to work on his shot selection, which is questionable at best.  While it is obvious that he has a good range and can create off the dribble, I find myself shaking my head at the many reckless decisions by the "star" junior guard.  With three years of quality experience, he should have a better understanding of when to take certain shots and when not to.  

In addition, as with most team leaders, he needs to make his teammates better, and that has yet to be seen (some advice for Scottie: Try finding the open man when the defense is collapsing on you).

Throughout the season, Villanova's overall play has been mediocre. Winning against weak teams, and (thus far) losing to strong teams. 

For a deep run in the NCAA and Big East tournaments, Scottie Reynolds needs to really step up his game (e.g. don't dribble the ball off his leg late in the game when trying to cut into the UConn lead).  Learn to pull it out sometimes, or try a drive and dish (which should improve his modest 4.2 APG).

While Dante Cunningham has been very good in leading the team in scoring and rebounding, his 16.6 PPG and 7.2 RPG is not enough to get them over the proverbial hump.  Sure, that might be enough to eventually win against a good team here and there.  But, to string together several big wins (i.e. during the Big East and NCAA Tourneys), some improvements are necessary.

It all starts with the coach though.  Jay Wright must adjust his lineup so a guy like Reggie Redding does not suddenly become the primary ball handler during certain times of the game.  He must also change his approach and demand more from his star point guard, and so the rest of his players can rally around him.

One more thing, Coach Wright, run a few inbounds plays. Try screening high or across; they worked wonders for my sixth grade CYO team.