Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#44 Villanova Wildcats

Big East

 2003-04: 18-17, 6-10, 11^th

2003-04 postseason: NIT

By Joel Welser

With all five starters returning this could be the year for the Wildcats.  They’ve been talented for a couple of years but never were able to get it done on the floor.  What used to be young promising talent is now experienced upperclassmen.  After a nice run in the NIT last year, Villanova is tournament tested and ready to make a run in the NCAAs.  Juniors Jason Fraser, Curtis Sumpter, Allan Ray and Randy Foye might finally be ready to take ‘Nova to the next level.

Who’s Out: Not much is lost from a team that went 6-10 in the Big East last year.  Forward Andreas Bloch averaged just 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 21 games.  Guard Derrick Snowden was a deep option off the bench averaging 2.9 points.

Who’s In: Only one newcomer joins the Wildcats for the 2004-2005 season, but Kyle Lowry is a good one.  The point guard has incredible speed and plays tough.  Lowry can shoot, defend and, of course, pass.  Lowry should compete with Mike Nardi for time at the point.  An injury may keep Lowry out for the season though and it is quite likely that he will redshirt and not see any action until 2005-2006.  Marcus Austin isn’t a newcomer, but he played in only one game last year due to suspensions and injuries.  The 6-9 senior should be back to provide a little more depth off the bench.

Who to Watch: The backcourt is set with Allan Ray, Randy Foye and Mike Nardi, although depth becomes an issue without Lowry.  Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser should be starting on the frontcourt.  Sumpter averaged 14.3 points and 7.1 rebounds last year and spent the summer winning the gold medal with the USA Junior National Basketball team.  It is Jason Fraser who could become the key to the Wildcats run.  Over his first two seasons at Villanova, Fraser has experienced a myriad of injuries.  His full potential is yet to be shown, so he can make a huge impact if he can stay healthy.  Fraser did average 7.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in 27 games last year, but was never really at full strength.  The 6-9 junior will add another threat under the basket and if all goes as planned, Fraser can finally become a leader on the floor, not just off the floor.  Fraser came on strong at the end of the year, averaging over 11 points in the last five games of the season despite continued nagging injuries.  He will need to stay healthy for the Wildcats to compete in the Big East. 

Projected Conference Rank: A 6^th place finish in the Big East is enough to get the Wildcats into the NCAA Tournament.  The team is junior heavy, so they should get one more shot after this season, but they really need to start improving right now.  A positive season this year, including a trip to the big dance, could have the team set for bigger things next season.  The starting five is great, but players like Will Sheridan and Chris Charles need to become more productive options off the bench for the team to compete day in and day out through what promises to be a grueling Big East conference schedule.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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