I think McNick was the first one to make this comparison (in nostradamus fashion - prior to the tournament run):
"I explained to my Non-Nova fan friend how any people are concerned about Booth. He replied why isn't Jay recruited over Booth, maybe Jay is not worried about him, and maybe Donte as well.
I have the feeling and hope Booth will have a Harold Jensen moment and are worries are over.
1 McNick,
Feb 28, 2016"
I thought I would compile this info for a comparison between Soph Phil Booth who had a lackluster regular season and stepped up to play a huge role in leading Villanova to a National Title in 2016 and Harold Jensen who had a lackluster regular season and stepped up to play a huge role in leading Villanova to a National Title in 1985.
NCAA Tournament Stats (6 Games):
Stat: Booth / Jensen
FG: 16-28 (.571) / 16-29 (.552)
FT: 8-9 (.889) / 9-12 (.750)
PPG: 7.8 / 6.8
RPG: 1.2 / 1.7
APG: 1.2 / 1.5
Points: 47 / 41
Both players had two games where they contributed very little offensively:
Booth's "quiet" games were both in the 2nd weekend of the tournament where he had 0 points against Kansas and only 2 against Miami.
Jensen was scoreless in the Sweet 16 game against Maryland after scoring only 3 in the win against Michigan to advance to the Sweet 16.
Both players had two double-figure scoring games:
Jensen scored 10 points on 5-7 shooting against UNC to help get Villanova to the Final Four and 14 points on 5-5 shooting against the Hoyas in the Title game.
Booth's double-figure games were against Oklahoma (10) in the National Semi-Final and his 20 point outburst against UNC in the Title game.
Both players shot 3-5 from the floor in the first round games - Jensen scoring 8 against Dayton and Booth contributing 7 against UNC-Asheville.
The similarities are amazing.
