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Encouraging Night For Hart

Former Wildcat Josh Hart, whose professional career was slowed slightly by injury, had an encouraging performance on Sunday night.

In 15 minutes of action, Hart scored five points on 2-3 shooting and 1-2 from three, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out one assist. Most impressively, he was a plus-21, the highest mark on the team.

Great to see Josh finding his footing and making a positive impact.

Initial 2018 Ken Pom Rankings Are Out...

and at the very top of those rankings is the Villanova Wildcats. The Cats ranked second in adjusted offensive efficiency and sixth in adjusted defensive efficiency. They were one of only five teams to rank in the top ten in both categories (Kentucky, Arizona, Wichita State, and Kansas).

In addition to Nova topping the rankings, there were four Big East teams in the top 28 (25 Providence, 26 Xavier, and 28 Seton Hall), and eight of the 10 Big East teams ranked in the top 51.

Obviously these are just computer rankings and the games need to be played and things proven on the court, but the data likes Villanova this season and is bullish on the Big East as a whole as well.

Not Really News: Cats Top Preseason Big East Coaches Poll

As expected, Nova topped the preseason Big East coaches poll, garnering eight of ten first-place votes. Seton Hall and Xavier followed the Cats in second and third respectively, each garnering a first-place vote.

Rounding things out were Providence, Creighton, St. John's, Marquette, Butler, Georgetown, and DePaul.

Meanwhile, the Cats picked up some individual accolades as well. Jalen Brunson was named preseason POY. Omari Spellman was named preseason Freshman of the Year. And Mikal Bridges was named to the preseason Big East All-Conference Second Team. Well deserved recognition for three players Nova Nation is exited to watch this season. However, is it just me, or is Donte DiVincenzo being slept on?

Elite Big Armando Bacot Drops Top 10

Elite 2019 big man Armando Bacot has released a top 10, and has included Villanova. Joining Nova in his top 10 are Duke, UNC, Kansas, Virginia Tech, Virginia, VCU, Oklahoma St., UCLA and Georgetown. Bacot is ranked 13th in the class of 2019.

Bacot's recruitment is going to be a heated one, and he also singled out Duke, UNC, Oklahoma St., Virginia, Virginia Tech, and VCU as teams who have stood out early. But there is still a long way to go in his recruitment, and plenty of time for teams to jockey for position.

Full story here: https://basketballrecruiting.rivals...-bacot-cuts-list-to-10-ahead-of-visit-to-duke

Recruiting 2017

Let's start a clean thread for the 2017 class.

Nice reports, thus far. VU is in the mix for two outtanding runners - Kate Murphy and Brandon McGorty. Doesn't get too much better than that.

This is a great year for women. There are just so many. I would pay close attention to Rachel McArthur (Va). Think she has more speed than Murphy. So you get both ...

VU is in the hunt for Sydney McLaughlin. Spoke with people at Penn Relays who know the family. [If you go to the Relays regularly, you become friendly with people who sit near you. Same people every year.] Dad is the person you have to convince.

For the men, Kevin McGrath (IRL) - 1:48.9 (800), 3:46.1 (1500). A little on the short side, but obviously he can run.

There are more and I even have some sleepers for both men and women. Will hold that. And maybe VU can find their own Clayton Murphy?

David Duke To Providence

As expected, David Duke went with his hometown Friars.

Barring any unexpected developments, Nova's 2018 class will be a two-man group with Cole Swider and Brandon Slater. Wright and staff will likely step up their pursuit of their top 2019 targets, particularly in the PG department.

In the meantime Phil Booth's health will be something to keep an eye on, as well as the role of Collin Gillespie throughout the season as that duo likely represents Nova's ball-handler's in 2018. Early reports on Gillespie have been positive, and the failure to secure a 2018 PG could mean an increased workload for the freshman.
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