We've reached the time of year where preseason predictions and rankings start to come out, and NCAA.com's Andy Katz has released his preseason power 36. Villanova came in at No. 13, and Katz projects the Cats will start the season in the 10-15 range in the AP poll.
Here's what Katz had to say about Villanova:
The defending national champs lost quite a bit but still have to be the team to beat in the Big East. Phil Booth and Eric Paschall have championship experience and Albany’s Joe Cremo will come in and make a major contribution. The newcomers like Cole Swider and Jahvon Quinerly will be household names soon enough.
The Cats came in behind Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga, Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Nevada, Auburn, Kansas State, Michigan State, and Syracuse.
I could see Nova jumping 'Cuse, K-State, and possibly Auburn when the preseason polls are released.
Other Big East schools to make the power 36 were Marquette (19), Butler (33), and Providence (36).
Here's what Katz had to say about Villanova:
The defending national champs lost quite a bit but still have to be the team to beat in the Big East. Phil Booth and Eric Paschall have championship experience and Albany’s Joe Cremo will come in and make a major contribution. The newcomers like Cole Swider and Jahvon Quinerly will be household names soon enough.
The Cats came in behind Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga, Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Nevada, Auburn, Kansas State, Michigan State, and Syracuse.
I could see Nova jumping 'Cuse, K-State, and possibly Auburn when the preseason polls are released.
Other Big East schools to make the power 36 were Marquette (19), Butler (33), and Providence (36).
