The controversial arrival of Kevin Willard as Villanova’s new head coach has been the big story of the past few weeks, but the team’s leadership is already thinking about the future. All of the Wildcats’ efforts are focused on completing the team’s rebuild and preparing for the early season schedule.
The appointment of Willard came with its own set of problems, especially from fans who didn’t like the way it transpired, but it’s clear the team has a plan for the future and Willard is key to any potential success.
Villanova Set Their Eyes on the Future With a Huge Opening Clash Against BYU
The team, led by General Manager Baker Dunleavy, has not been shy about putting together a challenging early season schedule. In fact, the season opener will be against BYU, who finished third in the Big 12 Conference last season.
This season opener has always been in the Wildcats’ plans. As Dunleavy confirmed to basketball commentator Pete Sousa:
“I was back home in Philadelphia. I grew up in Villanova. Was walking around the block with my elderly mom…And we go by the general manager for Villanova’s basketball program’s house, Baker Dunleavy…,” Sousa recalled in the latest edition of his YouTube show.
“We were talking about college hoops and he was like, ‘We’re working on an early season schedule, like some power players’…this is a huge opportunity for Villanova.”
Villanova is in the midst of rebuilding its team after finishing sixth in the Big East Conference with an 11-9 record (21-14 overall).
Although the official schedule for the upcoming season has not yet been announced, it has been confirmed that they will open against BYU during the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas on November 3rd.
The Wildcats vs. Cougars game will be the second of a doubleheader that will feature the NCAA National Champion Florida Gators vs. Arizona.
KEEP READING: Kevin Willard Reflects on Rebuilding Villanova Roster Through Transfer Portal
In terms of rebuilding the roster, Villanova has already added seven players through the transfer portal, including Bryce Lindsay (13.4 PPG last season with James Madison), Malachi Palmer (6’6″ guard from Maryland), Devin Askew (18.9 PPG last season with Long Beach State), Zion Stanford (13.1 PPG last season with Temple), Malcolm Flaggs (6’6’’ guard from Grand Canyon), Duke Brennan (10.4 PPG last season with Grand Canyon) and Braden Pierce (7′ center from Maryland).
Villanova will also add three high school recruits from the class of 2025, Acaden Lewis (guard), Chris Jeffrey (guard) and Nico Onyekwere (forward).
The additions from Kevin Willard have all the potential for success, and should Villanova end up with a great run, all doubts will be put to rest, once and for all.
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