ESPN.com - Villanova on the rise?

ESPN.com: College Basketball Rumors

Monday, February 25, 2013
Villanova on the rise?

By Luke Lapinski

After a one year hiatus, Villanova is looking to make its return to the NCAA Tournament next month. And while the Wildcats may have to sweat the bubble for the next few weeks, fans can rest easy when looking towards the future.

As our own Paul Biancardi points out, Jay Wright has built his program on a strong foundation of "toughness and togetherness". He also notes that this year's club is winning games on the road, and figures to return most of its key pieces in 2013-14. That's a great sign for where Nova is headed -- especially considering the fact that a pair of ESPN 100 commits are already lined up for next year as well.

The only seniors on the roster right now are Mouphtaou Yarou and Maurice Sutton. Nova will miss their size up front, but 6-foot-11 Daniel Ochefu has shown some promise in his freshman year. And the addition of 250-pounder Kris Jenkins (No. 59 overall in the 2013 class) next fall could give them a very solid paint presence with upside going forward.

Paul Biancardi

An eye on the future

"Two ESPN Top 100 players will bring talent and winning to Jay Wright's team next season. Forward Kris Jenkins is a versatile player who can shoot 3s on the perimeter against man or zone and make game-winning decisions. He'll go inside and battle. Forward Josh Hart shows no fear, beating opponents with his ability to score from the drive, and brings the overall toughness that you want on your side."