Selection Sunday 2018: Projected No. 1 seeds for March Madness
Villanova Wildcats (28-4)
Villanova has once again been steady and consistent all season long. Jay Wright’s team is led by another solid mix of veterans and newcomers. This season’s group won their first 13 games — including wins over Tennessee and Gonzaga — before suffering their first loss against Big East conference opponent Butler. Ultimately, the Wildcats would finish second in conference play, but they swept the season series over the team that eclipsed them (Xavier) for the top spot.
Jalen Brunson, a potential National Player of the Year recipient, is the straw that stirs the drink for Villanova. He’s a savvy technician at the point guard position and can hurt opposing teams with his ability to score and facilitate for others. But Villanova is far from a one-man team. Mikal Bridges is the latest in a long line of Wright-developed wings. He’s the archetype for a “3-and-D” player, as he combines size (6-foot-7), length (reported 7-foot wingspan) and outside shooting (42.6 3-point percentage).
Those two are definitely names 1A and 1B on scouting reports, but the talent doesn’t end there. Phil Booth, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Donte DiVincenzo, Collin Gillespie, Eric Paschall and Omari Spellman help fortify the Wildcats’ talent-laden eight man rotation. Anyone of those six names listed above are capable of taking over a game offensively. (We saw Booth do so, for example, in the 2016 NCAA title game).
The Wildcats are a team that can beat you in multiple ways. They have the guard play to win from the perimeter. Spellman, Brunson and DiVincenzo can all make a living in the paint if you let them. Let Bridges get going in transition, and the game will be over before it starts. Most importantly, this team can dig their heels in the ground and really wreak havoc defensively. Spellman is an elite rim-protector and Bridges has all the tools to shut down the other team’s best player.
Villanova has proven its worth this season and, after coming through the fire relatively unscathed, they ought to be rewarded with a number one seed and the committee should keep them close to home in the East where the regional games will be played in Boston, MA.