With the college basketball season starting very soon, the Associated Press on Friday released their preseason Top 25 poll. Coming in at number one was the Kentucky Wildcats, the runner-up in last season’s Final Four. The Wildcats got 52 first place votes as they bring in a star-studded recruiting class.
Representing the Big East in the poll was none other than the Villanova Wildcats. Jay Wright’s Wildcats are ranked 12th as they were bounced in the round of 32 by eventual National Champion, the UConn Huskies.
Villanova brings back majority of their team as they only lost senior James Bell to graduation. The Wildcats look prime to make a run this season as they will lean on seniors Darrun Hillard and JayVaughn Pinkston. Big East and college basketball fans will also get treated to another year of point guard Ryan Arcidiacono, who is already a junior.
The Wildcats will also lean on their youngsters as well. Sophomore Josh Hart will have another year in Jay Wright’s system as he looks to improve from his freshman campaign. Villanova also ushers in a new recruiting class as freshmen guards Mikal Bridges and Phil Booth should see playing time this season.
Villanova opens up the regular season on November 14 against Lehigh University but will have two exhibition games prior to that against Northwood University and Nyack.
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