Villanova basketball is back. This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I finally get to see my fellow Villanovans hit the court for the 2020-21 season, and not to brag, but the Wildcats are looking like the team to beat—all biases aside, of course. Villanova is ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and is the No. 1 contender for the Big East title.
After last season being cut short, the Wildcats are looking to win it all. Coach Jay Wright did not even bring in recruits on the roster for this season, a power move. All the players have at least one year under the leadership of Wright, so the players are comfortable with the program and one another.
The Wildcats season starts Nov. 25, so let’s take a look at the returning lineup.
Bryan Antoine
Bryan Antoine is a 6-foot-5 sophomore guard. In the 2019-20 season, Antoine appeared in 16 regular season games but ended up needing shoulder surgery in May. He had the summer to recover from his injury and looks healthy for the start of this season. He can defend and makes opportunities on offense. Antoine will see the court often and should be able to knock down shots when needed.
Collin Gillespie
Collin Gillespie is a 6-foot-3 senior who is an experienced point guard for the Villanova Wildcats. There is rarely a conversation about Villanova basketball without his name being brought up. Gillespie was named to the preseason All-Big East first team. He was also named to CBS Sports All-American 2nd team honors. This season we will see Gillespie as a leader. The senior knows the program and has the experience to run the game as a point guard. He can defend the ball, shoot and drive. He also can read the defense well, which creates opportunities for his teammates.
Brandon Slater
Brandon Slater is a junior forward for the Wildcats. He averaged 11.5 minutes per game last season and appeared in all 31 regular season games. He is a player who does numerous things well instead of doing one thing great. Slater is an all-around player and should be a key player coming off the bench for the Wildcats.
Chris Arcidiacono
Chris Arcidiacono is a 6-foot-5 sophomore guard. He had eight regular season game appearances. He should see the court a little more than he did last year, but he is in a tough spot with Gillespie being the point guard. With that said, Arcidiacono worked on his game throughout quarantine, so no one should be overlooking him.
Justin Moore
Justin Moore is a 6-foot-4 guard. He earned the honors of the Big East All-Freshman Team last year. The sophomore played 31 games and started 17 of those games last season. He uses his size against smaller defenders to get his shot off. Moore is a contender to be in the starting lineup for the Wildcats.
Cole Swider
Cole Swider is a junior forward. Even with his size, he can knock down a 3-pointer. Swider made 15 starts last season and averaged 6.1 points.
Kevin Voigt
Kevin Voigt is a junior practice player for the Wildcats.
Caleb Daniels
Caleb Daniels is a redshirt junior who transferred to Villanova after playing for Tulane. He did not appear last season in any games but practiced with the team, learned the playbook and created chemistry with his teammates.
Kevin Hoehn
Kevin Hoehn is a senior guard. He appeared in two regular season games last year. Hoehn was a walk-on to the team but offers basketball knowledge and work ethic.
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree is a senior forward. He played in 29 out of the 31 regular season games last year. The 6-foot-9 senior is a crucial rebounder and interior defender for the Wildcats.
Jermaine Samuels
Jermaine Samuels is a senior forward. He started 30 out of the 31 regular season games. Samuels averaged 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. He is a veteran player that makes a statement on the basketball court. The younger players look up to Samuels as a leader, and it shows on the court.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is a 6-foot-9 sophomore. He was Big East Freshman of the Year. Jeremiah started all 31 games last season and scored 326 points, had 35 steals and 17 blocks. He is a powerhouse forward, and there is no stopping his potential and momentum.
Eric Dixon
Eric Dixon is a redshirt freshman. He is 6-foot-8, 260 pounds. The young player can move the ball through the interior while also having the ability to knock down a shot behind the arc.
