Expecting a strong 2019 men’s basketball season
Although the National Championship was over two weeks ago, I continue to hear bad-mouthing of Villanova University in the hallways, online and within my group of friends.
“They’re not a Philly school.” “I hate Nova.”
For whatever reason there is this notion that all kids from Villanova are sheltered and privileged preppies who have no right to celebrate in “our city.”
I have some news for those unwilling to grant props to a local school who has been far superior to ours in basketball.
They won, again.
It’s over. Wipe off the tears and get ready for another season. And for those suffering with frustration over the success of their team, attacking the character of the student population won’t bring the title to Hawk Hill.
With the conclusion of another mediocre men’s basketball season, we can genuinely look forward to a prosperous 2019 season. Mark my words, the Hawks will be competing in March Madness next year, and I’ll tell you why.
For starters, injuries killed us this year. Charlie Brown is someone that I think we will see in an NBA jersey in the near future. Without him, the entire structure of the team withered. He’s long, extremely athletic, a fantastic shooter from both near and far and just has that edge, that look about him that scouts and coaches discuss.
Lamarr Kimble, having been unfortunately glued to the bench with a foot injury this season, averaged 15.5 ppg in his sophomore season. He can facilitate better than anyone on the roster and could possibly be the best point guard in the A-10 next season. His presence was really missed this year. He brings poise and stability to a Hawks team that often appeared rattled and overwhelmed in tight situations.
We also witnessed some flashes of stardom from the two towering freshmen Anthony Longpre and Taylor Funk. These two guys created so much space with their size. Funk especially stood out as someone we can look to when we need a bucket. Funk averaged 11 points per game this season andwas reliable for multiple three’s a game.The addition of Kimble into the roster next season, will create even more opportunities for him from the three point line.
Lastly, a newcomer. Ryan Daly, a 6’5’’ guard transfer from the University of Delaware recently announced his commitment to St. Joe’s. Daly was the leading scorer for the Blue Hens as a sophomore, the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Rookie of the Year, and scored 1,000 points in just two seasons. Daly will sadly miss the 2018-19, because NCAA regulations deem him ineligible. That being said, his presence at practices will up the ante of competition. We can look forward to having him around in 2019-20.
With all this being said, I strongly believe that next season could be, and should be, one of our most prominent in recent history. With Villanova’s Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson declaring for the NBA draft, next year’s “Holy War”- which has seemingly lost its intensity- could be one for the books.
For those who still hate Villanova, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.