It was a magical moment for Villanova when that incredible shot went in against North Carolina in April in the national title game. It will go down as one of greatest shots in the history of the NCAA tournament, when Kris Jenkins knocked it home thanks to a heady play from Ryan Arcidiacono.
Let me ask you this: Do you think there was some more joy, some more jubilation on campus and in coach Jay Wright's office when it became clear that Jenkins and Josh Hart would both be returning to the Main Line? Yes, Villanova is in great hands. When you have that kind of nucleus, with two guys with that kind of winner's mentality and talent that they possess, it creates something special, my friends.
Think about it: Not only did Villanova beat North Carolina in one of the best games ever -- remember that shot Marcus Paige hit? -- it also beat the Sooners by 44 points, baby! The Wildcats shot 71 percent from the field. They made 11 3-pointers. And now they have major parts of that team returning.
It should be another big year for Villanova. Yes, the Big East is good, and has gotten better and better and better. But Villanova should still be the class of the conference.
Plus, you should look for a big year from Jalen Brunson. He averaged 24 minutes a game a season ago, but now he's going to have carry a bigger load. Yes, Brunson will have to step in full time and really replace Arcidiacono, who was so, so savvy and made a lot of big shots. But Brunson has to be a star. And Mikal Bridges has to step in to help in the frontcourt on a full-time basis with Daniel Ochefu gone. The Wildcats have a solid nucleus to build on and some good recruits coming.
They are in good hands.