The Sweet Profile: Villanova Wildcats

TEAM: Villanova Wildcats

REGION: Midwest

LAST WEEKEND: Defeated #7 Clemson, defeated #13 Siena

Next Game: vs Kansas, 9:40 pm Friday

Villanova got here because of: Scottie Reynolds and a favorable draw. Reynolds has had an up and down 2008 season while transitioning to becoming “the man” at Nova, but he caught fire following a 22-point performance against Syracuse in the first round of the Big East tournament. He’s continued to lead Nova in scoring each game since, including his huge second half against Clemson and 25-point performance against Siena. The Wildcats also caught a break by playing a choketastic Clemson team and a Siena team that’s season was complete with a win over Vandy.

What the Sweet 16 really means: If you told any Villanova fan on January 23rd, right after the Cats were just routed by Rutgers, that this team was going to the Sweet 16..... they would have assumed you were on meth. This Sweet 16 run is a total surprise for Villanova, so the Cats are basically playing with house money from here out. All this can do it set up the Wildcats as a possible Top 10/Top 5 team to start next season.

Chances to Reach San Antonio: Not likely, but it's not like Villanova hasn't done this before in program history. Still, there are no more double-digits seeds for the Cats, as they now have to face the powerful Kansas Jayhawks. While the multi-talented Jayhawks probably have too much size, depth and firepower for the Wildcats, they are still coached by Bill Self and the three-pointer is the great equalizer in the college hoops.