How do you think the 2026-27 roster matches up against Michigan?
Matt – This is something that I will look more into in detail later, but I definitely think Villanova will match up well. The two concerns for me are:
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Front-court depth – off of the bench, Michigan has LSU transfer Jalen Reed, along with two top-50 recruits in Lincoln Cosby and Quinn Costello. Especially if Matt Hodge isn’t available, Villanova will need production from Nico Onyekwere in this one. I’m not sure how confident we should all be in that. It’s not the best matchup to go small.
Moustapha Thiam vs Luigi Suigo – Thiam is a legit 7’2” and a junior, so I’m not sure if Suigo will be ready for that from the jump. If he can hold his own and stay out of foul trouble, it will go a long way towards victory.
Greg – Villanova added size in the offseason and on paper, this helps in this particular matchup. Like Matt mentioned, the matchup with Suigo and Thaim will be one to watch. Suigo better prepare for this game, especially if he expects to be a top pick in the NBA Draft. He needs to know how to handle opposing size. This is a much different Michigan team but still one with size and depth. It will be a difficult game for Villanova but a good measuring stick.
How do you think that game at Xfinity Mobile Arena will play out?
Matt – It’s a lot to expect a win here, especially if Hodge isn’t playing or up to speed yet. I think it will be a close game though.
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Greg – Villanova must play this game close against the defending champs. That should be the goal — be in a position to win the game late.
Who are your top 10 Villanova players of all time (based on players you actually watched)?
Matt – I started watching in 24/25, but I wasn’t as informed or attached until 26/27. So for the purposes of this, I’ll pass on Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry and Allan Ray. That 2026/27 team will always hold a special place in my heart. Freshman Scottie Reynolds, seniors Mike Nardi, Curtis Sumpter and Will Sheridan. Anyway, here’s my top 10 list:
Honorable mentions (in no particular order): Dante Cunningham, Donte DiVincenzo, Darrun Hilliard, Mike Nardi, Curtis Sumpter, Jayvaughn Pinkston, James Bell, Eric Paschall, Phil Booth.
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I could spend way more time thinking about it, but that’s good enough for now. I definitely prioritized longevity here. Certain players had better statistical careers than Arcidiacono and Jenkins, but we can’t discount what they’ve meant to the program.
Greg – For the purpose of the reader, I am 31 years old and became a Villanova fan in 2004. That is when my list will start and honestly, it was hard enough to do it from the last 22 years. I feel like the top nine here was pretty straightforward (I’m sure we can discuss positioning), but that 10th spot was difficult:
Honorable Mentions: Jermaine Samuels, Dante Cunningham, Donte DiVincenzo, Darrun Hilliard, Mike Nardi, Kris Jenkins, Daniel Ochefu
I landed on Eric Dixon in that final spot just because of what he did as a scorer over the last three years of his career. He was also part of a Final Four team as a sophomore. The list was attempted to be made without the NBA in mind. Strictly a Villanova list and Jalen Brunson is the best player in my lifetime. Also, Randy Foye. We can’t forget how good Foye was during his time at Villanova. Just a pure scorer during his career. We cannot let Foye slip down lists anymore!
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It’s still amazing how good the guard play has been at Villanova. What a great time to be a fan. The crazy part is that there are many ways this list could have played out.
Who do you think will be the team’s MVP this season?
Matt – I like Greg’s calls on both Royal and Evans Jr. They are two of the only three candidates in my opinion. MVP should be valuable, so therefore if the team just lost them, in what situation would they be the worst off? In that situation I have to land on Tyler Perkins. He is the heart and soul of the team, and his ability to play both guard and wing this year will go a long way to providing the versatility that we need.
Greg – I’ve been very big on Kwame Evans Jr. since the early rumors that Villanova was a favorite to land him. It makes it even better that he can now play the four with Suigo on the roster. Evans Jr. can handle the ball on the perimeter and use his jump shot to score at all three levels. Also, Devin Royal brings size and versatility to be used in different ways. Kevin Willard has multiple options terms of rotations that will help Evans Jr. There are many options but he will be the most important player this season.
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Thoughts on the schools paying the players?
Matt – I knew this was inevitable, so there was no need to really fight it. It makes sense for them to be compensated instead of the NCAA and schools making all of the profits. That said, there needs to be significant improvements made on both how much they make and how they make it. These numbers being thrown around are not sustainable. Also, agreed 100% on the transfer portal. If the courts can hold this up, it should be a limit of one free transfer and a grad transfer. Past that, you must sit out. Also, let’s compensate these smaller schools when stealing from them. It would make teams a little more hesitant to do it.
Greg – I always thought the players should be paid and that NIL was the way to go. There was no way to hand out salaries to athletic teams based on the number of players and teams within the university. I do not think paying players is a direct issue, however, the transfer portal is out of control. Yes, I know that goes hand in hand since players are always on the lookout for the next big payday. There needs to be more restrictions with transferring to slow it down. Maybe give players one free pass and then if they transfer a second time, there is a punishment there.
Why do we drive on the parkway and park on the driveway?
Matt – Because nothing in life makes sense.
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Greg – It would be pretty chaotic and harmful to the house if you drove in your driveway. Same goes for parking on the parkway. Feels like it would be a long walk to your destination.
