Kentucky has been outstanding this season

Max Blount could be the #1 overall pick in the upcoming draft

The Villanova Wildcats will begin conference play in the Big East with an impressive 11-1 record, their only loss coming from the still unbeaten Kentucky Wildcats. Villanova's latest three victories come from dominating performances against Texas A&M, William & Mary, and Cornell(Results are below). Despite these impressive displays, the Wildcats need to realize that they are playing very weak competition, and they will need to play even better if they want to do well in the tough Big East conference, where they will have to face the likes of Georgetown(10-1), and UConn(10-1).

Dominic Cheek has finally picked up his production off the bench

The Wildcats had control of this game from the word go. They out-rebounded, out-hustled and just plain out played Cornell to take home an easy victory. Chris Kramer played a very good game, scoring 30 points and dishing out 6 assists. Dominic Cheek continued his excellent play off the bench, scoring 19 points on a nearly perfect 7 for 8 shooting. Kramer and Cheek's play carried the Wildcats for an easy win. The Wildcats first conference game is against the Louisville Cardinals which will be played next week.

The Villanova Wildcats' record now stands at 8-1 following a week of dominating weaker opponents. The Wildcats never even had to break a sweat as they outscored their opponents 350 to 228 in the four games they played this week. All the Wildcats played well, and they finally got some production off the bench. Dominic Cheek, one of Villanova's best bench players, averaged 12.1 PPG for the week. Sean Webb averaged 3.5 blocks per game. Kramer rebounded after a poor performance in his last game against Kentucky with some solid numbers.

Kramer played great this week, averaging 26.8 PPG

Here's a look at the four games Villanova played this week:

The Wildcats completely dominated the first half and took home an easy win behind the steller play of Corey Stokes and Dominic Cheek. Kramer didn't have a great game, only scoring 10 points on 4 of 11 shooting; he did not get a chance to rebound in the second half either, because coach Wright played all of his bench players. Cheek wrapped up this game by scoring 16 points in the second half.

The Wildcats took control of this game again with a dominating performance in the first half, outscoring Austin Peay 46 to 32. They continued to play well in the second half scoring 39 while only giving up 26. Chris Kramer had an outstanding game, scoring 34 points on 13 of 21 shooting and distributing 7 assists. They got solid production from Sean Webb and Corey Stokes as well who added 18 and 14 points respectively.

For the first time in a while the Wildcats didnt enter the second half with a double-digit lead. They were up seven before the second half when they turned it on. The Wildcats just couldn't miss; they shot 74% in the second half for 47 points, while limiting Cleveland State to only 16. Kramer had his third 30 point game in a row; scoring 32 points on 11 for 21 shooting. The bench also played well to lock up this easy road victory.

Wheeler led a huge comeback for the Wildcats

Kramer disappeared in the second half of this game

The Wildcats won again at the Maui Invitational and their next stop: the championship. They got off to a slow start, missing on their first 7 shot attempts and Dayton got of to a 13-4 start. Later in the half however, the Wildcats came charging back led by Chris Kramer. They went on a 16-3 and took the lead. Chris Kramer hit a half-court jump shot to take a 36 to 27 lead before halftime.

Kramer hit a tough half court shot just as time expired

The Wildcats are moving on to the second round of the Maui Invitational but not because they played particularly well; mostly because California played a terrible game. They simply could not shoot, only making 16 of 61 shots for a miserable 26%. California's senior guard Cam Christophe had the worst game of his college career, only shooting 1 for 11 from the field, and 0 for 5 from behind the arc; his only basket coming on a fast break layup. With such terrible shooting, the bears could not recover, even though they out-rebounded Villanova 34 to 32.

Nothing worked for Cal in this blowout

Villanova didn't shoot much better, only shooting 41%. Their 3 point shooting was awful, going 6 for 23 from distance. Chris Kramer had a decent game, scoring 18 points off 6-12 shooting while adding 6 assists.
Sean Webb had another good game, getting 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. Webb was asked how hes adjusting to the NCAA game, "It's been a pretty smooth transition, guys are definately more skilled up here, but I'm finding my groove."

Chris Kramer scoring late against Boykin

Villanova takes on the Dayton Flyers today at 4 o'clock. "We cant count on the other team playing worse than us this game," said Chris Kramer after Mondays victory, "We need to play our game today." Dayton beat Butler University in the first round and look like they could pull off the upset against Villanova. Only time will tell, so make sure to tune in.

Domination. That is the only way to describe Chris Kramer's performance against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Tuesday. They were helpless trying to defend him; double-teams, triple-teams, it just wasn't going to stop Kramer from putting the ball in the basket. He shot 14 of 20(5 of 9 from behind the arc) for 33 points in addition to 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Kramer played great defense as well, adding 3 blocks and shutting down his opponent, Kellen Brand, who shot only 2 of 9.

Kramer celebrates after hitting his 5th three pointer of the night

Kramer was not the only one getting in on the action; Sean Webb was a beast on the boards, grabbing 16 while adding 12 points. Corey Stokes and Antonio Pena were terrific on the glass as well muscling 27 rebounds between the two of them. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Mountaineers 54 to 27 on the night; UAS was simply overmatched in the rebound department. Appalachian State's Donald Sims struggled mightily from the floor, only connecting on 2 of his 17 shots.

The Wildcats dominated the glass all night

When questioned about his teams performance Jay Wright had this to say, "Yeah we played good but they are not a very good team. We still have a lot of gray areas that need fixing, and I hope we can correct them before we play a talented Cal team in the MI(Maui Invitational) next week." Wright's statement does ring true to the Wildcats as they do still have some problems, but if Chris Kramer can continue his tremendous play, the Wildcats have nothing to worry about.

Sean Webb was very good in his debut with the Wildcats

The Wildcats do have some things to correct however. The bench was not good, only scoring 4 points on 2 of 12 shooting. Dominic Cheek wasn't good at all, going 0-5 from the field. They also need to improve their transition defense. Too many times last night, the pioneers would have an uncontested layup on a fast break. They shouldn't be so lazy getting back on defense when they turn it over. The three points shooting also wasn't there last night as they only shot 6-18.

Chris Kramer finishes off a spectacular drive with a jam.

Despite the few weak spots, Villanova looks to be a very strong team this season. The bench will not continue to play as bad as they did, because they are just too talented, and dont count on Dominic Cheek to continue to go 0-5 from the field. Villanova looks to improve their record to 2-0 when they take on the mountaineers of Appalachian State next Tuesday, before kicking off the Maui Invitational which starts on November 23. Be sure to tune in.

1) Timo Cruz, Maryland Terrapins

Timo Cruz will join a talented group at Maryland

Timo Cruz is an outstanding talent. He can get to the basket as fast as anyone I've ever seen, and has lightning quick hands. He uses excellent ball-handling and one-on-one moves to break down defenses and opposing defenders. Cruz has a big frame, great speed, and explosive quickness and leaping ability. He needs to work on his outside jumpshot some because he isn't consistent from there. His pros heavily beat his cons however, and he will be a huge asset for Maryland.

2) Petey Chambers, Georgetown Hoyas

Chambers is outstanding in the low post

Petey Chambers is incredible. He is an excellent scorer with good mental toughness. For being 7'0 tall, he has an amazingly soft touch. He has a beautiful turnaround jumpshot, and he gets to the line well while shooting at a solid clip. He has the potential to be one of the best passing big men in the NCAA as well. Extremely long wingspan makes him a terrific shot blocker and rebounder.

3) Junior Battle, Georgetown Hoyas

Junior Battle and Petey Chambers will be unstopable this season

4) Chris Singleton, North Carolina Tarheels

Two words: Floor General

5) Sean Webb, Villanova Wildcats



Webb is excited to make an impact for the wildcats this season

1) Maryland Terrapins

Dexter Morgan was incredible last year averaging 24.2 PPG

The Terrapins are a scary team this year. They not only have an outstanding bench, but they have the superstar talent in their starting lineup. Dexter Morgan, who finished 3rd in the Player of the year voting last year, is returning for his senior year and he will be paired up with super recruit Timo Cruz who has all the talent to be the best point guard in the NCAA this season. Not only do they have great guard play but they have a tremendous inside presence in C.J. Little. Maryland is extremely versitile and will be one of the best teams in the NCAA this season.

2) Georgetown Hoyas

Petey Chambers could be the best freshman in the league this year

The Hoyas were excellent last year. They made a run to the elite 8 where they were beat by the Dexter Morgan led Terrapins. They did all this without a strong inside presence. This year they have two of the best big man recruits: Petey Chambers and Junior Battle. These two will have a huge impact on Georgetown's success, and with great perimeter shooting and tremendous talent down low, the Hoyas look to take the next step and be a powerhouse in the NCAA.

3) North Carolina Tarheels

Roy Williams has his Tarheels ready to do big things this year.

The Tarheels are the Tarheels. They are always going to have a competitive team. However, this year they are going to get a handful of competition from the ACC from the likes of Duke, Maryland and Wake Forest. Superstar guard Gavin Floyd will join the Tarheels best recruit of the offseason Chris Singleton. Singleton is a versitile guard who will make all of his teamates better as well as drain a few outside shots.

4) Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats are one of the most physical teams in the NCAA

The Kentucky Wildcats are deadly inside. They can out-rebound about anyone they play which helps make all other aspects of their game better. Last year they made an early exit in the NCAA tournament because of a terrible shooting performance. Their offense is the weakest part of their game as all of their starters are more defensive players, which the exception of Charlie Brewer, who is an excellent outside shooter. Without a strong competitor in the SEC, the wildcat should be able to take the title and make a deep run in March.

5) Villanova Wildcats

The success of Villanova will largely depend on the play of Chris Kramer

The Wildcats are a very deep team. Their bench is one of the best in the league and they are very strong defensively. Sean Webb was a big recruit for the Wildcats as he is a big bruser down low, which was a weak area for Villanova last year. Chris Kramer, who won the NCAA freshman of the year last year, is returning for his sophomore year to make a run at a championship. He is an astounding talent who can get to the basket with ease and shoot lights out from the field. Offense is not his only asset as he is a tremendous defender as well. If the Wildcats can put it all together, they can make a serious run at the NCAA Championship.