Short bench creates some big problems for Villanova
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Coach Jay Wright wouldn’t go so far as to say No. 2 Villanova’s lack of depth contributed to his team falling at home to Butler on Wednesday night.
But it’s clear that Villanova’s rotation — which is, essentially, a six-man rotation at the moment with Darryl Reynolds sidelined — is a major issue the coaching staff is grappling with.
“It’s not optimal,” Wright told USA TODAY Sports after Wednesday’s 74-66 loss. “We’ve just got to approach it, like, what’s the best we do? We know they’re going to play a lot of minutes in games.”
Because of dwindling healthy bodies, defensive drills in practice have been modified; often, they’re three-on-three or four-on-four. On offense, Wright said, it’s usually five-on-zero. Walk-ons have helped — but it’s not the same level of competition his starters are used to and need to be used to facing.
“You notice it in a game like (Wednesday’s) — the physicality, you’re not really getting that in practice,” Wright said. “We’ll run offense, and we’re going against walk-ons. These guys (Butler) are big and physical.”
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No, 2 Villanova — which hosts No. 23 Creighton on Saturday — is trying anything and everything. Video coordinator Mike Nardi has helped out in practice, as has graduate assistant and former Wildcat Henry Lowe. And, during last week’s NBA All-Star break, a certain former captain from a certain NCAA championship-winning team.
“We had Daniel Ochefu in practice this week,” Wright said. “We’re even suiting up some assistant coaches — we really are.”
Wright and his assistants have had conversations about depth — and their lack of it — almost as often as they converse about preparing for specific opponents. How can they keep guys fresh? Are they resting and recovering enough? Eating well? Sleeping OK?
“We try to watch a lot of film,” Wright said. “And we talk to strength coach, who is our nutritionist, and our trainer. We spend a lot of time talking about how to keep them mentally and physically fresh, knowing how many minutes they have to play.”
Four of Villanova’s starters — Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Kris Jenkins and Mikal Bridges — average more than 30 minutes per game. Against Butler on Wednesday, Brunson, Hart and Bridges each played 37.
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Wright has no choice, really; he simply can’t afford to take his key guys out unless they’re in serious foul trouble.
Butler coach Chris Holtmann — the Bulldogs have beaten Villanova twice this season — said he thinks Villanova’s 26-3 record, Big East title and likely No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament are even more impressive in light of the Wildcats’ lack of depth.
“It makes it even more amazing,” Holtmann said. “There’s no question it’s impacted their team.”
He said Reynolds’ injury in particular changes what Villanova has been able to do defensively, comparing Reynolds’ versatility, length and athleticism to Ochefu’s last season. Reynolds, who has missed four games with a rib injury but will return to play at some point this season, also provides Villanova with an extra post presence it noticeably lacks otherwise. Holtmann said Reynolds’ absence may allow opponents to attack inside more frequently — like Butler did Wednesday.
But, Holtmann added, most coaches are playing eight- or nine-man rotations this time of year anyway. So while it certainly matters in terms of foul trouble and the frontcourt, Villanova’s short bench isn’t that much shorter than everyone else’s.
And it’s nothing Wright can’t maneuver, though no one knows how it may affect a deep March run. It just requires a bit of troubleshooting — for now.
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