Player Spotlight: Maalik Wayns

The 6-1 Villanova point guard is quickly becoming the leader of the Villanova Wildcats. The Wildcat followers have been waiting for this time to come, but it finally looks like he's getting there. Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes provide the veteran leadership, but Maalik has pushed Fisher over to an off the ball guard, where he has struggled. Wayns had his best game of the season last night vs. Temple in a Philadelphia showdown. The game meant more to Maalik simply because he is a Philadelphia native and has played against most of the Temple Owls players since he was a kid playing AAU.

Wayns had 21 points with 8 assists and 4 steals. For a college point guard, you can't ask for more than that. He drove to the hope at will with his unbelievable ball control. Maalik has been criticized for his lack of consistency and high amount of turnovers. He had 3 turnovers last night, but for shooting the ball 14 times and dishing out 8 assists, that's not a bad number by any means. Last season he fell in love with his jump shot and didn't focus on what he does best: taking it to the rim. He is a quick and athletic point guard that can cause mayhem for a defense when he's going to the hoop. There aren't many players in the country that can stay in front of Wayns and if he gains a rhythm with his big men, the pick and roll can becoming a deadly weapon for the Wildcats. Look for Wayns to gain even more minutes in the near future as long as he continues his stellar play.