Villanova in the Top 10

The Villanova Wildcats currently find themselves at 9-1 on the young season and ranked 8th in the country heading into a tune-up game against Monmouth tomorrow night. But after a loss to then #24 Tennessee, unconvincing wins against St. Joe's, La Salle and Penn, and a relatively weak non-conference schedule, the Wildcats basketball team continues to get the benefit of the doubt in the AP and Coaches Polls.

Many Villanova basketball critics may actually have an argument this year, as the Wildcats have not looked very sharp since starting 20-1 last season. Since then, they have a record of 14-9, and have not looked very impressive in any game against any formidable opponent. With the loss of Scottie Reynolds to the NBA, and a freshman class as thin and weak as one of Maurice Sutton's arms, Villanova and its young roster has a huge mountain to climb if they are going to prove that they deserve such a high ranking.

Don't be surprised if Villanova trips up more than a few times this season against a very strong Big East Conference, and a fall out of the top 25 may not be too far-fetched with several games against other top-10 Big East teams ahead of them. The next big challenge (yes, I am overlooking Monmouth) will be on December 30th against Lavoy Allen, Norristown's own Khalif Wyatt (gotta give the shout-out), and the Temple Owls, a team that beat Villanova last season 75-65.

It's going to be a very interesting season to say the least.