Bluenotes

…and now, the “Way-too-early” Prognostications for the 2022-23 Season

Now that the 2022 season is officially completed, the 2023 season needs to start as soon as possible. That’s right, it’s Way-Too-Early rankings season! All of this will get thrown out the window over the next few weeks as the transfer portal heats up and players leave for pro careers, but it is interesting to see where the talking heads see Villanova next season given they’re losing 2 starters for the first time since 2019. Where too does the rest of the Big East shake out in these early rankings?

Here’s where Villanova was ranked in five of the future-facing polls:

ESPN: 13th

Stadium: 13th

Athletic: 14th

CBS: 15th

SI: 16th

Mid to Early teens is pretty respectful for a program losing two key players and possibly being without its three leading scorers. It says a lot about where Jay Wright has gotten this program, and the benefit of the doubt that he will have a new group of guys ready to step up as he has time and time again.

But there will be a new wrinkle next season, one Villanova hasn’t faced in a long time. In every single one of these polls, Creighton is ranked ahead of Villanova. In fact, three of the five polls have Creighton as a Top 10 team. For the first time since the 2013-14 season, Villanova may not be the Big East coaches pick to win the conference.

Looking around the rest of the Big East, UConn and Xavier each showed up in a poll, but only Nova and Creighton appear in all five.

Big East teams listed in the 10 various WTE Poll projections: We’ve got six teams projected in the various major polls. Marquette and Providence in 2 polls, UConn in three polls, and Xavier in seven of these polls. Both Villanova and Creighton are in all 10 polls thus far. Andy Katz and the NCAA finally published a WTE poll – April 8, 2022.

In other news…

A Blue Blood Final Four…what a treat!

The Bluest of the Blue!

But, let’s be honest here for a brief moment. Diehard basketballers, TrueBlue fans, and hoops purists have to be rooting/pulling for Villanova. Why, you ask? I’m glad you asked that question.

The Blue Bloods have all the advantages in life, like folks who inherit money, rather than EARN it.

Everything is handed to them on silver platters…Work? What’s that?
They don’t need talent (see Paris Hilton), as they generally buy fame/notoriety or whatever else they need.
Folks readily kiss the ring/rear looking for crumbs from the table. .
They get loads of press simply because they are one of the “moneyed elite Haves”, not due to any significant notable contribution.
They can break rules with impunity…who cares. “I’m (so & so) and above the rules.”

Kansas: The hate goes wayback – to the 50’s-60’s. Wild Bill has joyfully continued the legacy at KU. Rules? What rules? We’re KU…we make our own rules. Old Bill is hurriedly, doggedly trying to sneak in one mo’ title before the latest round of potential sanctions (…and hoping for a UNC Cheat outcome) hit Lawrence. Not this year Bill.

KU will have no choice but to fire Mr. Self if the NCAA lays down the hammer hard.

Duke: Speaking of rules. GOAT K is notorious for making his own rules, as he goes along. He ‘owns’ the NCAA, but allows them to govern the rest of college basketball. Making his Farewell Tour this season – The GOAT/Godfather of college basketball!

It is a given that the organization wants to present him with another championship as he exits – stage right. Primarily due their fear of him, plus he is the winningest coach of all time. It’s a done deal!

North Carolina: Long line of preferential treatment, including their last scandal – TWENTY plus years of continuous cheating! Not even a hand slap? My boy Roy…he was well trained at UNC-KU-UNC in the fine arts of scandal-proofing. Any other year and UNC (even with this rookie coach) would have a shot at grabbing another ring…not THIS year.

This is K’s swan song year and the NCAA will not allow anyone to mess it up!
Sorry UNCCheat, maybe next year.

Villanova: The odd one out in this August group. A relatively newer BB, and one without a long, sordid, mottled history. These guys are a clean group…in comparison to their elite brethren above! Leisure suit Larry, errr, jazzy GQ Jay Wright, is a choirboy/altar boy compared to his counterpart coaches above. What a breath of fresh air. A big-time coach who has not yet become jaded, compromised, sold his soul. Say it ain’t SOOO! Villanova may not have the best talent, but is the Best TEAM of this Final Four group.

Nova upsets the applecart and all ‘the Best laid plans of mice & men‘ and wins another Natty. Coach Wright outlasts Coach K and sends him out the door with a Radnor size 12 up his heiney!