BIG EAST TOP POINT GUARDS 2008-2009: 4) SCOTTIE REYNOLDS

November 5, 2008


The offensive point guard that plays in a multi-guard set is always the hardest to classify. Villanova junior Scottie Reynolds falls into that category like a glove. The 6-foot-2 guard from Herndon (VA) is the main cog in the Villanova system, a very guard-friendly system that coach Jay Wright has become quite popular with among recruits. There is no doubt that Wright lets his guards play, encouraging them to take their opponent off the dribble and attack the defense. Scottie Reynolds is well suited for this offensive philosophy.

As a freshman, Reynolds took the Big East by storm, averaging over 18 points a game in conference play, which included a 40-point outburst at UConn. Reynolds also led the club with four assists a game as the Wildcats made the NCAA Tournament.

Last season, it seemed as though Reynolds progress as a player was a bit stagnate through the season. With freshman Corey Fisher in the backcourt with him, it seemed like neither could get a proper feel for which one was the point guard or the scoring lead guard, however, as the season wore on, Reynolds emerged as the primary ball-handler and seemed to settle more into the role of point guard. He was still offensive minded, but in the system Jay Wright uses, that is what is called upon for his lead guard.

Reynolds saved some of his best basketball for the NCAA Tournament, leading the Wildcats into the Sweet 16 while scoring 46 points and hitting 8 of 12 three's in rounds one and two.

Still, what Reynolds needs to improve upon is his assist to turnover ration, which was 1:1 last season and being under control more consistently. However, as far as scoring from the lead guard position, Reynolds remains among the best in, not only the Big East, but the country. With a top guard leading a guard-favorable attack, Villanova will remain a constant in the March Madness betting pools as guards rule in college hoops. The NBE Basketball Report staff thinks highly enough of Reynolds' game to place him as the #4 point guard in the Big East for the 2008-2009 season.