Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Wright looking to ‘Buddy’ system to contain Oklahoma star Hield
HOUSTON >> Preparing for a player like Oklahoma guard BuddyHield is nearly impossible, unless you have faced him or similar players.
Fortunately, Villanova has done both. The Wildcats saw Hield in December and also faced guards such as Kris Dunn of Providence and Isaiah Whitehead from Seton Hall, who are similar players.
Still, that was a long time ago so Jay Wright had to come up with a plan to get his players ready for the Oscar Robertson Player of the Year, who is averaging 29 points per game in the NCAA Tournament.
“What’s unique about Buddy is I think he moves without the basketball at a speed and at a level of intelligence that no one else that we’ve played against does. I think that’s what’s going to make him a great pro.”
Hield may be unique, but Villanova had to have someone play the 6-4, 214-pound senior in practice. While the team was still on campus, 6-7, 260-pound forward Eric Paschall, who is sitting out the season after transferring from Fordham, played the Hield role in practice. Once the Wildcats touched down inHouston, that job went to 6-5 freshman guard Donte DiVincenzo, who is sitting outwith a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot.
“Watching it, they do a great job, but it’s stillnot the same,” Wright said.
DiVincezno may be no Hield, but he was grateful to be able to contribute in some way.
“My job, pretty much, is to get these guys ready in practice,” DiVincenzo said. “Buddy Hield is an amazing player. I just tried to do everything that he does to the best of my ability to make sure these guys are ready for Saturday.”
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JoshHartwillmost likely receive the opening assignment to stop or at least slow Hield down.
“He’s a great jump shooter,” Har said. “But a lot of guys pay so much attention to his shot, his three, they don’t realize how athletic he is an how he’s able to get to the basket and finish through contact.”