The expectations will be high for the former boxer, and Adam Zagoria is among the writers who are hanging their hat on JVP’s coming season:

JayVaughn Pinkston, F, Villanova — After sitting out a season and then battling injuries last year, Pinkston could be a force in the Big East if he gets healthy and motivated. He averaged 9.6 points and 5.2 rebounds but had three games of 20+ points.

As one of Zagoria’s top 15 Big East players, Villanova’s forward will be expected to shoulder the load for the Wildcats and lead the team. It would be a new role for the big man, who had Maalik Wayns to take most of the pressure off of him as a redshirt freshman. Now, he will have to do it on his own as the primary target of defensive pressure.

He had a taste of that role during the few games that Wayns missed last year. If teammates don’t take some attention away from him, it will be easier for defenders to double him up or block him from getting into the paint, where he has been the most productive.

If no other Wildcats emerge in 2012-13 as legitimate go-to options, JVP will have to make some outside jumpers. He connected on 36.6% from outside last season, which was among the team’s best. His confidence in that jumper seemed to grow as the season progressed, however, and that trend may need to continue.

Regardless of where he ranks in the Big East, JVP is the Wildcats’ player-to-watch.

The table below provides a comparison of our all players’ PPG vs. our predictions, with actual points-per-game broken down by OOC, Conference Play and the full season.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”  ~John F. Kennedy

Even When You’re Sleeping, Keep Your Eyes Open

Mike Tranghese, the former Big East commissioner, recently suggested that the basketball schools take a long look at breaking away. What would the tipping point be for universities like Villanova, St. John’s and Georgetown to depart? “That’s a great question,” Wright said. The departures of Louisville and UConn would probably expedite those discussions. Wright acknowledged that the next few months would be some of the most critical in the league’s history. “I think this time between now and the TV contract, all of us have to have our eyes open,” he said.”  But Jay was a bit more positive on the future of the Big East when speaking with Iliana Romero of the Orlando Sentinel, saying “We’ve been through this so many times. I remember seven years ago when Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech left, everybody thought that was going to be it. We thought we were done. And we wound up being better than ever. And so I really look at it the same way. It’s going to be different, but it’s going to be better and it’s going to be exciting.”

The More the Merrier (But Not Necessarily At The World’s Most Famous Arena) … NBC Connecticut reports, “The Big East conference’s basketball coaches have endorsed a plan to have every [one of the conference’s 18 teams] compete in the postseason tournament starting with the 2013-14 season. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the “Big East is likely to accept the coaches’ request but there’s still the issue of figuring out how to accommodate everyone. The Big East’s contract with Madison Square Garden does not give the league access to the venue until Tuesday, so the conference would have to renegotiate its contract with the arena or hold the games at a nearby venue so that winners would be available to play in the full tournament the next day.  Commenting on the expanded slate of 18 teams,  Jay Wright said, “In the past, when we had more stability, you would go for what you thought was best for men’s basketball or best for your school.  Now everybody just says we have to do what’s best for the whole conference.”

Go West Young Man …. As reported earlier this week on VUHoops, Daniel Martin of NBC Sports writes that Villanova recruiting target, Allerik Freeman, will spend his final season of high school basketball playing at Findlay Prep (Nev.).  Freeman, a Top 15 player in the country, holds offers and interest from schools that include Duke, Kansas, Ohio State, Villanova, and UCLA.

For The Love Of Money … Raphielle Johnson of NBC Sports writes, “Former president of CBS Sports Neil Pilson [believes] the Big East could end up getting more than the projected $130 million/year the conference turned down last year, [but] that’s not the consensus. Industry sources told CBSSports.com they expect the Big East to get much less — maybe as low as $50 million annually — because of the loss of West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and TCU. And then there’s the possibility the Big East could lose two more of its biggest names — most likely Louisville, Connecticut or Rutgers — if the Big 12 expands and the ACC has to replace two schools.  Current all sports members receive a paltry $3.125 million per year from the Big East’s current deal while the basketball schools get $1.5 million per year.  According to McMurphy the football-only schools (Boise State, San Diego State and Navy right now) would only get $3 million per year.”

About Next Year … Matt Norlander of CBS Sports writes, “The Big East again will be a very good — but not dominant. Two teams, Louisville and Syracuse, are in our not-to-be-taken-lightly Top 25 (and one). They’re top-10 teams. But no other Big East team resides there.  Notre Dame, Marquette and Georgetown should finish 3, 4 and 5 in the Conference. Villanova’s in this weird in-between state. The Wildcats should be better, but until I see them with an 18-5 record again, I’ll remain pensive.” [Editor's Note:  If you are interested in picking up your own 'Nova Crystal Ball, check out Mike's 'Nova Gift Shop.]

Lost and Found … Roger Bohn of SlamOnline writes, “Maalik Wayns looks to follow in the footsteps of another Philly-bred guard who went to ‘Nova and bounced to the League: Kyle Lowry.  We had a chance to see Maalik’s workout debut at Impact after arriving in Vegas late the night before. The shifty bursts of explosiveness were unlike those of any other guard in the ball-handling drills.  The area that appeared to be Wayns’ biggest liability during his college career (his outside jumper) actually turned out to be his biggest asset. There were three separate instances in which Wayns hit 10 consecutive NBA threes and he shot over 60 percent total by our count. Maalik is a guy who will surprise some teams with his explosiveness and new found ability to shoot the ball. Projected as a late second-round pick, he has the potential to make a GM look real good if drafted into a system that caters to his skill set.”

Everything I’m Not … Rob Dauster of NBC Sports writes, The NBA has released their list of the 60 players invited to the Draft Combine in Chicago the weekend of June 7th and 8th.  And while it is tough to nitpick with who was invited to the combine, it is easy to point out the notable names that will be watching from home with the rest of us.  Perhaps the most notable name that won’t be invited to the combine is Renardo Sidney.  Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek left Villanova with a year of eligibility remaining. Neither of them was invited.” (Editor’s Note:  One of every six players invited to the Draft Combine came from the Big East, including Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom (Marquette), Andre Drummond (UConn), Moe Harkless (St. John’s), Kevin Jones (West Virginia), Kris Joseph, Dion Waiters and Fab Melo (Syracuse), Jeremy Lamb (UConn), Henry Sims and Hollis Thompson (Georgetown).  Click here for the full list of invitees.

On to the Next One … Tom Firme of BleacherReport writes, “The Memphis Grizzlies will likely be contenders to reach the NBA Finals next season.  They could help the cause by trying to trade one of three contract-year players – Tony Allen, Josh Selby and Dante Cunningham. With his modest role on the team, promising value and reasonable salary, Cunningham may very well be that guy.”

Speaking of Moving On … Jonathan Feigen of UltimateRockets.com writes, “Kyle Lowry does not believe he and Goran Dragic, his successor as the starting point guard this season, will both return to the roster next season. Lowry was even less confident he and Rockets coach Kevin McHale can successfully coexist.“I don’t think so,” Lowry, 26, said. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed.“If things aren’t addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved.”But McHale did not believe the issues were too great for him and Lowry to work well together.”

Viva Las Vegas …Sporting New reports that rising junior “Roscoe Smith, a freshman starter on UConn’s 2011 National Championship team, and one of several players to leave Connecticut in the wake of sanctions that’ll keep the Huskies out of the 2013 NCAA Tournament, plans to transfer to UNLV, his father told CBS Sports on Friday. Even after signing Smith, Runnin’ Rebels coach Dave Rice has one more scholarship available. According to the Las Vegas Sun, he’s holding that spot open for former Villanova commit, Savon Goodman.”  Rick O’Brien of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Goodman was one of two Philly area players (along with Maurice Watson of Boys’ Latin) to be named to Parade magazine’s 56th annual All-America boys’ basketball team. Goodman led Constitution to a 23-9 and the program’s first PIAA Class A state title, averaging 25.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.”

In Good Company …. Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press writes in an article discussing how the surprisingly large number of schools who have had Final Four appearances vacated have dealt with the fallout.  The culprits include St. Joseph’s (1961), Villanova (1971), Western Kentucky (1971), UCLA (1980), Massachusetts (1996), Minnesota (1997), Ohio State (1999), and Memphis (1985 and 2008).  About Villanova, he writes, “In 1971, star big man Howard Porter, who was named the NCAA tournament’s most outstanding player, signed a professional contract in the middle of his senior year.  Villanova vacated the NCAA title-game run and four NCAA tournament wins. Porter’s most outstanding player award was vacated.  One of the priorities (current coach) Jay Wright made when he returned here in head coach in 2001 was to bolster the connection between all basketball alums and the program and the 1971 team is no exception.  We created an annual golf outing/reception each summer where all of the alumni are welcomed back and the ’71 group has been a big part of that. We often see former team members Chris Ford, Tom Ingelsby, Ed Hastings and Mike Daly at games or events. Howard Porter was honored twice here before his death in 2007. His jersey was retired in 1997, and he took part in those ceremonies. Then, in 2002, the ’71 team, including Porter, returned and was honored at halftime of a game played on campus against UCLA.  Villanova officials don’t believe a 1971 banner ever hung at the school because the sanction came down before the next season, but that 1971 team is recognized in a small display of the other Final Four teams in the basketball practice facility.”

The duo, ranked at the top of their class at both guard positions, will try to make a decision on college this fall, before the high school season starts. Their father does not want them to drag their recruitment out through their senior season like Amile Jefferson did.

“Their birthday is Oct. 28,” their father told SNY.tv. “They want to get it done before the high school season starts.”

They have narrowed their list to just four schools, Villanova, Maryland, Kentucky and Baylor. They be visiting schools this summer, but have only said they would visit Villanova and Maryland with a degree of certainty. Their father told ZagsBlog that they also intend to visit Baylor, but didn’t have a firm answer as to when, just that it “may be the end of June.”

The twins could also make another stop at Kentucky, but their father seemed to suggest that they had seen enough of the blue blood’s campus and facilities.

“As far as Kentucky goes, I don’t know about that. We’ve been there twice already and my wife’s been there. It’s something we’ve already done. My wife has talked to the coaches and given them the third degree. We may visit there again and we may not.

Their visit will come after they attend the USA Basketball under-18 camp in Colorado with Villanova freshman, Ryan Arcidiacono. The camp will run at the beginning of June and if they make the team, they will spend much of the rest of that month with the program, competing in a tournament in Sao Sebastiáo do Paraiso, Brazil.

Isaiah Lewis offered

According to ESPN NY’s Matt Ehalt, Christ the King junior shooting guard Isaiah Lewis picked up an offer from Villanova today. The 6-3, 160-pound guard also holds offers from UCLA, Kansas, Memphis, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Florida State.

He is a talented scorer from the wing who can get into the lane and score with a number of weapons. He needs to learn better how to move without the ball in his hands and still has to develop his three-point shot.

If you were wondering what Maalik Wayns has been doing to prepare himself for pre-draft workouts with teams like the Nets, Sixers, Clippers and Lakers, then this highlight reel from Impact Hoops might shed some light on that. He is showing off some dribbling, shooting, strength and other skills in hopes that he will catch some scouts’ eyes prior to the draft.

Sun Belt Conference commissioner Karl Benson told a radio host on 93.1 The Ticket in Boise, Idaho that his conference was done expanding for now, but that he had been taking calls from a number of eastern FCS schools hoping to upgrade. Those schools included Jacksonville State, Georgia Southern, Liberty and Appalachian State (though Benson indicated that there were other schools as well), and none of them are quite done with their FBS ambitions — Benson claims they will all explore joining the WAC now.

The WAC is struggling to stay alive as a viable conference, and especially as an FBS conference. They have just two FBS football members remaining in the league, Idaho and New Mexico State, and neither has any realistic options to play elsewhere. The only real option for western FCS schools at this point would appear to be the Big Sky conference and it is not believed that any of those schools has interest in moving up and joining a weakened WAC.

The eastern FCS schools have more money to play with, however, and a more urgent desire to play at the higher level of the game — they just need a conference to offer them the opportunity. While the old WAC would have been geographically difficult for those schools to handle, a new WAC with a largely eastern football membership would be far more palatable.

The NCAA would have potentially be a roadblock to turning a conference comprised purely of FBS-aspirants into a true FBS league. Bylaws of the association state that a conference must have 8 FBS football members to be a bona fide FBS conference, and that a school must have an invitation from a bona fide FBS conference in order to reclassify.

The NCAA has granted waivers and rule changes to help the WAC rebuild in the past, however, and it may be easier to gain those approvals if the FCS schools from the east coast were presented as a salvation plan for the beleaguered conference.

Liberty University has announced an intention, like Appalachian State, to move it’s program up to the Bowl Subdivision, but like Appalachian State, they have been unable to find a conference willing to offer an invitation. Their athletic director Jeff Barber has suggested that the Virginia school would not turn down a conference just because it had members in New Mexico or Idaho.

“Liberty is a university that is national, national in scope, national in its destiny I believe and because of that we’re not limiting ourselves to a geographic region of Virginia, Pennsylvania, whatever, North Carolina,” he said in an interview with WSET. “We’re willing and really would like to be in a national conference that would span all 50 states.”

If the four schools mentioned were to join the WAC and make the move to the Bowl Subdivision, it would solve at least some scheduling problems for Idaho and New Mexico State. With just 6 football members, however, the WAC would need to court a few more schools in addition to the aforementioned four. James Madison and Delaware (or perhaps other CAA members) could become targets for their courtship.

At present, no additional eastern FCS schools have been publicly connected to the WAC talks, but there seem to have been more than four schools present at some reported meetings of eastern schools hoping to upgrade mentioned by Benson. If this WAC plan were to touch the CAA conference as well, the rebuilding of CAA football — which has to add at least one more member for 2013 — would potentially become an impossible task.

Freeman had previously narrowed his list to just Kansas and Villanova, who are still presumed to be his leaders, but he has also added offers from Duke, Ohio State and UCLA to his consideration. He is spending this summer playing for Boo Williams, who also coached Scottie Reynolds, on the AAU (and Nike EYBL) circuit.

Findlay is a basketball-first program that operates out of a Las Vegas suburb, it has often been criticized since the “school” itself offers no real classes, but instead sends its athletes to the private Henderson International School for academic instruction. Despite the criticism of its structure, the program has been successful at placing players at Division I schools —all of their graduates have went on to play at Division I institutions (and qualified academically).

Villanova will be familiar with Findlay since they were also recruiting point guard Corey Joseph out of the school a few years ago.

Last season at his Olympic high school in Charlotte, Freeman averaged 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals. He moves to a program that has won three of the last four ESPN National High School Invitational tournaments. Findley Prep is 157-8 in the last five seasons and has never lost at home, while producing six McDonald’s All Americans.

Dickerson sets visits; Nova not among them

According to ZagsBlog.com, 7-foot center Jordan Dickerson, out of IMG Academies in Florida has qualified academically to play Division I basketball and begun to set visits to various suitors:

Darrell Crawford, Dickerson’s uncle, told SNY.tv Wednesday that his nephew is planning visits to Providence, South Carolina, Auburn and possibly St. John’s.

Florida State and South Florida are among the schools also in the mix.

It appears that either Villanova has lost interest in the super-tall big man as a potential member of the 2012 class or he has eliminated the Wildcats from his list. Either way, this development would appear to close the 2012 recruiting class and leave 3 open scholarships in the very deep 2013 recruiting class to be filled.

Would anyone really argue that NBA FG% leader Tyson Chandler is a better shooter than Ray Allen? Chandler made 68% of his attempts this season, but when you look closer, 96% of those attempts were from within seven feet of the rim — and he was terrible shooting from beyond that range.

Space, Goldsberry argues, is a factor too important to ignore. Rather than dividing the court into 2-point and 3-point zones to determine a shooter’s true ability, however, he divided the court into 17 zones, and then let us know which NBA player was the most effective shooter from each zone.

Dante Cunningham and Randy Foye each owned one zone in the study.

Cunningham edged out the league leader in FG% in the close-range zone, making 74% of his shots around the rim, while Chandler completed just 71% of his attempts. He also edged out LeBron James in that zone, with the King making 72% of his close-range shots. The Villanova alum obviously takes a good number of shots from a greater distance, and that fact possibly helps to open things up for him inside.

His prowess inside “legitimately puts him in an elite group of scorers,” according to Goldsberry. Despite his high-efficiency, however, Cunningham still has the “role player” reputation.

Foye, meanwhile, owns one of the eight three-point zones (Ray Allen owns two of them, if you were wondering). In particular, Foye has been his best shooting from the high zone on the left wing. That may not be a surprise to anyone who was paying attention when Foye broke a Clippers franchise record this season with eight made three-pointers in a game against the Mavericks. That game had an effect on this statistic, since he made all eight from around that zone.

Ultimately, Goldsberry’s zones won’t have a huge effect on the game, just in the way that some people think about it. Massive free agent dollars won’t be handed out for owning a zone, nor will spots in the All Star Game.

Cunningham won’t stop shooting his midrange jumper and he shouldn’t. Foye won’t take all of his shots from that zone on the wing. Both have been tremendously efficient shooters in specific spaces, however, and that is certainly commendable. That said, both should continue to play outside their comfort zones, since the league will certainly always value versatile players over specialists.

One of the matters that was discussed was the hiring of a new commissioner. Interim placeholder, Joe Bailey, told ESPN.com that they were prepared to begin interviewing search firms next week to help the league decide on a new leader. Originally, Bailey told reporters that the conference would have a new commissioner in place in “three-to-four months” and while that timeline still stands, the league’s membership would prefer to move quicker.

“We will interview search firms next week, and probably a decision [on which firm to use] will be made shortly thereafter and [we will] immediately go into the market,” interim commissioner Joe Bailey [told the Philadelphia Inquirer] Wednesday, the final day of the meetings here. “I think we will fast track it. To the degree that we can move the process quickly, [it] would be in the best interest of everyone.”

As for what the league is looking for, Bailey told ESPN:

“I’d say to you that there’s always the definition of an effective leader — on balance, that’s what you’re looking for,” Bailey said. “Someone that can take the conference and continue to move it forward over an extended period of time. You’re not looking for an individual that would be some sort of caretaker but somebody who would be able to grow with the conference itself. You’re going to find an enormous number of capable people interested in a position like this.”

A new television deal will undoubtedly be worth significantly more money to each member. Consultants reportedly told the conference that the conference would fetch $6.4 million per year for each football-only member (Boise State/SDSU/Navy) on the low-end (about double what current football members receive) and basketball members are expecting to at-least double their pay-out to around $3million per year (to compare, the Atlantic 10 splits about $1million 14 ways every year).

Some believe that with competitive bidding, the conference could do better than those numbers, however. Former CBS executive and current consultant, Neal Pilson, told the New York Times that, the league could approach or exceed the ACC’s $155 million annual deal with ABC/ESPN.

The plan appears to be to hold off on any further football expansion until a commissioner and television contract are in place. According to San Diego State athletic director Jim Sterk, the conference hopes to approach western candidates from a “position of strength” after securing a new deal. They hope to add at least one more western football-only member in 2015 when Navy joins the conference.

The conference has already had discussions with Air Force and BYU and is expected to make another push for those schools. Other candidates to become a western partner might be considered, however, if those two schools continue to opt to remain in their current situations.

It isn’t unthinkable that the league would take both schools if there were mutual interest.