Cunningham Leads Frontcourt Uprising on Main Line

PHILADELPHIA – Being from the area, Reggie Redding knows what Villanova’s reputation has been over the years. He can also see that a current senior might change that, for this year at least.

“They say this is ‘Guard U’. I think it’s turning around this year to ‘Dante U’,” the junior wing said after the Wildcats won the Independence Bracket in the Philly Hoop Group Classic on Saturday night.

Redding was referring to Dante Cunningham, who has emerged as the Wildcats’ go-to guy inside and their leader. The 6’9″ senior has developed steadily and under the radar his entire career on the Main Line, to the point where he has come through when the Wildcats have needed him this season at both ends of the floor.

It’s not as if Cunningham has been little more than a bit player before breaking out this season. The younger brother of WNBA player Davalyn, he was a key player as a freshman in part because the Wildcats didn’t have much depth in the frontcourt due to injuries and often played four guards. He gave them defense and rebounding in their run to the Elite Eight, much like he would do as a sophomore, but they didn’t need much offense from him, although he averaged under nine points per game as a sophomore. Even last season, he was a steady but unspectacular player whose numbers (10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds in starting every game) belie his contribution to the team.

But after a 19-point, 12-rebound outing against Rhode Island on Saturday, he leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He’s clearly not just a rebounder and defender anymore.

“Having an inside presence like that just opens everything up for you,” said head coach Jay Wright. “It’s something we haven’t had.”

Cunningham added three blocks on the night and remains a defensive presence. He also went 7-8 from the line and shoots just under 80 percent from the free throw line.

Over his first three years, Cunningham has been overshadowed at every step. There were the four guards and the players ahead of him in the rotation – Will Sheridan and Jason Fraser – his freshman year. Then Scottie Reynolds came in his sophomore year and has been The Man ever since. But all along, Cunningham has been a steadying force to complement others. With Reynolds off to a slow start shooting the ball this season, Cunningham’s play has been needed even more.

“Dante’s just got the confidence of a senior, he’s played everywhere and against everybody,” said Wright. “We need him to play like this – 19 and 12 is incredible, against that team.”

As much as his numbers are standing out, he’s done much more. Making the step from complementary player to go-to guy isn’t easy, but add on being the team leader and it’s clear he was going to be challenged this season. He has support in the frontcourt from players like redshirt sophomore Antonio Pena and seniors Shane Clark and Frank Tchuisi, and needs it.

“This is his protégé right here,” Wright said, pointing to Pena. “At halftime, (Cunningham) asked me how many rebounds does Antonio have, because he’s on him all the time about that. We need it from both of them. It can’t be him every night like this.”

Wright can see Pena becoming as good as Cunningham is now with more experience and confidence. Pena has benefited plenty from working with him, and he came in with a solid reputation after a prep career at powerful Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. He’s currently second on the team in rebounding behind Cunningham, so the similarities are there even though Cunningham has always been more athletic.

As has often been the case over the years, the Wildcats have plenty of talented guards. Reynolds, Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes and Redding lead the way there and each is very capable. But as is always the case, an inside game is needed, and right now the leader of the inside game is also the team leader. For this season, at least, the Wildcats might be led by a post player, one who has come along steadily and now sets the example as a leader himself.