Much like its 2016 National Championship season, Villanova’s 2016-17 title defense will hinge on the Wildcats’ guard and perimeter-oriented system; not an interior force. But this time around, ‘Nova will be without its anchor in the paint, Daniel Ochefu, whose absence will be noticeable, nonetheless. Would-be replacement big man Omari Spellman, a five-star talent, was recently ruled academically ineligible and will miss the upcoming season, providing Jay Wright with further interior uncertainty and depth concerns.

In what’s essentially a small-ball lineup often featuring three guards on the perimeter, Villanova’s frontcourt will still pose matchup issues for opposition, despite Ochefu’s departure. Much of this can be credited to senior Kris Jenkins, a true small forward occupying a stretch forward role at ‘Nova.

Although Jenkins technically plays power forward for the Wildcats, he frequently sets up shop on the perimeter as a sharpshooter from deep with the clutch gene—look no further than his game-winning buzzer beater to give Villanova its first title since 1985. In total, Jenkins connected on 100 looks from deep last season at a 39-percent clip. Against smaller and less athletic competition, the 6’6, 235-pound forward can utilize his back-to-basket arsenal with turnaround jumpers and still has enough craftiness and strength to make plays around the rim, as well.

Alongside Jenkins in the frontcourt will be the man tasked with replacing Ochefu—Darryl Reynolds.

As a junior last season, Reynolds played in all 40 games, averaging 17.1 minutes per contest. But most telling for the upcoming campaign was the three-game slate in which Reynolds started in Ochefu’s absence. During that stretch, the 6’9, 240-pounder averaged 9.0 points and 10.6 rebounds, including a 19-point, 10-rebound effort in a win over No. 11 Providence. ‘Nova will need related production from him in 2016-17.

While his minutes will see a significant uptick as a senior, Reynolds’ role as a rebounder and defender will remain intact.

Considering ‘Nova is stacked with high-level scorers surrounding the arc, he won’t be faced the much pressure to become a scoring presence during his final stint. That said, it’s worth keeping an eye on Reynolds potentially emerging into a nightly double-double threat after averaging 8.4 points and 10.5 boards per 40 minutes last season. But with increased minutes will come emphasis on avoiding foul trouble, as Reynolds also averaged 5.1 fouls per 40 minutes as a junior. Villanova doesn’t have much proven depth past Reynolds so keeping him out of foul trouble will be critical.

Beyond Jenkins and Reynolds, Wright will look largely towards Eric Paschall for production. The Fordham transfer spent his lone season in the Atlantic 10 conference averaging 15.9 points and 5.5 boards per game en route to A-10 Rookie of the Year honors.

Paschall primarily played on the wing at Fordham, but between his 6’7, 250-pound frame and a versatile game, Paschall should transition seamlessly into Wright’s system.

Much like Jenkins, Paschall is a natural wing with the ability to handle the ball and a pure shooting stroke, which resulted in the sophomore converting 45 threes at Fordham. But much more importantly for his likely role at ‘Nova, Paschall is exceptionally physical and deceptively athletic. Paschall’s potential as a rim-protector in Nova’s small-ball lineups could even allow him to play some center against lesser competition throughout the non-conference slate.

Considering Nova’s system and the depth concerns in the frontcourt, Paschall should quietly become a key cog in the Wildcats’ title defense—one headlined by the perimeter.

Power forward Tim Delaney sat out all of last season, too, though his absence can be credited to requiring seperate hip surgeries. It will be difficult for that to not have some effect on the former three-star recruits potential going forward, but if healthy, Delaney is tough and has a great motor so any contribution the 6’8.5, 235-pound forward can provide will be a bonus. Incoming three-star power forward can provide some depth, as well, with great size at 6’10, 240 pounds, but the in-state product looks to be a year and some physical polish away from serious production.

Collectively, while the depth is lacking, Wright should have a solid three-man frontcourt arsenal between Jenkins, Reynolds and Paschall. Delaney and Painter will see opportunities throughout, but neither appears to be ready to compete at the level necessary to defend a national title.

Fortunately for Wright, Villanova has a bolstered backcourt to rely upon in the absence of interior depth.