July 15, 2007
By Mike Sheridan
If it isn't formally recognized as one of the foremost virtues of a Villanova basketball player, it surely could be.
"Thou shalt not use the jump shot as a barometer to measure success" is a central theme in the Villanova program and has been since Jay Wright assumed the helm in 2001.
As a freshman in 2006-07, Scottie Reynolds demonstrated a long distance shooting flair that helped launch him to distinction as the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. When in a groove, such as the February night in Storrs, Conn. when he rained six triples down on the Connecticut Huskies en route to a 40-point explosion, few shooters in the East are more dangerous than the 6-2 product of Herndon (Va.) High School.
It is a weapon that figured to stand him in good stead in his bid to gain a roster spot on the United States 2007 Pan American Games Trials that began in Haverford, Pa. on July 12. International play demands quality shooting from beyond the 3-point arc and Reynolds skill set seems ideal for the task.
Alas, in the five trials sessions over the first three days, his long-range marksmanship was conspicuous by its absence.
"Scottie," notes Villanova and Pan Am Games coach Jay Wright, "did not shoot the ball as well as he can."
Yet when the roster was reduced from 30 to 14 on the morning of July 15, Reynolds' name remained on it. That he is a finalist is owed to the contributions Reynolds made elsewhere, including defensively, as a floor general, and in a variety of intangible ways.
"The (selection) committee liked his leadership, aggressiveness and attitude," Wright says.
It is scene that echoes one played out two summers ago. In his bid to make the 2005 USA Basketball 21-and-Under squad, noted Wildcat sniper Allan Ray struggled to sink shots in the Trials phase. Yet he made the roster that went to Argentina on the strength of his tenacity, defense and willingness to compete. Once the club reached the event, Ray's jumpers started falling again and he became a key component of Team USA.
The concept is simple. Even the most accurate shooters have off nights. But defense, rebounding, and attitude are there as constants. Those are the areas in which Reynolds impressed.
"Coach (Wright) always talks to us about having a great attitude and I have tried to do that here," Reynolds states after a 2-hour plus workout at Haverford College. "I wasn't hitting my shot the way I can but you can't let that get you down. You have to try to be a leader."
While there is a certain comfort level that comes with playing for your college coach, there are also potential pitfalls. There is an unspoken focus from the outside world that accompanies your every move.
"I don't look at it as pressure," he says. "Pressure is what you make of it. If you allow yourself to get caught up in that, it can slow you down. I thought this was a good experience for me, even if I wasn't fortunate enough to make the team. I tried to give it my best and let everything fall into place from there."
Over the course of the first three days, Reynolds resembled the player Villanova fans saw in December. As a point guard, his mindset was geared toward creating opportunities for others. The shots he did take were relatively infrequent and thus there was little chance for him - or many of the other skilled athletes here - to settle into an offensive rhythm. With the Trials phase largely complete, there should be a greater chance to create continuity.
Of the 29 other participants in the Trials, Reynolds felt he knew at least half from previous AAU and youth competition. Those he was unacquainted with, he has begun to form bonds with over the course of this weekend. Indeed, it is clear now that with the roster pared down, the building of a team has begun.
"Coach told us that we probably aren't going to become as close as we are to our college teammates just because we are only together a few weeks," Reynolds says. "But that doesn't mean we can't come together for the next 16 days and create something special and relationships that will last."
That experience will get underway in earnest this week. In addition to the daily practice sessions, the group will spend time together off the court. Its first foray was slated to come on Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park, where several Team USA players, including Georgetown's Roy Hibbert, were scheduled to participate in the ceremonial first pitch at the Phillies game against St. Louis.
At several points over the last few days, Reynolds has been able to look over to observe several current and former Villanova players on hand to watch. Current teammates Dwayne Anderson, Shane Clark, Antonio Pena and Reggie Redding have been by to see him. So too have ex-Cats Jason Fraser, Doug West and Chris Charles.
"To have my teammates here to support me means a lot," he says. "I miss being around them but they want me to be here and see me be a part of this."
If Reynolds makes the final roster - which is likely to be pared to 12 by July 19 - he will get to visit another familiar place en route to Brazil. Team USA will complete its training later this week in Washington, D.C. at the Verizon Center, only a short ride from his parents' home in Herndon, Va.
"I have been kind of AWOL in keeping up with my family," he says. "I talked with my Mom on Saturday just to let her know I was OK but other than that I have kept a pretty low profile with my family and friends. I want to concentrate on doing everything I can to make this team."
So far, so good.
Even if it meant doing so largely without his trusty jump shot.
