Feb. 11--Returning to the Chicago area to play felt "weird," Villanova freshman guard Jalen Brunson said.
After leading Stevenson to a Class 4A state title last season, Brunson should feel comfortable with the No. 1 Wildcats.
Villanova (21-3, 11-1 Big East) won its first game as the top-ranked team in the nation by defeating DePaul 86-59 on Tuesday night at Allstate Arena, as Brunson had 11 points and four assists.
The 6-foot-2 point guard is helping to drive another team toward a possible championship.
"I don't know if there's another freshman at any position anywhere in the country that we could have gotten that would come in as mature and well-prepared," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "He's playing with juniors and seniors and he fits in perfectly, not just in how he plays but his personal maturity. And that has really allowed us to be a very good team."
Brunson averages 10.3 points and 2.8 assists and leads the Wildcats in 3-point shooting at 36 percent. He frequently references his father, Rick, a former Bulls player, for his court know-how.
A five-star recruit at Stevenson and Illinois' Mr. Basketball as a senior, Brunson whittled his final college choices to Villanova and Illinois. He's feeling at home near Philadelphia.
"I came in and they had had a lot of success last year," he said. "It was my job to come in and contribute and fit in."
Wright said he has rarely coached a guard like Brunson -- and Wright has coached a lot of top-flight guards.
"It's unbelievable," Wright said. "The only other player we've ever coached like that is Ryan (Arcidiacono, a current senior). All the great guards we've had -- Randy Foye, Allan Ray, Kyle Lowry, Darrun Hilliard -- they weren't like that on Day 1. They became that. (Brunson) was like that on Day 1."
Brunson's approach, Wright said, separates him from other freshmen.
"On the court, you don't see any emotion," Wright said. "He doesn't make any stupid mistakes. He never loses concentration. Every day he comes to practice prepared. He knows the scouting report. He's listening all the time. He goes all out in every drill.
"It usually takes your junior year before you learn to do that every day. It's amazing."
Brunson didn't let himself get carried away playing before a hometown crowd.
"I miss it out here," he said. "But as soon as I stepped out of the plane, it was a business trip. I just focused with the guys to get this win."
sryan@tribpub.com
