Villanova’s Antonio Pena finally making a name for himself
Antonio Pena, Villanova University
Once upon a time, Antonio Pena was known only as one of the “other guys” on Sebastian Telfair‘s team at storied Lincoln High School (Brooklyn, NY). But after a journey that has since taken him through two years at a prep school in Connecticut, knee surgery and a redshirt season, Pena has re-emerged as one of the key players on a Villanova University squad contending for a national championship in 2010.
Pena, a 6-8 junior power forward, is averaging 11 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Wildcats (22-3, 11-2 Big East), ranked No. 3 in the country before last night’s loss to UConn. In Villanova’s previous game, a win over Providence, Pena had one of his best efforts of the season, putting up 15 points and 12 boards, his sixth double-double this year.
Over the weekend I got up with Pena to talk about his team and his career:
*** *** ***
Dime: You guys were the underdog Final Four squad of ’09, but came into this season with a Top-5 ranking. Does that make the pressure or expectations different at all?
Antonio Pena: I mean, coming into this season we knew we were gonna be good. We have some veterans and some good younger players. If the vets like me, Scottie Reynolds, Reggie Redding, Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher … If we play up to our ability and learn from last year and bring along the freshmen, we know we’ll be good.
Dime: I’ve heard the term “Villanova Basketball” used by some of your teammates like a mantra. What is Villanova Basketball to you?
AP: Playing together, playing hard, playing smart, playing with pride. It basically means we’re gonna play our hardest if we’re down or if were up, that we’re gonna fight and scrap to the bitter end. Like, against Louisville (Jan. 11) we were down the whole game until the end, but we came out on top. Our goal isn’t trying to just outscore teams and use our talent — our goal is to play harder than anybody else.
Dime: Villanova is usually known for its guards, while the big guys get overlooked. How do you see your role in the system?
AP: Yeah, people say it’s a guard system and the forwards aren’t that talented. And honestly, playing with Scottie, Fish, Stokes and those guys, there’s not much a forward has to do. I just have to run the floor, rebound and do my best to get open and they’ll find me. I get a lot of easy baskets off second-chance points and just having my head up running the court. The offensive game has a lot to do with the guards.
Dime: Dante Cunningham was the most recent frontcourt player to come out of ‘Nova into the NBA. Have you been following his rookie season?
AP: Yeah, I’ve been watching him a lot. He’s been doing a lot better as the games go on. He’s been consistent with his jump shot and rebounding.
Dime: Do you two play a similar game?
AP: Not really. I think I’m more skilled offensively, but I need to have that same mindset Dante has. When he goes on the court, he’s a killer. You can’t teach that, and he already has that. I’m doing my best to get it.
Dime: When you think back to your freshman year, what part of your game has grown the most?
AP: Probably just slowing down and being more calm. Your first year, you come in trying to do so many things at once — I was getting traveling calls, tripping all over myself, stuff like that. My body’s become more lean, too. I’m able to stay on the court and bang with those physical guys more.
Dime: Some players say the speed of the college game is the toughest thing to get used to, others say it’s the strength. What was it for you?
AP: In the Big East, it’s both. One day I might go against another forward who’s not taller than me but might be faster, or the next day somebody who might be stronger.
Antonio Pena, Villanova University
Dime: Who are the best players you’ve gone up against this year?
AP: Luke Harangody (Notre Dame), Lazar Hayward (Marquette) and Greg Monroe (Georgetown). They all have different styles. Hayward, I like his game a lot. He’s more of a three, but he has to play the 4-5 for his team. He can shoot it, but he’s also physical down there and strong. I like that about his game.
Dime: Which Big East gym is the toughest to play in?
AP: Oh man, there’s so many of those … West Virginia, Georgetown, Syracuse … those are all really tough places to play.
Dime: How about those Big 5 games in Philly?
AP: Man, the Big 5, I consider it more like a championship atmosphere. You’re always gonna get your opponent’s best game. La Salle, Drexel, you’re gonna get their best game; that’s like their championship game.
Dime: Who needs to really step up for Villanova to win a national championship?
AP: Nobody as much as myself, that’s how I look at it. Once the leaders step up, the others will follow. Once the older dudes step up, the younger guys are definitely gonna follow.
Dime: How is Jay Wright on and off the court?
AP: Coach is a nice guy. Off the court he’s a great guy. On the court … I mean, it’s not like he’s trying to be mean, he’s just trying to push the best out of us. And if he sees that you have talent, he’ll push you ever harder.
Dime: Opinions are split on Scottie Reynolds’ NBA potential. As somebody who practices and plays with him every day, what do you think of Scottie as a pro?
AP: In my opinion, he’s a basketball player. You can put him on the court and whatever you need from him, he can do it. He can be a point guard, a two-guard … he has the heart to play the four or the five if he had to.
Dime: Take us through that game-winner Scottie hit against Pitt in the Elite Eight last year?
AP: I didn’t know how he would score, but I knew he would score once he got the ball in his hands. I’ve seen him do it too many times. When he gets the ball, he makes things happen.
Dime: What about Levance Fields‘ 80-footer at the buzzer right after that? That looked like it almost went in.
AP: Yo, man … I was just talking to somebody about that the other day! When he let the ball go, it was like time was moving slower. It looked like it was going in. I remember I grabbed somebody and was like, “Oh my God, is this going in?” I was glad he missed.
Dime: How about your own NBA prospects? What aspects of your game do you think would help you on the next level?
AP: Just from watching the NBA and seeing how they work, my main thing has to be toughness. Every team needs tough guys. It’s rare that you get a Kevin Durant or LeBron James type of talent, but teams always need guys who can be physical, play hard on defense and do the little things. I think I’m one of those kind of guys.
-->
February 16th, 2010 at 10:09 am
ldsfkj says:
seems like a good, level headed guy. wish some of that would have rubbed off on bass
February 16th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
BCap says:
more offensively gifted then Dante Cunningham?
visions of grandeur
February 16th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Nam Kishaba says:
You’re probably right then. Family guy has done much, much worse. What a great show!
February 16th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
eyes says:
This is a basketball site for basketball players. Could of used a Corey Fisher or Sherron Collins dig here. 2 of the most underrated guards in college basketball. All game no hype. Why is that? If this guy is your center there are some issues. He plays hard but has not one basketball skill on defense or offense.
I understand shedding light on the under the radar guys. I would have even preffered one on Mike Rosario or Hazell. I tell you I wish all the analysts were Big East guys. The conference has been the best year in & out. Yet Digger,Hub, & Bilas. Especially Dickie V continue to promote ACC basketball. It’s sickening. Hand the mic over. Bob Knight commentating on games is borrrrrrrrrrrrrring.
@AB.. I know you must have never played or weren’t that good. No disrespect but your assesments of talent are questionable. Are your columns favors or do you really believe all this stuff.
Pena might be the worse starter or player in College Basketball.
Malik Wayaans is the new Corey Fisher. Taylor King is a waste of scholarship. Corey Stokes should not have been an all american. Dominic Cheek looks terrible. Armwood plays the wrong sport. He should be a American Gladiator. Reading is okay. Aside from Malik,CFish & okay Scottie Villanova Reynolds I don’t know how this team does it. Either Jay Wright is that good a coach or Scottie Reynolds & COREY FISHER need more credit.
Malik Wayaans & Corey Fisher are both playing on one leg in the best conference in the COUNTRY & holding it down. Says a lot. Also where’s that Kemba Walker article on him killing the cats. Remember scouts & experts he was a lottery pick before one bad game. How smart guys. He’s only a sophmore & Uconn is a 3 man team Dyson,Kemba,Robinson. Sure could have used Curtis Kelly. Again I forget coaches egos. I’m a H.O.F. coach who are you young man?
Attention: Villanova training staff can Corey Fisher have one year of 100% basketball. Shed some pounds & get his knee right. Same for Maliiek. Wait I forget he’s the new Malcom Grant. He gets no Tick. Because he’s college’s golden child. Everyone loves Scottie. He played himself from lottery to not get drafted. Back to 1st round maybe. If you were a smart GM I’d advise to pick him. LMAO.
February 16th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Fact says:
Eyes, that rambling comment you left proves you know absolutely nothing about the way Villanova’s team works. Where are your MRIs to show corey fisher’s knee damage?
February 16th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
eyes says:
Fact..Worry about your losing streak & win a national championship. I’m pretty sure you’ve never seen Corey play outside of Villanova. Cry baby. Why even leave that comment. I really don’t like the way Villanova teams works. That’s my problem. You guys could have the best team & win year in & out. You have two bed haven’s of talent on lock. NYC & PHILA. You probably think Scottie Reynolds is College Player of the Year like Reddick & Morrison.
Malcolm Grant didn’t deserve more playing time last year along with Wayans this year. Why am I replying. Did you really ask me where are my MRI’s for proof. Regular Season means nothing if you can’t bring home the trophy. Final Four,Game winners,top rankings, Too much exposure from OVER HYPED SCOTTIE REYNOLDS is fine. Just do something. Second place or runner up isn’t good enough.
How do you guys not recruit Jarred Famous from USF. Why do you not have an athletic wing that could fill it up & help take some pressure of your guards. Why does Corey Fisher get subbed out like he’s freshman & Scottie Reynolds have a out of space green light? Do you ever see Wayans face on the sidelines. His confidence along with Stokes & Cheeks is shot. How do you take a Great shooter & player in High School & turn him into a defender? How do you have all the respect a coach could ask for from the refs & college experts alike & still not WIN? Villanova is & has been my favorite team for a while. I just see some things I don’t like. Sorry if I went against your law? I’m a little older or I would have gave you my old MRI.
You’re such a DOUCHE. LOL. @Control it does have a ring. LOL.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
legs says:
hey guy…calm down. they’re young. have confidence in jay and understand that these losses are only making us stronger. you’re one of the dudes that thought we would waltz into the tournament with 1 loss, didn’t you. you remind me of jonah hill from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. “hey jay did you check out those plays on the clip board that i slipped under your door?!”
February 16th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Tjc8344 says:
Pena is a role player just like Dante Cunningham.
February 17th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
da real says:
could be a nice european player if he gets a little faster and nastier.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:18 am
chad says:
pena wasnt just “one of the guys” when telfair fouled out of the state championship game and he stepped in and won the game for the team
February 18th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Darkness says:
He actually had some well thought it out answers – good interview Dime!
April 12th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
NYCSCOUT says:
He should enter the draft next year which is the 2011 NBA Draft because he has nothing to lose he will be in his Senior year meaning next year he will be his last season of college basketball. Anyways he has nothing to lose because after of all of these years of college he for sure will have a degree to his name that will look good and it can help him get a job if he does not make the draft.But to tell the truth I think after another year of college and when next year college season is over he will be ready for the draft all he need to do is have a good senior year and when the season is over hire a personal trainer that can continue to help him develope and him for the training camps and a good agent that know what he is doing.Plus he should get in touch with Sebastain Telfair who can help him by both of them working out together and Telfair could make recommendation for him to get an invite for him to attend some NBA Training Camps and maybe even help get with some team in the NBA or Sebastian Telfair can hook him up with his agent and a personal trainer.Antonio Pena should plays in some of the summmers tournaments n New York in the Adult division such as Rucker Park EBC,HITS,Dyckman Park,West4th Street The Cage and Kingdome Classic and some others.Antonio Pena just keep working hard and listens to my advices.