That evening the public caught a glimpse of the playful Will Sheridan that teammates and coaching staff members know well. Yet when game time rolls around, as it does tonight in the 2005-06 regular season opener at the Pavilion against Stony Brook, the 6-8 junior from Bear, Del., is all business.

In his first two seasons at Villanova, Sheridan's efforts have often been unheralded. As a freshman, he emerged as a reliable frontcourt reserve and in 2004-05 became a dependable starter, frequently charged with the duty of defending the opponent's most dangerous interior player. Yet with such prominent performers as seniors Allan Ray, Randy Foye, Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser often on the floor with him, his contributions tended to be made quietly.

While some might chafe at that role, Sheridan willingly accepts it.

"I don't feel like I'm overlooked," he says. "Coming from Delaware, I didn't receive the kind of national attention some guys do. It never bothered me then and it doesn't now. I feel like I get enough credit from my teammates, coaches, the Villanova fans and alumni."

There are those around the program who believe that Sheridan's value could become more widely appreciated in 2005-06. Since the start of official practice on Oct. 14, he has been among the club's most impressive performers. Elements have been added to his offensive package and the experience gained in last season's run to the Sweet 16 has clearly benefited him.

"I feel like I've expanded my offensive game," he states. "I have worked on new ways to score. I'm also a lot more confident just in general."

Last season, Sheridan unveiled a face up jump shot that he was comfortable taking from 15 feet in. He has added range to that shot and also worked at developing his back-to-the basket skills. Last season he averaged 5.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per outing and it would be a surprise if those numbers did not rise, especially with the loss of Sumpter to a knee injury for an extended period.

"The absence of Curtis is a blow to our team," he acknowledges. "He is a great player and we all miss having him out there with us. But Curtis gives us another thing to play for. We want to make him proud of us. It's not a matter of one individual stepping into his spot, but our whole team playing together."

As a student at Sanford High School in Delaware, Sheridan participated in a wide range of activities, including student government and internships. That same willingness to dive into the unknown continues on the Villanova campus. For instance in August Sheridan served as a student volunteer in the university's orientation weekend, joining other juniors and seniors in helping freshmen acclimate themselves to campus.

"Sometimes I think other students look at basketball players and put us into a different category," he says. "But we are in the same situation they are. I stay up late at night to study for exams. I'm trying to balance school and other responsibilities like they are. So I thought why not expose new students to the life we lead?

"It was a good experience. I learned a lot and hopefully some of the new students got to learn a little bit about me."

Sheridan remains close with his parents and he also values the bonds established with his new family here at Villanova.

"This is a great bunch of guys and we really are together, on and off the court," he states

For now, there is more than enough to occupy Sheridan's hours each day. He is a dedicated student who has done well in the classroom. Basketball is clearly a significant element in his life along with family and friends, which doesn't leave a lot of down time. Sheridan is committed to extending his basketball career beyond Villanova and might some day contemplate returning to his education roots as a teacher or college professor.

As the 2005-06 campaign gets underway, he finds himself in yet another unique role, as the only non-guard in Villanova's starting lineup. At 6-8 he figures to shoulder a considerable load near the basket and it doesn't faze him a bit.

"I feel like I am playing with four All-American guards," says Sheridan, "so it makes it a lot easier situation than it might be otherwise. It allows me to just focus on rebounding and finishing near the basket."

The shades have been placed on a shelf somewhere. It will probably be spring before Sheridan pays any attention to sun roofs. The business of the 2005-06 basketball season is at hand and it's clear that Villanova's junior forward is as prepared as he has ever been to pursue it.

Notes: Please be advised that the Stony Brook game will air locally on radio on WNTP Radio (990 AM). The audio broadcast will also be available through villanova.com.