Villanueva was introduced to the Milwaukee media this afternoon, 2 1/2 weeks after he was acquired from Toronto for T.J Ford. "I think I fit in nicely. They're expecting a lot of me and I think I'm up to the challenge," Villanueva said.
Bucks general manager Larry Harris looks for Villanueva to be a "silent assassin" with his offensive versatility and says the former Connecticut star has "only scratched the surface" after just one season in the NBA with the Raptors. Harris said that he solicited the opinions of Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons on draft night because they were in his office when the Raptors initially called to propose the deal.
Bucks coach Terry Stotts will team Villanueva with center Andrew Bogut in a potentially potent combination of young big men.
"The NBA game is so much about spacing," Stotts said. "Charlie's presence is going to open up things for other people. I'm anxious to explore the possibilities of what he can do."
Villanueva is looking forward to playing alongside his new center. "I played against Bogut in college. The guy can play," he said. "He can flat-out play. I'm excited about playing with him. This is going to work out."
Villanueva has heard criticism that he doesn't play hard all the time, especially on defense. "I use that as motivation," he said. "There's still a lot of room for improvement. I'm trying to be more consistent. That's what I'm trying to improve. You still haven't seen nothing yet on the defensive end. I want to play so I have to defend."
Stotts thinks the Bucks are a more balanced team with the swap of Ford for Villanueva."For team chemistry and the way we want to play, I like the direction of the team," he said.
BUCKS NOTES: Harris said the Bucks are still exploring trade options involving Jamaal Magloire but that he's "not going to give him away."
The Bucks announced the signing of former Temple guard Lynn Greer to a multi-year contract. Greer has spent the last four years playing overseas, including last season in Italy. Greer will add depth to the Bucks backcourt.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
