When Liberty graduate Darrun Hilliard entered Villanova last season, he knew it would be a journey rather than a short spurt on the nearby Schuylkill Expressway.

He joined a program that was seemingly in transition and gained some earnest minutes along the way, making the adjustment as a freshman in one of the higher profile programs along the East Coast and in the country.

Through it all, Hilliard learned how to expand introductions to the game of college basketball into persona benefits as well as his team's fortunes. Heading into the Big East Tournament, Hilliard started all 31 regular season games from a guard position and has had his share of big moments in helping his club achieve their share of upsets that have propelled them back into the national limelight.

With the Villanova backcourt suffering some graduation losses, the door of opportunity opened for Hilliard in November with starting spot.

"It has been a pretty crazy year," said the sophomore, who is averaging 11.5 points per game, a significant increase over 4.8 last season. "But it has been fun and intense playing in so many big games. There have also been some bad times, but I have learned how to work through them. I had played in some big games in high school, but this is a lot bigger. In high school, I was used to getting my numbers. This was different and I had to know how to be a good teammate and deal with the things that every freshman endures.

"But this has been a big year for me, and I knew what I had to do in order to make a difference this season."

Hilliard, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard, admitted how he quickly had to adapt to the overall speed and physical play of the game last season. He also strived to work on his overall shooting that helped increase his playing time as well.

As a result, his points per game sizably increased as well as minutes, field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage.

Having that one year under my belt has really helped," said Hilliard. "Some guys come here with confidence and ability to make an impact right away. Last year in the Big East I showed that I wasn't as prepared or physically read. My body wasn't there yet. I'm young for my grade and that may have hindered me.

"Now, I'm more confident and I'm stronger mentally and physically. I worked with weights and also on my shot. This year, I feel better about everything and hope everyone else does, too."

Head coach Jay Wright has seen a dramatic change.

"Darrun has really blossomed into a nice player for us," Wright said. "He (Hilliard) has played with more confidence on both ends of the floor. He usually will guard the opponent's best offensive player and has done a solid job defensively for us."

For Hilliard, it has been a matter of accepting responsibilities. He also understands the pressures of the postseason as well as the daily grinds toward reaching another level.

"We all have a role, and I know what I have to do," said Hilliard. "It is just a matter of working hard every day out there and trying to get better. We'll get better and I just have to keep working and staying focused."

Villanova and Hilliard advanced to the Field of 68 with tournament play beginning this week. The Wildcats are seeded ninth and get a first round draw with power North Carolina.