Villanueva struggled for most of last season until Yi got hurt down the stretch. Villanueva then took advantage of his increased playing time and performed admirably. In fact, Villanueva scored 26 or more points in four of the Bucks' last 22 games. He's determined to pick up this season where he left off.

"I'm ready to go," Villanueva said. "Last season is in the past. This a fresh start. I'm really looking forward to this season."

Villanueva, who was the subject of considerable offseason trade talk, seems to have developed a more mature attitude. Now entering his fourth pro season, he has been more conscientious in early workouts and paid closer attention to details.

Part of that maturation may have come from the birth of his son, C.J., over the summer. It was Villanueva's first child, and the experience has left an indelible imprint on him.

"Oh, man, it was an unbelievable feeling," Villanueva said. "It was a blessing."

Villanueva wound up averaging 11.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 76 games last season, but he believes he's fully capable of putting up much bigger numbers this season which, of course, undoubtedly would help the Bucks' cause.

"I'm shooting for a double-double season," the 24-year-old Villanueva said. "I need a 15/10 season. I know I can do that, too."