The idea here is to provide a quick summary of some of the latest Villanova recruiting chatter/scoop/buzz (call it what you want) in one spot so that those who don't visit the board as frequently as others can catch up quickly with the latest info.
OVERALL PICTURE:
The focus is on 2017 now. Given Coach Wright's track record of playing multiple ball-handling guards (be they point guards or combo guards) it is hard to believe he would go from landing Jalen Brunson in 2015 all the way to the Class of 2018 without bringing in another ball-handling guard. There isn't a deep class of point guards/combos in Villanova's recruiting region in the Class of 2017 so the staff is casting a wider net to find a ball-handler in 2017.
The 2017 class will likely be a 2 or 3-man class. In addition to Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, expect the Cats to bring in a PG/Combo as an understudy to Jalen Brunson and possibly a long, athletic, wing guard that can shoot it (or the best available athlete that can play on the wing).
PICTURE BY CLASS:
2016 Recruiting:
Signees: Omari Spellman (2/20/15 and 11/11/15) and Dylan Painter (9/16/15 and 11/11/15)
Needs: Coach Wright landed two quality bigs - to fill the two primary needs. Tim Delaney and Donte DiVincenzo essentially join this class from an eligibility perspective due to their injuries. Tim Delaney is expected to be back at at full speed by June.
2017 Recruiting:
VERBALS:
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree The Cats got a verbal commitment from DCR on 4/21 and DCR announced his commitment via twitter on 4/22.
Players with the most early "buzz":
Bigs:
Mohammed Bamba 'Nova coaching staff scouted Bamba in mid-Feb and through the Spring. Bamba appears to be relatively high on the priority list for 2017 for the Cats. However, he has a Duke offer, among many others and will be a very tough get. Visited for Hoops Mania and attended games this season. Outlook: Bamba is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Omari Spellman proves to be a one-and-done and Bamba commits in the Spring.
Points:
Trevon Duval 'Nova is involved. Duval visited Villanova on 10 June. The visit (tour/sit-down discussions) went well with this talented guard that has been on campus for Hoops Mania and otherwise. Duval is being highly recruited by high profile, national programs. With Duval off to play at API in Texas - this recruitment became even more of a long-shot. Outlook: Duval is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Jalen Brunson proves to be a two-and-done and Duval commits in the Spring.
Collin Sexton This 6-1, point guard prospect is averaging more than 30 ppg on the Nike EYBL circuit and has seen his stock soar over the last 6 months. Villanova is engaged and trying to gain traction.
Wings:
Lonnie Walker Cats have been on him seemingly forever and have offered. Cats are in good position. He made an unofficial visit to Villanova on the first day of team camp and the visit was a positive one. Visited for Hoops Mania. There have been rumors of him potentially transferring to a Prep School for his Senior season of high school ball. Will start on the wing for Team Final on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring/summer.
D.J. Harvey Visited Villanova on 31 May. Info gathered from both sides indicate the visit went "great". The Cats have offered and would be thrilled to land this versatile prospect who projects primarily as a 3 from a skills perspective but could play multiple positions. Visited for Hoops Mania.
Brandon Randolph Randolph now holds a Villanova offer. He is a good athlete and a streaky shooter with a decent handle but has limited passing skills. Projects more as a 2 from a skills perspective. Plays for PSA Cards on AAU Circuit. Visited Villanova on an unofficial the weekend of 10-12 Jun.
Forwards:
Brian Bowen Villanova has offered this likely McDAA from La Lumiere in IN and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for the Meanstreets AAU program.
Kevin Knox Villanova has offered Knox and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for E1T1 in Nike EYBL.
Hameir Wright Visited for Hoops Mania and for the Xavier game on NYE. Now holds a Villanova offer. Long, good athlete, with a developing skill set and an emerging deep jumper.
Justin Smith This 6'6" forward from Stevenson IL is friendly with Jalen Brunson and recently picked up a Villanova offer as well. Plays for Mac Irvin Fire in Nike EYBL.
Jordan Tucker Some sources report that 'Nova has high interest / have offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage. Good deep shooter, average athlete.
Jermaine Samuels 'Nova has reportedly offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage - but could become so in the future. He is very athletic and plays with a high motor. Not a great shooter at this stage and needs to improve his handle.
2018 Recruiting:
Players with the most early "buzz":
Elijah Weaver Cats contacted this FL PG prospect and offered.
Immanuel Quickly His stock is rising and the Cats are in contact
Jalen Smith - played for MSJ at Villanova team camp in June. Cats have been by to visit Smith. Visited for Hoops Mania. Holds a Villanova offer.
Cameron Reddish Holds a Villanova offer. Visited for Hoops Mania.
Nate Laszewski Visited unofficially during team camp and his coach reported he was offered.
Jahvon Quinerly Visited Villanova unoffically and visited for Hoops Mania
Nazreon Reid Villanova staff has been evaluating him and have offered.
Marcus Little Visited for Hoops Mania.
2019 Recruiting:
Players with the most early "buzz":
Bryan Antoine Visited for Hoops Mania.
Scottie Lewis Visited for Hoops Mania.
Precious Achiuwa Stand-out performer at Pangos East - Cats should jump in
Cole Anthony Stakes early claim as best guard in NY in his class. Visited for Hoops Mania.
TRUE OFFERS: players that VUSports projects the Cats would most likely take commitments from today:
2017s:
Mohammed Bamba
Trevon Duval
Lonnie Walker
OTHER OFFERS for 2017:
D.J. Harvey
Hameir Wright
Brandon Randolph
Justin Smith
Kevin Knox
Brian Bowen
Collin Sexton
2018s:
Elijah Weaver
Jalen "Sticks" Smith
Cameron Reddish
Nate Laszewski
Here is the NCAA D1 Men's Basketball Recruiting Calendar for 2015-16 (for any questions about Dead/Live/Contact Periods for this recruiting season)
OVERALL PICTURE:
The focus is on 2017 now. Given Coach Wright's track record of playing multiple ball-handling guards (be they point guards or combo guards) it is hard to believe he would go from landing Jalen Brunson in 2015 all the way to the Class of 2018 without bringing in another ball-handling guard. There isn't a deep class of point guards/combos in Villanova's recruiting region in the Class of 2017 so the staff is casting a wider net to find a ball-handler in 2017.
The 2017 class will likely be a 2 or 3-man class. In addition to Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, expect the Cats to bring in a PG/Combo as an understudy to Jalen Brunson and possibly a long, athletic, wing guard that can shoot it (or the best available athlete that can play on the wing).
PICTURE BY CLASS:
2016 Recruiting:
Signees: Omari Spellman (2/20/15 and 11/11/15) and Dylan Painter (9/16/15 and 11/11/15)
Needs: Coach Wright landed two quality bigs - to fill the two primary needs. Tim Delaney and Donte DiVincenzo essentially join this class from an eligibility perspective due to their injuries. Tim Delaney is expected to be back at at full speed by June.
2017 Recruiting:
VERBALS:
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree The Cats got a verbal commitment from DCR on 4/21 and DCR announced his commitment via twitter on 4/22.
Players with the most early "buzz":
Bigs:
Mohammed Bamba 'Nova coaching staff scouted Bamba in mid-Feb and through the Spring. Bamba appears to be relatively high on the priority list for 2017 for the Cats. However, he has a Duke offer, among many others and will be a very tough get. Visited for Hoops Mania and attended games this season. Outlook: Bamba is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Omari Spellman proves to be a one-and-done and Bamba commits in the Spring.
Points:
Trevon Duval 'Nova is involved. Duval visited Villanova on 10 June. The visit (tour/sit-down discussions) went well with this talented guard that has been on campus for Hoops Mania and otherwise. Duval is being highly recruited by high profile, national programs. With Duval off to play at API in Texas - this recruitment became even more of a long-shot. Outlook: Duval is continuing to be recruited by the Cats - the only scenario where Villanova lands him is where Jalen Brunson proves to be a two-and-done and Duval commits in the Spring.
Collin Sexton This 6-1, point guard prospect is averaging more than 30 ppg on the Nike EYBL circuit and has seen his stock soar over the last 6 months. Villanova is engaged and trying to gain traction.
Wings:
Lonnie Walker Cats have been on him seemingly forever and have offered. Cats are in good position. He made an unofficial visit to Villanova on the first day of team camp and the visit was a positive one. Visited for Hoops Mania. There have been rumors of him potentially transferring to a Prep School for his Senior season of high school ball. Will start on the wing for Team Final on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring/summer.
D.J. Harvey Visited Villanova on 31 May. Info gathered from both sides indicate the visit went "great". The Cats have offered and would be thrilled to land this versatile prospect who projects primarily as a 3 from a skills perspective but could play multiple positions. Visited for Hoops Mania.
Brandon Randolph Randolph now holds a Villanova offer. He is a good athlete and a streaky shooter with a decent handle but has limited passing skills. Projects more as a 2 from a skills perspective. Plays for PSA Cards on AAU Circuit. Visited Villanova on an unofficial the weekend of 10-12 Jun.
Forwards:
Brian Bowen Villanova has offered this likely McDAA from La Lumiere in IN and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for the Meanstreets AAU program.
Kevin Knox Villanova has offered Knox and would certainly take him if he wants in. Plays for E1T1 in Nike EYBL.
Hameir Wright Visited for Hoops Mania and for the Xavier game on NYE. Now holds a Villanova offer. Long, good athlete, with a developing skill set and an emerging deep jumper.
Justin Smith This 6'6" forward from Stevenson IL is friendly with Jalen Brunson and recently picked up a Villanova offer as well. Plays for Mac Irvin Fire in Nike EYBL.
Jordan Tucker Some sources report that 'Nova has high interest / have offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage. Good deep shooter, average athlete.
Jermaine Samuels 'Nova has reportedly offered. Not estimated to be a priority at this stage - but could become so in the future. He is very athletic and plays with a high motor. Not a great shooter at this stage and needs to improve his handle.
2018 Recruiting:
Players with the most early "buzz":
Elijah Weaver Cats contacted this FL PG prospect and offered.
Immanuel Quickly His stock is rising and the Cats are in contact
Jalen Smith - played for MSJ at Villanova team camp in June. Cats have been by to visit Smith. Visited for Hoops Mania. Holds a Villanova offer.
Cameron Reddish Holds a Villanova offer. Visited for Hoops Mania.
Nate Laszewski Visited unofficially during team camp and his coach reported he was offered.
Jahvon Quinerly Visited Villanova unoffically and visited for Hoops Mania
Nazreon Reid Villanova staff has been evaluating him and have offered.
Marcus Little Visited for Hoops Mania.
2019 Recruiting:
Players with the most early "buzz":
Bryan Antoine Visited for Hoops Mania.
Scottie Lewis Visited for Hoops Mania.
Precious Achiuwa Stand-out performer at Pangos East - Cats should jump in
Cole Anthony Stakes early claim as best guard in NY in his class. Visited for Hoops Mania.
TRUE OFFERS: players that VUSports projects the Cats would most likely take commitments from today:
2017s:
Mohammed Bamba
Trevon Duval
Lonnie Walker
OTHER OFFERS for 2017:
D.J. Harvey
Hameir Wright
Brandon Randolph
Justin Smith
Kevin Knox
Brian Bowen
Collin Sexton
2018s:
Elijah Weaver
Jalen "Sticks" Smith
Cameron Reddish
Nate Laszewski
Here is the NCAA D1 Men's Basketball Recruiting Calendar for 2015-16 (for any questions about Dead/Live/Contact Periods for this recruiting season)
