Villanova’s 2017 recruiting plans have taken some hits recently. First, Chris Lykes committed to Miami, then Eli Brooks decided on Michigan. Further complicating matters, Hameir Wright has decided to take a post-grad year and reclassify to 2018.
Lonnie Walker remains as the main target to join Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree in the class of ’17, and the ‘Cats still appear to be in a strong position to land Walker. ESPN has reported that five-star point-guard Collin Sexton has trimmed his list to 10 schools, with ‘Nova making the cut, however he remains a long-shot, with Alabama being the favorite at this point.
Unless Villanova is able to pull off a stunning coup to land Quade Green, Trevon Duval, or Sexton, the movement over the past two months indicates that the search for a point-guard will have to wait until the 2018 class. Combo guard Howard Washington is technically still in play, but that is also a long-shot, with minimal interest from both sides. How much the wait hurts the ‘Cats remains to be seen, but unless Jalen Brunson has an absolute breakout year and leaves early or Phil Booth has an unforeseen regression, they should be able to hold down the fort until reinforcements arrive. Villanova has been active in the 2018 guard scene, with offers to four elite point-guard prospects: Prentiss Hubb, Jahvon Quinerly, Elijah Weaver, and Immanuel Quickley.
Hubb and Quickley are probably long-shots, but ‘Nova appears to be in good early position with Quinerly and Weaver.
The 6-0 Quinerly is a four-star recruit currently ranked 40th nationally by Rivals. He has a nice stroke from the outside and an ability to get to the rim and finish in traffic. He has a well-developed crossover that he can employ going in either direction. Quinerly also has a knack for finding the ball, allowing him to rebound reasonably well for his size, and he has the vision you would expect an elite PG prospect to have.
Weaver is another four-star recruit and his currently ranked 21st nationally by Rivals. He is listed at 6-4, and his size allows him to play through contact. He is an attacking guard who likes to get into the paint and finish at the rim or take advantage of a collapsing defense to find an open teammate. He possesses a quick spin-move and a nice step-back jumper.
A commitment from Walker would go a long way to ease some of the agita that some ‘Nova fans have felt from the recent developments. A top-5 preseason ranking and legitimate chance to repeat as Champions won’t hurt either.
Some final notes for 2018: Villanova has offered 6-7 Nate Laszewski and 6-7 Jordan Tucker has scheduled an August 24 visit.
