RECRUITING UPDATE

COMMITMENT ALERT: Antonio Pena (F), St Thomas More (Conn)

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Nardi (PG), Will Sheridan (PF)
Junior: Kyle Lowry (G)
Sophomores: Frank Tchuisi (F), Bilal Benn (G), Dwayne Anderson (SG), Dante Cunningham (F)
Freshmen: Kraidon Woods (F), Andrew Ott (C), Reggie Redding (G), Casseim Drummond (C), Antonio Pena (F)


Recruiting Round-Up from 7/13 with Nova: LINK.
See earlier Villanova Recruiting Reports: July 8 Update June 23 Update



As we guessed back in June, Antonio Pena has joined the Villanova recruiting class (see stories from Philly Inquirer and Daily News in today's Notes article). The front court is getting a little crowded with Ott, Drummond and Woods pledged for 2006 along with Pena plus Tchuisi and Cunningham in the fold as freshmen in 2005. However, Villanova got a very efficient working forward that can go inside and is improving at going outside and uses his body well to rebound and score around the basket. This is a very good pick-up in the Big East Conference.

A point guard may really be the next area of concern for the Wildcats in their recruiting priorities. Eugene Harvey is a player that could become more involved with them over the summer. Earl Clark can definitely handle the ball like a PG, but he could have some trouble playing the spot solely. With Nardi and Lowry still on the 2006 roster, PG might not be that much of a priority, but we shall see. Earl Pettis is another very versatile guard that could figure into the Villanova recruiting mix as they do like to play a 3-guard offense, which does make you wonder if they have room for any more guys upfront.

With one scholarship left, it most definitely is being left on the table for Earl Clark. I would be really surprised if Villanova added another recruit before Clark makes a decision. Clark has hinted around the idea of playing college ball with Lance Thomas and Derrick Caracter and all three have had Villanova, Rutgers and Louisville high on their lists, however, nobody seems to have three scholarships available and only Rutgers has two left at this point. Clark has leaned toward Villanova for a long time and Thomas and Caracter defintiely seem to be out of the picture right now.

Villanova is a hot name in recruiting right now and Jay Wright seems to be getting things done in a hurry for this class which will only make him even more dangerous in 2007! There may only be 2 scholarships open for them in 2007, but they can work on some of the best right away.