2006 BIG EAST EARLY RECRUITING CLASSES: #5 VILLANOVA

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

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


A very solid class for Villanova, with a lot of players for the second year in a row. The late addition in Shane Clark to the 2005 class really balances these two classes out with 5 in each class and some interesting options for coach Jay Wright, especially in the front court. Whereas Villanova is running a 4-guard offense this season, most of their talent the next 2 years, in terms of numbers, might be in the front court.

With 13 players committed, they are done recruiting for this class. Now, with the possibility of Curtis Sumpter taking a redshirt and the addition of Shane Clark, something might have to give on the roster to make the extra room for Sumpter's 5th year.

Their most recent recruiting class might lack some of the star power they were hoping for, especially when aiming to replace Allan Ray, Randy Foye and Jason fraser (and, possibly Sumpter), but they got Antonio Pena and Reggie Reading, 2 players that promise to be very solid contributing players in the Big East. Kraidon Woods is a long and lean athlete that is rather raw, he has exciting long term potential, but probably does not make a big impact right away. Casseim Drimmond is a big body that is a load in the post. When properly motivated, he can be a very impressive performer in the front court. Like most big men, it will take some time to adjust and develop, but as far as big men recruits go, he is definitely among the upper echelon in the conference. Andrew Ott is a skilled big man that could develop into a solid player over time.

Overall, I think Villanova might be a little disappointed they did not land the home run they hoped for in the class, missing Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson and Earl Clark were all disappointing, but they do have a very solid class. It will mean for an inexperienced group behind Kyle Lowry, Mike Nardi and Will Sheridan next year, but a few of these guys should contribute nicely right away and many have the potential to be high-level players in the Big East.