BIG EAST RECRUITING REPORT: VILLANOVA

July 2006

Projected 2007-2008 Roster:

Junior: Frank Tchuisi (F), Bilal Benn (G), Dwayne Anderson (SG), Dante Cunningham (F), Shane Clark (F)
Sophomore: Scottie Reynolds (G), Andrew Ott (C), Reggie Redding (G), Casseim Drummond (C), Antonio Pena (F)
Freshmen: Corey Stokes (G), Corey Fisher (PG), Malcolm Grant (PG), Kraidon Woods (F)



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Jay Wright is HOT! Not much more you can say about the recruiting efforts of the Villanova Wildcats and their coach. We entered the July evaluation period with the Wildcats already committed to 14 scholarships, one over the NCAA limit of 13, for their 2007-2008 season. With Curtis Sumpter returning for the 2006-2007 season and the late addition of Scottie Reynolds, even the decision of Kyle Lowry to stay in the draft pushed committed seniors Kraidon Woods and Malcolm Grant to take a 5th-season of prep ball and hold of enrolling. What makes their recruiting even more quiet is the 2007-2008 roster is void of seniors, making it that there are no current scholarships left for 2007 or 2008. However, as well all know, recruiting can take some twists and turns along the way.

There have been some internet rumors about Kraidon Woods or Malcolm Grant thinking twice about staying committed. With the multiple guard looks that Jay Wright has been able to put together, I think Grant is more likely to stick things out with Villanova. He committed knowing the situation, although Scottie Reynolds was not in the picture at the time, however, Corey Fisher was in the fold and Corey Stokes was a real possibility. Woods, however, could be another story. With a team likely to put at least three guards on the floor in many situations, there could be limited time for the raw, yet high on potential, Woods. Villanova was on him before most, so, we will see. So far, nothing is more than just rumors, but both are situations to follow.

The other likely source of a scholarship opening up is in the way of transfers. The sophomore season of players like Dwayne Anderson, Frank Tchuisi and Bilal Benn will probably tell the story of their future careers as Wildcats. With a very talented class behind them with Andrew Ott, Antonio Pena and Casseim Drummond behind Tchiuisi, Reggie Redding battling with Anderson and Benn trying to win time with Scottie Reynolds, it will be a key season for the returning players to define their roles. When you are reloading your roster and carrying 12-13 players, it is only natural for some to look at additional options for playing time after a few seasons in the program. Again, it is all just speculation, but with 14 commits for 13 spots currently for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, it is something to keep an eye on for future recruiting chances.

For now, the Villanova staff is looking into 2008 prospects and laying the ground work for the future. We will follow the names of players that emerge over time and keep an eye on the roster make-up going through the season.