Big East Basketball: 10 under-the-radar incoming freshmen for 2018-19
Saddiq Bey, Villanova
SF | 6-foot-7 | 195 lbs | No. 136 overall
Before I get too far into this, I will say that there is a fairly high chance that Saddiq Bey ends up redshirting this year. With Dylan Painter, Jermaine Samuels, and Brandon Slater all poised to compete for reserve minutes this year, the expectation is that at least one of these players ends up redshirting. Due to Bey being one of the newcomers and the lowest-rated recruit, he seems to be the most likely at this point.
Related Story. Breaking down Villanova's 2018 recruiting class. light
If he does end up playing, though, he is one of the best incoming recruits in the conference. To this point in the offseason, though, Bey has been overlooked because he was the last recruit to join Villanova’s top-10 recruiting class in the country. A top-150 recruit in the nation, Bey can score at all three levels and brings enough size and athleticism to potentially defend positions 2-through-4. While on the floor, Bey understands that he does not need the ball in his hands to help the team succeed. He is capable of operating off the ball offensively and as a defensive stopper.
Because of this, Bey could find a potential role right away as a freshman if he elects not to redshirt. Villanova already has solid scorers on the roster and Bey could provide a nice balance to the depth of the team as a reserve option at either forward position.