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Villanova Basketball: Analyzing Wildcats 2021 incoming recruiting class

By Daniel Benjamin

Dec 1, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright (center) talks to his players during a time out in the first half against the Hartford Hawks at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright (center) talks to his players during a time out in the first half against the Hartford Hawks at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Villanova Basketball has re-stocked its roster with a very good recruiting class.

The Villanova Wildcats are one of a few teams in the nation that did not have a ton of roster turnover this summer. The Wildcats lost just two players — Cole Swider (transfer to Syracuse) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl — from last year’s squad that went 18-4 overall and claimed the Big East crown with an 11-4 record.  Still, Jay Wright did a great job in restocking VU’s talent as he brought in three players that have at least a 3-star ranking.

Angelo Brizzi

The consensus 3-star point guard is crafty, tough, and has NBA 3-point range. Brizzi is also very athletic, plays with a lot of energy, and possesses outstanding playmaking ability. Additionally, the lefty likes to get out in transition.

The Warrenton (Va.) native averaged 21.7 points, 7.6 dimes, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.9 steals last year for Highland High School.

Brizzi is the heir apparent at point guard for the Wildcats. He could get a little run this year but that is not a guarantee as Colin Gillepsie, Caleb Daniels, Justin Moore, Bryan Antoine, and Jordan Longino are ahead of him on the depth chart.

Jordan Longino

The 6-4 4-star local product was one of the top shooters in the 2021 class. Longino grew up in Furlong (Pa.) and attended Germantown Academy. He has a great body and is versatile as well as possesses a high basketball IQ.  Longino has the ability to create off the catch and off the dribble.

Longino should see plenty of time this upcoming season with Jay Wright using a 3-guard lineup. He could even start although I believe he will end in a reserve role backing up Justin Moore and either Bryan Antoine or Caleb Daniels.

Nnanna Njoku

The 4-star center was named the 2021 Delaware POY and led Stanford to a state championship, averaging 20.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Njoku is a strong, big-bodied athletic big man who can score around the rim with either hand. He is a fantastic rebounder and also has the ability to knock down jumpers out to the 3-point line.

Njoku could find it a little difficult to find playing time this year as there is plenty of talent in the Wildcats frontcourt. It will all depend on the health and development of everyone fighting for a spot in the rotation. Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree and Jermaine Samuels will likely start although Eric Dixon could as well if Wright decides to go to a more traditional lineup.

If Dixon doesn’t start then that would mean one more person that Njoku would have jump over on the depth chart. Brandon Slater and Trey Patterson are also in the mix.

Next. 10 key Big East questions for 2021-22. dark

Bottom Line: Wright was not under any urgency to bring in a lot of players this year, although he did have six scholarships to work with. Wright did a great job bringing in talent — ranked No. 22 in the country by 247Sports, and all three players should play a major role for the Wildcats in the near future, if not this year. Grade: B+.