Big East Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

7. Collin Gillespie

Having the right pieces in the backcourt is important for any collegiate program and Jay Wright always seemed to have a leader in those places. A 6’3 guard from Warminster, Pennsylvania, Gillespie was that impressive leader for several seasons while with the Wildcats. He arrived on campus in 2017 and would spend five years, taking advantage of the bonus season, while also winning a national title as a reserve during his freshman season.

Gillespie did play a bit during Villanova’s run to the title but didn’t become the starting point guard until his second season. He had a 30-point outburst against Georgetown during that year, but his final three seasons are where it all came together. He would average at least 14 points and 4 assists in the next two seasons before putting up 15.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 41% of his 3-point attempts in that final campaign. All the while, he was also an important leader for a Wildcats team that won more than 130 games in Jay Wright’s final years as head coach.

Seemingly better with each passing season, Gillespie was named Big East Player of the Year for each of his final two seasons, though he split the honors in 2021. He received the Bob Cousy Award in his final season for his elite point guard play. He was one of the best sharpshooters in the nation all while claiming a significant role in Villanova’s offense. The program won a ton of games under his guidance and he does have a championship ring for all his troubles as well.