Villanova Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Wildcats
By Joey Loose
Projected Starters
Guard – Jhamir Brickus (Senior)
After four seasons as a starting guard at La Salle, Brickus makes the in-city transition over to Villanova to finish off his collegiate career. An All-A10 selection last season, Brickus put up 13.9 points and 4.8 assists per game in his most productive season, also nailing 40% of his 3-point attempts. He brings a fantastic touch and veteran experience into the backcourt.
Guard – Tyler Perkins (Sophomore)
Another local transfer addition, Perkins joins the Wildcats after a stellar freshman season over at Penn. That freshman year saw him average 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game with decent shooting figures. Perkins stood out as one of the best freshmen in the Ivy League and finished 5th in the league in steals, but how will the young guard handle life in the Big East?
Guard – Wooga Poplar (Senior)
Poplar joins Villanova for his senior season, having spent the last three seasons out at Miami. Part of that Final Four run in his second year, Poplar served an even more vital role as a junior, putting up 13.1 points and 4.8 rebounds a game. Poplar’s overall game has markedly improved with each season and now he adds an important shooting touch to the Wildcats.
Forward – Eric Dixon (Senior)
Year five soon begins for Dixon, who played a pair of seasons under Jay Wright after coming to Villanova back in 2020. A full-time starter for three straight years, Dixon has become the face of the frontcourt, averaging 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. His long-range shot wasn’t as efficient last season, but Dixon remains a talented playmaker and rebounder and should be the leading scorer yet again; though with more help this season.
Center – Enoch Boakye (Senior)
After two underwhelming years at Arizona State, Boakye took a measured step forward as a junior at Fresno State last season. The former Top 100 prospect became one of the MWC’s best rebounders, averaging 7.5 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Boakye now steps into a tougher situation in the paint for the Wildcats, though he seems capable as an interior scorer and rim protector as well.