News Summary

Villanova Men’s Basketball has signed three promising high school recruits for their 2025 class, marking the first under new head coach Kevin Willard. The recruits, Acaden Lewis, Chris Jeffrey, and Nico Onyekwere, bring impressive credentials and varied skill sets to the Wildcats, aiming to invigorate the roster following recent team changes. With only two roster spots remaining, the Wildcats are focusing on building a competitive future as they transition into a new era of college basketball.

Villanova Seals Deal with Three High School Prospects Under New Coach Willard

Villanova, PA – Exciting news is buzzing in the basketball community as Villanova Men’s Basketball recently announced the signing of three high school recruits for their 2025 class. This marks the first recruiting class for the new head coach, Kevin Willard, who is eager to shape his vision for the Wildcats.

A Trio of Talented Recruits

The three new additions include Acaden Lewis, Chris Jeffrey, and Nico Onyekwere. These young athletes are bringing their unique styles and impressive stats to a program looking to revitalize its roster.

Acaden Lewis, a four-star recruit hailing from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., stands out as the fifth-best point guard in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. During his high school career, he racked up impressive averages of 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, even earning the title of Gatorade Player of the Year for D.C. in his junior season. It’s not every day that a player of his caliber changes commitment, but Lewis decommitted from the University of Kentucky on April 10 and officially chose Villanova on May 1. His skills as a true point guard, combined with excellent 3-point shooting and outstanding passing, position him as a future leader on the court.

Next up is Chris Jeffrey, another four-star talent who closely followed Coach Willard from Maryland to Villanova after he had initially pledged to the Terrapins. Known for his physical presence, Jeffrey played at Mt. Zion Prep in Brooklyn, NY, where he averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the Elite Youth Basketball League. His versatility allows him to score at various levels, boosting Villanova’s chances for depth and skill on the hardwood.

Last but certainly not least is Nico Onyekwere, a towering seven-foot-one forward from Long Island Lutheran in New York. His stats may seem modest with an average of 6.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 22 blocks across 15 games last season, but his presence is undeniable. Coach Willard describes Onyekwere as a traditional center who possesses the necessary skills to thrive in the Big East, including an impressive shooting range that extends to 17 feet. Onyekwere also made headlines by switching his commitment from Florida State before signing with Villanova.

Building a Competitive Future

This news is particularly exciting given the recent turnover in the Villanova program. After the departure of former head coach Kyle Neptune, the team faced some challenges—including eight players entering the NCAA transfer portal—leaving room for new talent. With only two roster spots open for the upcoming 2025-26 season, the Wildcats are actively looking to bolster their lineup.

In addition to these recruits, Villanova is rumored to have been scouting another promising four-star guard, Dante Allen, who also decommitted following the coaching changes. Bringing in both high school talent and transfers may be the perfect medicine to bring Villanova back to its competitive roots.

As Coach Willard emphasizes athleticism and versatility in his roster, the mood around Villanova is one of optimism and excitement for the seasons to come. With these three recruits joining the ranks, it will be fascinating to watch how the Wildcats transform under Coach Willard’s guidance and strive towards a successful future in college basketball.

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