We're going to throw this back up top because it got missed in ReddingWeedGate ...
The 2009 Recruiting Class of Maalik Wayns, Isaiah Armwood, Dominic Cheek, and Mouphtaou Yarou has set the bar high for Villanova Recruiting.
Jay Wright's haul of incoming freshman has been tabbed #2 by most Recruiting Services including Scout, Rivals, and ESPN Recruiting. That's tough to beat.
We're not saying that the following 2011 recruits are locks for 'Nova, but it is certain of two things; 1. Top Recruits are interested in Villanova. 2. Villanova's recruiting footprint is expanding.
Michael Gilchrist [6'6", 190 (SF) St. Patrick (Elizabeth, NJ)] has been dubbed "the best high school prospect regardless of class". He is currently ranked #1 in the 2011 Class by Rivals, Scout, ESPN, and National Hoops Report. Consensus is that it will come down to Kentucky or Villanova for Michael. [VUhoops Articles]
Christmas
Rakeem Christmas [6'8", 200 (C) Northeast Catholic (Philadelphia)] has been refining his low post moves over the past year tabbing him as the Top Center in the Class of 2011. That's dangerous for a kid who has been dubbed, "The Best Defensive Player in the Class". Overall, he is ranked #5 by Scout, #13 by ESPN, #6 by Rivals, and #3 by National Hoops Report. As a quick note, he is not related to former Temple player Dionte Christmas. Kentucky, Memphis, Florida along with 'Nova are trying to land Christmas.
Tony Wroten Jr. [6'4", 180 (PG) Garfield (Seattle)] noted an affinity of checking out 'Nova last summer when he was the #1 Player in the '11 Class. The PG from the Emerald City has reaffirmed his intentions of keeping VU on his list of possibilities. Wroten is currently ranked #4 by Scout, #5 by ESPN, #9 by Rivals, and #7 by National Hoops Report. Tony has a list of Washington, Kansas, Louisville, Seton Hall, St. John's, and Syrcause. [VUhoops Articles]
Meet Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal [6'3", 170 (SG) Chaminade (St. Louis)] is probably the newest name for Villanova fans. A shooting guard in the likeness of Randy Foye, Beal has had an incredible summer and everyone is taking notice with Villanova; Duke, Kansas, Florida, Arizona, and Kentucky. He is currently ranked #7 by Rivals, #9 by Scout, #8 by National Hoops Report, and #22 by ESPN (when new rankings are released expect Beal to shoot up into the Top 10 in the Class).
These are just some of the top recruits in the Class of 2011. Villanova is definitely involved with other high-quality prospects who will look great as a Wildcat.
The four noted above are mentioning Villanova in their current lists as they enter their Junior Year of high school basketball. All 4 are Top 10 National Recruits. Each of them is ranked as the #1 or #2 player at their position.
The time is ripe if you're a Villanova fan. Coming off a run to the Final Four, looking at a pre-season Top 5 ranking, bringing in the #2 Recruiting Class, and being involved with top quality national recruits from across the country.
Success breeds success, and after 4 Sweet 16 runs in the past 5 years including a trip to the Final Four, Villanova has the rare ability of "reloading" with new prospects instead of "rebuilding".