The Villanova Wildcats and Coach Jay Wright have announced the signatures of all 4 members their 2011 recruiting class. Tyrone Johnson, Markus Kennedy, Achraf Yacoubou, and Darrun Hilliard have all faxed in their intent to join Villanova next fall.
When the last set of recruiting rankings came out, this class was a consensus Top 25 selection. From more info on each prospect, check out our recruiting profiles down the left-hand sidebar.
"Our staff is very excited about this class," stated Wildcats head coach Jay Wright. "Each one of these young men brings great talent, character and commitment to our program and we're thrilled to have them join our Villanova Basketball Family."
For Jay Wright's comments on each new Wildcat, continue on past The Jump.
On Darrun Hilliard:
"Darrun brings us so many qualities that we value at Villanova," states Wright. "He has a great feel for the game and a knack for doing what's needed to win. He scores when his team needs him to score, gets big rebounds and is an extremely versatile player. Darrun has received excellent coaching from Chad Landis at Liberty. We think he's very well prepared to make the transition to this level."
On Tyrone Johnson:
"Ty continues the great line of Villanova guards from the state of New Jersey," noted Wright. "We think with his ball-handling and athletic skills, he can make an immediate contribution to our program. He has the kind of toughness and tenacity we look for in young players. We know that he is being well-schooled at Montrose by Coach Stu Vetter."
On Markus Kennedy:
"Markus is a versatile forward who has really benefitted from the prep school experience," stated Wright. "He is a fine young man who has grown into an impressive basketball player. We think he will develop into an outstanding Big East power player as his college career unfolds. Under the tutelage of Jason Smith, we know he will be very well prepared when he arrives next fall."
On Achraf Yacoubou:
"Asch' is a hard-working and talented guard with tremendous upside," said Wright. "He is very committed to becoming a great player and has been well taught by his coach John Buck. We're excited to have him join our basketball family."
...Really excited about Ty Johnson and 'Asch in an immediate role...they should find some minutes with Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher graduating...Kennedy will also help immediately with the loss of Antonio Pena...
Welcome to the family boys!