Wishful Thinking
FiveStarBasketball posted a report about Jay Wright's continuing pursuit of Philadelphia-area basketball phenom, Amile Jefferson. Villanova has just one scholarship open for the 2012-13 season and it appears that Wright has his sights set on Jefferson to fill that opening. Despite the attention from the Villanova coach, Duke is believed to be the leader for the star forward's services with N.C. State following closely in second-place.
Jefferson insists, however, that he hasn't eliminated the local school from his college choices.
"It definitely means a lot to me to see him take time out of his schedule," Jefferson told FiveStarBasketball.com after putting up 26 points, 10 boards and two blocks in the loss. "They're in the middle of the season right now, really in the height of it."
Villanova signee, Daniel Ochefu, who battled with Jefferson on the hardwood when his Westtown team took on Jefferson's Friends Central, was optimistic about Villanova's chances when speaking to FiveStarBasketball:
"It's Pennsylvania, he's been here his whole life," the 6-foot-10 Ochefu said. "Coach Wright and his assistants, they are great guys. They know what they're doing."
He added: "I think it would be perfect for Villanova.He is always going to compete, he's a fighter. He always wants to win and get better."
Jay Wright has his work cut out for him, however. Jefferson has been talking to coaches as Duke, N.C. State, Ohio State, Kentucky and UConn as well. Each coach can call him twice per week and apparently they have been taking full advantage of those calls. Based on reports that have Jefferson heavily favoring Duke, a Villanova selection would be a major upset in this recruiting battle.
Jefferson, like Villanova signees Ochefu and Ryan Arcidiacono, is a finalist for selection to the McDonald's All-American Game in Chicago and is perhaps the most-likely candidate for the honor in southeastern Pennsylvania. The rosters will be announced tonight at 5:00pm.
Troy Williams still thinking
Virginia-based blue chipper, Troy Williams will make an announcement regarding his college decision between the end of his high school season and the beginning of the summer AAU circuit. Villanova is included in his final five schools along with North Carolina, Kentucky and Georgetown. Virginia Tech is the fifth school, but various sources have reported that he is no longer considering the Hokies.
Williams is rated the number-6 prospect in the Class of 2013 by ESPNU, number-7 by Scout and number-14 by Rivals.
Villanova was a surprise addition to his list as he hadn't heard from the Wildcats at all early last summer. His uncle and AAU coach, Boo Williams, was familiar with the Villanova program and Philadelphia hoops in general.
In a recent interview Williams said of Villanova, "My uncle thought it would be a good fit, and they give their guards a lot of freedom."
See also: FiveStarBasketball.com Villanova Recruiting Big Board.
UPDATED 5:30p: Amile Jefferson was selected to the "East" team for the McDonald's All-American Game. No other Villanova targets or signees were selected.