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In most circles within 'Nova Nation, Ja'Quan Newton appears to be the #1 guy on the board, regardless of position. Newton has previously talked about his admiration for Villanova, but has been consistent in his public statements that he does not have any favorites.
Adam Zagoria spoke with Newton over the weekend while he participated in the Nike Global Challenge, and it looks like Newton's recruitment may start to heat up soon. Newton revealed that he plans to cut his list
I like every school that’s recruiting me right now," Newton said. "I think I can play at any school. I’m just going to list it down to the five that’s best fit for me. Probably [I will cut it] after Orlando, Fla., that last AAU tournament."
In case you missed it, Mike's rundown of the July Live Period is a good primer for the various events around the country. The AAU Nationals & AAU Showcase are happening all week long in Orlando, with the final games set next Monday, July 29th. So it sounds like early August is when we should expect the next update from Newton.
It would be a mild surprise if Villanova were to not make the cut, as both Jay Wright and Billy Lange were on hand this past weekend to take in his games at the Nike event - and Newton noticed.
"I like that they’re here every game watching me supporting me, watching me," Newton said. "It makes it seem like they really want me, so that’s good. I like their style of play. It fits my play, pick and roll, get a lot of get up and down."
If you read the rest of the update on ZagsBlog, you'll see that Newton sees himself operating in a pick-and-roll based offense in the future, something that should help Villanova's cause. Jay Wright's history of giving the keys to talented freshman (Scottie Reynolds, Ryan Arcidiacono) should be a bonus as well.