Villanova isn’t looking good for Jalen Smith and Cole Swider

Last weekend was a big one in the world of Villanova basketball recruiting, and the ‘Cats didn’t even have anybody on campus. Cole Swider was officially visiting Duke (and is currently at Xavier), while Jalen Smith took his official visit to Maryland.

In the case of Swider, it’s starting to feel like Villanova is out of it. Both Rivals and 247 Sports ($) published articles today, and the consensus appears to be that Swider has seen enough of Villanova that he doesn’t feel the need to take an official visit there.

Here’s the pertinent intel from Rivals:

Push comes to shove, this looks like it will end up as a pick between Xavier and Duke. Look for Swider to make a big climb when class of 2018 rankings get updated next week.

Disappointing, but not entirely unexpected given the lack of a visit and the recent offer to Dane Goodwin.

As for Smith, The Baltimore Sun published an article that will make you sweat where Smith admits he almost verbally commited while in College Park this weekend.

Asked how close he was to committing to the Terps, Smith said Monday, “Pretty close I would say.”

The article goes on to suggest that since July is a Dead Period (i.e. no visits with the coaching staff) on the recruiting calendar and Smith wants to decide before August, he’s likely all but locked up to the hometown school.

But that part about July being visit-free is just plain wrong. While July 6-31 is in fact a Dead Period, there are three exceptions:

• July 12-16 (Smith will be playing at The Peach Jam)
• July 19-23 (UAA All-American Camp July 18-21)
• July 26-30 (Las Vegas AAU events)

There’s no confirmation that Smith will be at the UAA camp, and even if he was that’s even more reason to swing by Villanova to meet with the staff after the event concludes. It is likely that Team Takeover will be in Vegas on the third weekend.

Things don’t look great, but it ain’t over until it’s over and Smith has said he would like to see Villanova again after the Peach Jam.