4-star forward Cole Swider commits to Villanova

Top-100 forward Cole Swider has committed to the Villanova Wildcats! Swider announced the decision at a press conference this afternoon at St. Andrew’s School in Rhode Island.

Swider committed to Jay Wright and the Wildcats over Xavier, Duke and Syracuse. Villanova was the only school to not receive an official visit in the days leading up to the announcement. At face value, this is a massive recruiting victory for Wright and his staff over two rivals and a blue blood program (this makes two straight cycles Wright has beaten out Coach K for a prospect).

Swider has been a breakout performer this spring and summer for BABC on the Nike EYBL circuit and is widely known as one of the best shooters in the country. He has shown an expansive game driving the ball and hitting the glass. That skillset should thrive in the Villanova 4-in-1-out system.

With Swider and Brandon Slater, Villanova has a pair of big wings committed in the class of 2018 that have complimentary skillsets. Currently Villanova is at the maximum of 13 scholarships for next season, but we expect there to be multiple departures.

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Expect Villanova to turn up the heat on their remaining guard prospects. They’re still seeking a point guard and are looking strong with both Jahvon Quinerly and Elijah Weaver. If the ‘Cats can land one or the other, they will likely opt to see what type of roster attrition occurs and see if they can stay in it for 5-star local prospect Cam Reddish.

Cole Swider highlights: