College basketball recruiting’s busiest month starts tonight

Huuuuuuuuuump Daaaaaaaaaaay! At 5pm tonight, the live period begins and we’ll start to get reports of Coach X watching Prospect Y which has been happening for 2+ years. Exciting stuff!

We’ll do our best to keep you updated about where the Villanova staff is this week/weekend, especially any new names that emerge.

And now, the “news.”

July Live Periods: First Week Preview | City of Basketball Love
While the major sneak circuits hit the Southeast, there's some local flavor for the non-sponsored teams as well at Elevate Hoops (N.J.) and Hoop Group Elite (Pa.).

What coaches will be watching at the Nike Peach Jam | ESPN ($)
Expect to see the heavyweights come out for several players this week. Reddish will be a primary target for Mike Krzyzewski and John Calipari, while Jay Wright will also watch him as Villanova remains in the running. Don’t be surprised if UCLA keeps an eye on him, as well.

A look at the D.C. area’s top seniors as summer basketball recruiting heats up | The Washington Post
A small handful of the area’s top 2018 players have already made their college decisions. Paul VI wing Brandon Slater is verbally committed to Villanova, Gonzaga point guard Prentiss Hubb is verbally committed to Notre Dame, Gonzaga guard Myles Dread is verbally committed to Penn State and Georgetown Prep point guard Jared Bynum is verbally committed to St. Joseph’s.

Wizards center Daniel Ochefu carries Villanova pride with him in NBA | CSN Philly
Daniel Ochefu is also carrying an insanely impressive beard these days.

Providence Softball announces the hiring of Kate Poppe as assistant coach | Friars.com
Prior to last year's assistant coaching job at Rider, Poppe was a member of the Villanova softball team from 2012 to 2016. Poppe had a stellar career at Villanova. She was a three-time All-BIG EAST selection (2014, 2015, 2016), was named to the NFCA All-Mideast Region Team (2016) and was named BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year in 2016. A team captain in both 2015 and 2016, Poppe posted a career ERA of 2.52. She pitched five no-hitters in her Wildcat career and holds the Villanova career strikeout record with 977.

NCAA: Assistance from Greer Love to Texas signee Mohamed Bamba “does not violate rules” | Burnt Orange Nation
The forward remains certified by the NCAA and will be eligible to play for the ‘Horns this season. So ends that saga.

Villanova grad's 'Dorian Gray' chosen for off-Broadway run this week | Philly.com
And eventually, coming to a PAC near you.