Jahvon Quinerly commits to Villanova

The Villanova Wildcats finally have their man at the lead guard spot as 5-star point guard Jahvon Quinerly announced his commitment to ‘Nova via Twitter today. The verbal gives Jay Wright his third commitment of the cycle, a natural successor to Jalen Brunson, and their best recruiting class in years.

Quinerly’s recruitment is one of the more wild ones that I can ever remember. After being considered a strong lean to Villanova for well over a year, Quinerly narrowed his choices to Villanova and Arizona and committed to Sean Miller’s program in early August on ESPN about a month after his only official visit to Tucson.

Right before the start of college basketball season, the FBI investigation into college basketball corruption was revealed. Arizona asisstant coach Book Richardson was indicted on federal charges for (among other things) alledgely directing money from adidas to ‘a top point guard recruit’, widely assumed to be Quinerly.

In late October Quinerly decommitted from Arizona, prompting us to wonder if Villanova would get involved again (and frankly, whether or not Villanova should get involved with Quinerly) given the allegations.

Throughout this Winter, the Villanova staff has been ever-present at Quinerly’s games and there’s been buzz that Quinerly and Villanova were still a match. Villanova had been doing their due diligence to understand what role Quinerly did or did not play in the scandal and what effect that might have on his eligibility.

All the while, the ‘Cats had put themselves in pole position with 4-star point guard Courtney Ramey. In recent weeks there’s been buzz that Ramey could commit to Villanova following his official visit, and Quinerly started to become an afterthought.

(Courtney Ramey, meanwhile, has cancelled his official visit and ‘mutually parted ways’ with Villanova in his recruitment.)

That brings us to the here and now, where Quinerly is now committed to Villanova in somewhat shocking fashion. Most figured his recruitment may drag into the spring - and maybe even summer - when the NCAA would be forced to rule on his eligibility. Villanova apparently feels comfortable enough to take his commitment now, which I believe is a good sign for Quinerly’s eligibility.

Quinerly has been the #1 target in this class for more than two years since he picked up an offer in the spring of 2015. Rated as a 5-star point guard and ranked #25 in the 247 Composite, Quinerly should step on campus and into the spotlight right away.

With Brunson likely off to the NBA Draft after this season, bringing in an elite point guard was a huge priority and Wright and staff got their man. Whether there is any fallout from the FBI/NCAA investigation remains to be seen (the NCAA likely won’t rule on this until later this year when NCAA Eligibility Center activity begins).

Quinerly isn’t the biggest of guards at 6’0” and 170 pounds, but he’s been heralded as one of, if not the best, point guards in this class. He’s an elite ball handler with quickness and shiftiness that keeps defenders off-balance. He can score at all three levels and thrives setting up teammates with his advanced basketball IQ and elite vision. Quinerly should ensure the ‘Cats offense doesn’t miss a beat if Brunson does indeed go pro.

Welcome to ‘Nova Nation Jahvon! It’s a great day to be a Wildcat!