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Happy Wednesday Nova Nation! Yesterday was a great day to be a Wildcat as Eric Dixon officially committed to join the Villanova family as the first member of Jay Wright’s 2019 class. There’s plenty of coverage on how he made his decision, how he fits the team, and what former players he reminds us of today, so enjoy!
But first I wanted to touch on a topic that will impact the team well before Dixon starts on campus. Omari Spellman has officially declared for the NBA draft, but he has left himself with options by not signing with an agent. He’ll have until May 30th (NCAA’s drop out deadline, not the NBA’s) to decide if he’s officially gone or not, and until then fans can only wait to see what happens.
While the majority of mock drafts have Spellman in the 2nd round or underrated, there are a handful of reputable sources that put him in the first round. The general consensus is that if he has a first round rating, he should go. Villanova fans always want whats best for the players we cheer for. But it would come with a price, as it would severely hinder Nova’s chances of repeating their Championship run next season.
We’ll keep our ear to the ground and provide any updates as soon as we have them, but more likely the next news will be decisions by Donte DiVincenzo and Eric Paschall to enter the draft or not. Seeing as neither has declared yet, they’ll likely go in without an agent, but check back the rest of the week for updates. They have until the end of the day on Sunday to declare.
In other “news”, Eric Dixon is great, Villanova’s 2018 recruiting class is great, and the Nova Men’s Lacrosse team is also great. It sure is a great day to be a Wildcat!
Omari Spellman’s decision to stay at Villanova or leave for the NBA could shape the national title picture | CBSSports.com
If Spellman returns the Wildcats could be the favorite to win the title again next season
Villanova adds four-star junior Eric Dixon | Rivals
Dixon sports a 6'11" wingspan and is one of the most skilled forward prospects in the country.
Abington's Eric Dixon commits to Villanova | City of Basketball Love
“They felt like I’m unique,” he added. “A little bit like Kris Jenkins, a little bit like Omari Spellman, but in terms of trying to put me in a mold, they see me as Eric Dixon, and they want me to be the best Eric Dixon I can be.”
Eric Dixon is off the board to Villanova | Prep Circuit
“Coach Jay Wright’s message has been that he can help me become a better person, player, and student. I can help them win games and I think I fit in well. They just have an unselfish culture and everyone plays together.”
How does new commitment Eric Dixon compare to recent productive Villanova power forwards? | 247 Sports
Eric Dixon looks like he will be the latest in a long lane of unique Villanova power forwards that drive opposing coaches crazy.
National Champions Villanova got off to a quick start in 2019 with four-star forward Eric Dixon | 247 Sports
Villanova's 2019 recruiting class got off to a strong start with the commitment of four-star local product Eric Dixon.
What to look forward to from 2018 hoops class | ESPN ($)
The season is over and draft hopefuls have declared. But college basketball's incoming freshman class, headlined by Duke's top-ranked trio, could be pretty exciting.
Bracketology: The Numbers Don't Lie, Or Do They? | US Lacrosse Magazine
Villanova's RPI is benefiting them when it comes to seeding for the NCAA tournament.