Villanova Basketball Recruiting: 2021 Big Board September Update

The Villanova Wildcats may not land any highly ranked recruits in the Class of 2020, but they’re shooting for the (5) stars with the Class of 2021.

This class will be replacing the final class of the 2018 National Championship team (Collin Gillespie, Jermaine Samuels, and Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree), as well as any other players that may be leaving early for the NBA. With that many minutes opening up on the starting roster, the Wildcats are sure to attract some very talented recruits.

Active Offers

A.J. Griffin Jr. (SF) | Rating: 5 Star | Natl. Rank: 9 | Crystal Ball: Duke (100%)

The Wildcats just sent almost every coach but Jay Wright to watch Griffin at his open gym in White Plains, NY. He’s the highest ranked prospect on the Wildcats board, and probably one of their big targets. Of course all the big programs are in on Griffin as well, and Coach K himself was on hand just before the Villanova staff to watch one of the countries highest rated small forwards.

Max Christie (SG) | Rating: 5 Star | Natl. Rank: 11 | Crystal Ball: Duke (100%)

Christie is one of the best shooters in the class, which of course would fit perfectly into the Villanova system. Right now though, the race seems to be between Duke and local universities like Illinois and Northwestern.

Devin Askew (CG) | Rating: 5 Star | Natl. Rank: 16 | Crystal Ball: Louisville (100%)

It’s an important few weeks if the Wildcats are going to land one of the top names on their board. First Wright and staff will be visiting the California guard at his home TODAY, then Askew will be on campus with the Wildcats in two weeks. He’s scheduled to be there on October 4th, but it wouldn’t be crazy to think he sticks around for Hoops Mania the following night. Askew was considering a reclass to 2020, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards anymore. The California native is also a priority for Louisville, Memphis, Arizona, and Kentucky.

Langston Love (SG) | Rating: 5 Star | Natl. Rank: 18 | Crystal Ball: N/A

Love’s recruitment doesn’t seem to be as far along as other highly ranked members of his class, but the Wildcats are still actively engaged with the Texas native. Villanova is one of the few East coast schools recruiting the stud shooting guard, and it’s unclear how big a factor staying close to home will play in his recruitment. Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech (among others) have all offered as well.

Trevor Keels (SG) | Rating: 4 Star | Natl. Rank: 42 | Crystal Ball: N/A

Villanova was one of the first schools to offer Keels back in June, but a number of other suitors have come calling since. Villanova still remains one of the top schools on his list, but Maryland and Virginia are also very much in the mix.

Trey Patterson (SF) | Rating: 4 Star | Natl. Rank: 44 | Crystal Ball: N/A

Villanova has been highly involved with the New Jersey small forward. Even back in March, Patterson acknowledged that Wright and crew have been working hard to bring him to the Main Line. Patterson was at last year’s Hoops Mania, and given his location it wouldn’t be surprising if he returns to campus for another unofficial visit at this year’s event as well. UConn, Florida, Georgetown, Maryland, and Rutgers are also seeking his services.

Nnanna Njoku (C) | Rating: 4 Star | Natl. Rank: 82 | Crystal Ball: N/A

The Wildcats were in early on the big man from Deleware, and seem to be one of the leaders in his recruitment. His ranking is a bit deceiving as he’s been quickly rising throughout the summer. To put that in perspective, he wasn’t even ranked when Nova offered him in July. Villanova was in to see Njoku last week, and he seems to be the lone center they’re recruiting in the class. He also has offers from La Salle, Marquette, Miami, N.C. State, Providence, Temple, and others.

Potential Prospects

No offers yet for any of these guys, but we’ve either seen Villanova scouting them or they fall within the ‘Cats general recruiting territory.

Rahsool Diggins (PG) | Rating: 4 Star | Natl. Rank: 58 | Crystal Ball: N/A

Diggins is a local product from Archbishop Wood, the same high school Collin Gillespie hails from. Unlike Gillespie, Diggins is a much better known recruit and has offers from DePaul, Florida, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Xavier. Villanova is still involved even if they haven’t offered yet, so his recruitment is one to keep an eye on if the Wildcats miss on some of their other targets at guard.

Lynn Greer III (PG) | Rating: 3 Star | Natl. Rank: 212 | Crystal Ball: Temple 100%

Another local product to keep an eye on is Roman Catholic guard Lynn Greer III. While he’s been considered a Temple lean and is scheduled to make an official visit to the Owls later this month, it was just announced that he’s reclassifying from 2020 to 2021. That could put him in play for the Wildcats if he holds off committing across town.