Brandon Slater commits to Villanova

Jay Wright has landed his first commitment for the class of 2018. Brandon Slater, a 6-6 lefty wing, announced his commitment to Villanova Wednesday night via his twitter page. The ‘Cats beat out Maryland, Louisville, and Miami for the Fairfax, Virginia product, continuing Jay Wright’s success in the DMV.

Slater gives the Wildcats another long and athletic wing who will remind fans of Darrun Hillird and Mikal Bridges. He plays his high school ball for Paul VI Catholic (Va.) in the WCAC and has been running with Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer. The 247 Sports Composite ranks him 35th nationally and a 4-star prospect.

He’s averaging 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in about 18 minutes per game for Team Takeover through three EYBL sessions. He had a breakout season for Paul VI highlighted by a 34 point, 10 rebound, and five assist effort in an upset win over DMV powerhouse, Gonzaga (Kris Jenkins alma mater).

Slater gives Jay Wright a big time first piece to his 2018 class with many big targets still left on the board. His versatility leaves everyone in play including top targets Cameron Reddish and Jahvon Quinerly - and his commitment should mean he helps recruit 5-star forward, friend and fellow Team Takeover product Jalen Smith.

Slater will fit nicely on the wing for years to come regardless of who is around after next year and he has the potential to become a star on the Main Line.