Especially in light of the recent New York Knicks’ championship, where 60% of their starting line-up was taken up by 3-4 year Villanova legends, it’s easy to view the newest Wildcat in a different light.
Since officially signing with Villanova for the 2026-27 season, the 7’3” Italian center has made it known that his intention was to stay in the NBA Draft, as well as that he is 100% committed to joining it next year with improved stock. That’s not the typical “old school” way that the Wildcats recruited,
but outside of the money (that we know of), how is that any different than recruiting a high school senior with the same intentions?
Back in the glory days of retention and development with Jay Wright, Villanova did still try to recruit “one-and-dones.” High school players have not been permitted to go straight to the NBA since 2006. In that span, Wright had recruited the likes of Tyreke Evans, Cam Reddish, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Lonnie Walker and others who both had designs on being one, as well some that weren’t listed here. Wright eventually broke through for the 2022-23 season by getting Cam Whitmore, even though he never coached him.
The one caveat was that Wright always said they had to fit the culture, the “attitude” and the “Villanova way.” He knew that they were there mainly because they had to be, and in the meantime were hoping to maximize their NBA stock. But those missions and intentions could not get in the way of being a Villanova basketball player, through and through. While there’s now legal money involved, who’s to say that Suigo isn’t the same situation?
Kevin Willard, while he’s doing things his own way, has worked hard to this point to maintain the culture that’s been built at Villanova over the decades. He’s having to do it amidst an ever-changing landscape. He himself has had to evolve and adapt on the fly. But to this point, he’s succeeded in being himself while also preserving what makes the university and basketball program great. In the official statement after Suigo signed, Willard commented on his “exceptional skill, length and feel,” while also saying that “(he) is a great fit for our team.” That fit extends beyond just the basketball court.
This is all to say: treat the big man like he’s a five-star, high school senior who’s really only here because NBA rules require it. Trust that Willard and his staff have done their homework on the young man and enjoy him while he’s here. Times have certainly changed, but this outlook will help to view him differently despite that.
‘’
