The Wildcats have seemingly rounded out the backcourt in an official fashion now, with Darryl “Buddy” Simmons II being announced yesterday by the school. Kevin Willard said about Simmons II: Buddy is an experienced college guard who can score at all three levels. His ability to stretch the defense as a 3-point threat will make an immediate impact on our team. We’re excited to welcome another gifted guard to Villanova.“
Although
the senior is only 5’11”, I think his potential is being undersold. There will be some occasions where his lack of size will keep him off the floor, but anyone who is third in scoring in a league like the Atlantic-10 can simply fill it up. Simmons II averaged 16.4 points per game for St. Bonaventure as a junior, hitting 42.5% from three-point range on 2.8 makes per contest.
The microwave guard scored over 20 points in 11 games this past year for the Bonnies, including a 22-point performance against North Carolina in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Simmons II shot 9/16 from the floor and 4/6 from three, while only turning it over twice in 36 minutes. He can play with the “big boys.”
With Simmons II on board, only Nico Onyekwere remains for unannounced returns. See Elijah Crawford is the latest to officially ink for the upcoming season | VU Hoops for more Willard quotes.
View the full press release here: https://villanova.com/news/2026/5/6/mens-basketball-wildcats-sign-guard-darryl-buddy-shannon.aspx
