Luigi Suigo became the final piece of the offseason when he decided to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and commit to Villanova.
While this is more than likely a one-year marriage, fans should not be discouraged, especially in this era of the transfer portal.
Instead, Villanova landed a center that completes what has a chance to be an elite roster in the nation. Suigo tested the process and held firm that he wanted to creep as high in the draft as possible. While he might have been a first-rounder this year, there is a good chance he builds his stock even higher and becomes a lottery pick in 2027.
The way-too-early mock drafts have already started and Suigo is being placed high. CBS Sports recently mocked Suigo to the Oklahoma City Thunder (via the Los Angeles Clippers) at No. 7.
“Suigo went through the draft process this year but elected to go the college route instead. Suigo has a rare blend of size and mobility at 7-foot-3, which makes him one of the most unique prospects in the class. Suigo can also space the floor on offense while also making an impact as a rim protector on the defensive end.”
Suigo joins a boatload of new players for the Wildcats this season. Kwame Evans Jr. and Devin Royal transferred in early before the Wildcats added shooters like Jake Fiegen and Buddy Simmons to provide depth off the bench. Tyler Perkins and Matt Hodge will be the lone returners while Elijah Crawford will likely take over at the point guard position.
The addition of Suigo gives Villanova a talented starting five that will have the team near the top of projections in the Big East preseason.
