Kevin Willard’s transition from Maryland to Villanova hasn’t been smooth. A significant player exodus and poor recruitment outcomes have marked his time at Villanova. Since he was appointed head coach, eight players from last season have entered the transfer portal, leading to an urgent need for a rebuild.
Willard has secured only three incoming transfers this cycle. However, there are still some undecided players in the transfer portal from Maryland who could potentially head to Villanova to join Willard.
Malcolm Thomas Becomes Latest Villanova Player To Find New Home
According to Joe Tipton, Malcolm Thomas has committed to Dayton after he did not play as a true freshman this season at Villanova.
NEWS: Villanova transfer forward Malcolm Thomas has committed to Dayton, he told @On3sports.
The 6-8 freshman redshirted this season and will have four years of eligibility remaining. Former top-150 recruit. https://t.co/1MLIhHtPNM pic.twitter.com/lnQDdwBMpn
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 24, 2025
According to PhlSportsNow.com, “Knee soreness prevented Thomas from entering the Wildcats’ lineup early in the season, and as they moved into conference play, the team never found a chance to work him into the lineup.”
Although it’s not uncommon for a program to experience a roster turnover following a coaching change, rebuilding isn’t easy for Willard, and the incomings aren’t exactly forthcoming like that. Out of Maryland’s top eight scorers from last season, none of them followed Willard to Villanova.
Braden Pierce is the only Terrapin who followed Willard to Villanova. He played in only five games last season and averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Thomas is the seventh Villanova player to commit to another program. Some are still undecided about their futures.
For comparison, Maryland is doing a far better job managing its squad turnover, adding eight players from the transfer portal after losing nine. Villanova, meanwhile, has just three incoming transfers: James Madison guard Bryce Lindsay, Temple forward Zion Stanford, and Pierce from Maryland. Lindsay is ranked No. 269 in the 247Sports portal rankings, Stanford is the No. 281 player, while Pierce is not ranked at all.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
The pressure is mounting on Willard as he tries to rebuild the program amid significant turnover. His success will depend on his ability to navigate the transfer portal, as a mistake could lead to a disastrous season.
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