Villanova men’s basketball added a major piece to its frontcourt with the commitment of Braden Pierce, Maryland’s 7’0″, 245-pound center who arrives with four full years of eligibility. The addition comes as the Wildcats retool their roster following the departure of their entire starting five.
First-year head coach Kevin Willard continues to overhaul the lineup, aiming to reestablish Villanova as a contender in the Big East. This new frontcourt presence joins a mix of transfers and incoming freshmen as the program builds a more balanced and competitive team during this period of transition.
Kevin Willard Secures Key Frontcourt Addition for Wildcats
The Georgia native brings size and potential to a Wildcats team in the midst of a roster overhaul under new head coach Kevin Willard.
Breaking: Maryland transfer big man Braden Pierce has committed to Villanova, he tells me.
Pierce is a 7 foot 245lb big man who has 4 years of eligibility.
“I trust Coach Willard and the rest of the staff to help get me to the next level with my development while also winning a… pic.twitter.com/MxrVgqbajJ
— NovaAlerts (@AlertsNova) April 17, 2025
Pierce, who began his collegiate career at Maryland, played sparingly this past season, appearing in just five games off the bench before suffering a season-ending eye injury.
He redshirted his first year and is expected to receive a medical redshirt for the 2024–25 season, leaving him with four years of eligibility.
“I trust Coach Willard and the rest of the staff to help get me to the next level with my development while also winning a lot of games,” Pierce said.
A former three-star recruit, Pierce played high school ball at IMG Academy in Florida, where he averaged a double-double on the post-graduate national team.
At Villanova, he will likely serve as a rotational piece in the frontcourt, becoming the Wildcats’ only true center at this point in the offseason.
Pierce is the third portal addition for Villanova, joining Maryland transfer wing Malachi Palmer and Temple’s Zion Stanford. Stanford, a potential starter or sixth man, adds versatility to the forward spot. The Wildcats remain active in the portal, particularly in the frontcourt.
Villanova is heavily pursuing Duke Brennan, a 6-foot-10 Grand Canyon forward who averaged 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds last season. Brennan, a low-post specialist, attempted only three shots from beyond the arc over three college seasons. He previously played at Arizona State.
The Wildcats are also eyeing Robert Morris transfer Alvaro Folgueiras. The 6-foot-9 Spaniard averaged 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and is known for his ability to shoot from the perimeter and distribute the ball effectively for his position.
KEEP READING: Malcolm Thomas Basketball Transfer Portal — 5 Potential Landing Spots for Villanova’s Freshman
Redshirt freshman Matthew Hodge, who missed last season due to transcript issues from Belgium, will also join the frontcourt rotation.
In the backcourt, Villanova lacks a pure point guard and recently hosted Bryce Lindsay (James Madison) and Nate Calmese (Washington State) on visits.
The staff is also targeting Rodney Rice (Maryland) and freshman Acaden Lewis, who decommitted from Kentucky.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
