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Brandon Slater becomes Villanova's first 2018 commit

05/24/2017, 11:45pm EDT
By Tyler Sandora

Tyler Sandora (@Tyler_Sandora)
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Since Brandon Slater arrived at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Va., head coach Glenn Farello has noticed some unique traits about his star player.

“He’s got enthusiasm, a smile, and he loves to win,” Farello said. “He’s a team-oriented guy, and his versatility is awesome. He’s got a great energy level, he’s always happy and smiling.”

Slater made Villanova fans smile on Wednesday night as the 2018 recruit from Fairfax decided to end his recruiting process and join the Wildcats.

After being offered last September by the Wildcats, Slater made four trips up to see the school’s Lancaster Ave. campus, including at last summer’s high school team camp.

“Coach (Jay) Wright and I have a great relationship,” he said over the phone. “The atmosphere reminded me of Paul VI, and my gut told me it was the place to be.”

Ranked No. 42 in the ESPN 60, Slater chose the Wildcats over the likes of Maryland, South Carolina, and Miami.

A 6-foot-6 southpaw, Slater is a slashing wing with a knack for getting to the basket. He is very capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor, using his long, athletic frame to protect the rim and finish through contact. He’s best when in transition, where he is able to use his deceptive speed and quickness to finish at the rim.

“I look forward to fitting in right away,” he said. “Villanova doesn’t necessarily always have set positions. All the players do what they can do to better the team.”

Slater plays his high school ball for Paul VI (Va.) in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, widely regarded as one of the nation's premier high school leagues. He lead the Panthers all the way to the WCAC championship game, where they eventually lost to Gonzaga Prep (D.C.).

In a regular season contest against Gonzaga, Slater dropped 34 points; during his junior campaign, Slater made 60 three-pointers, more than both his freshman and sophomore seasons combined.

During AAU season, Slater suits up with Maryland-based program Team Takeover on the EYBL circuit. In the first three sessions this year, Slater is averaging 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. 

The first pledge for Villanova’s 2018 class, the Wildcats have as many as two scholarships remaining, and expect them to go after a point guard. They have been targeting regional guard prospects, notably Jahvon Quinerly (Hudson Catholic) and Cam Reddish (Westtown), both of whom have developed a good relationship with Slater over the years.

When he arrives on campus, Slater will face off against his former teammate at Paul VI, future Butler point guard Aaron Thompson.

Jay Wright, coming off his 16th season as head coach of the Wildcats, has had success when recruiting in the DMV area, finding the likes of Phil Booth (Mt. St. Joseph), Josh Hart (Sidwell Friends), and Kris Jenkins (Gonzaga) from the region.

Although Slater won't arrive until the 2018-19 season, Villanova will still have a plethora of guards returning, most of which were part of the Wildcats 2016 National Championship run. Booth, Donte Divincenzo, and Jalen Brunson will likely all be around by the time Slater joins the team. Barring an early exit, Mikal Bridges, who boasts a game similar to that of Slater’s, will still be in a Wildcat jersey.

Slater’s versatility will play a huge factor in Villanova’s offensive attack, as he will be able to play inside-out and defend up to four positions. One thing the rising senior will need to focus on is continuing to improve his jumpshot and adding muscle to his long frame. One those are taken care of, look for Slater to have a very successful career with the Wildcats.


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