A strategic addition to the Wildcats
Villanova University has announced the signing of Luigi Suigo, a 7‑foot‑3 Italian center who has decided to forgo the NBA draft and begin his collegiate career with the Wildcats for the 2026‑27 season.
Suigo, hailing from Tradate in Lombardy, previously competed professionally with Serbia’s Mega Basket, where he logged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and a block per game over 26 appearances. His 7‑foot‑6 wingspan and shot‑blocking presence have already drawn praise from analysts who see him as a defensive anchor for the program.
A broader trend and a revamped roster
The Italian’s commitment reflects a growing pattern of European prospects choosing U.S. college basketball as a development pathway, a movement that has seen players eye programs at BYU, Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Towson, Oregon, Ohio State and Illinois‑Chicago before landing in Philadelphia.
Villanova’s coaching staff will integrate Suigo alongside a cadre of experienced transfers and freshmen, including Kwame Evans Jr., Devin Royal, Elijah Crawford, Tyler Perkins, Abdou Samb, Matt Hodge, Jake Fiegen, Buddy Simmons, Adam Oumiddoch, Carter Fisk, Nico Onyekwere and guard Kevin Willard, all of whom are expected to contribute to a more sizable and seasoned lineup.
The move signals the university’s ambition to return to national prominence, leveraging both domestic talent and international recruits to compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball.