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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Head Coach Kevin Willard of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half of a college basketball game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on December 23, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) | Getty Images
At 10 am ET, Kevin Willard made an appearance on Jon Rothstein’s podcast “Inside College Basketball Now.” The whole podcast is worth a listen (video below), but here are some of the key points that the Villanova coach hit on during the interview.
On getting to UConn and St. John’s level – Villanova played UConn tough on the road, but the Johnnies physically dominated them in both matchups. The team was young last year, but past that it needed to get more physically tough. Rebounding was a struggle. Willard feels that they did a good job getting bigger and have given themselves a much better chance of winning a championship. He referenced the Michigan game also, saying that it wouldn’t matter what they did because they were just so much bigger.
Roster impressions – He’s having a lot of fun with these guys. Willard feels that they did a good job in the portal in getting guys that understand the culture and know what they’re trying to do. It was important to get guys “who want to be here.” He also mentioned that the Knicks’ run magnified everything Villanova was.
On Luigi Suigo – “GG” is as skilled as any player he’ll ever coach. He has great hands, is a great passer and can shoot the basketball. Beyond that, he’s a phenomenal young man and has an unbelievable work ethic. He’s not on campus yet, but he’s very motivated. Willard also mentioned that he can go high-low and that you have to respect his three-point shot. He also made a Jokic comparison.
On the frontline – His Maryland team had a great frontline, but there wasn’t enough depth. He wanted to have versatility. Even with teams going bigger, he feels it’s important to be able to also play smaller. Willard mentioned Jake Fiegen by name. He said Devin Royal doesn’t get enough credit for how good he is, and that he can put him just about anywhere on the court.
On the point guard position – Willard mentioned Buddy Simmons II quickly, noting that both he and Elijah Crawford are drastically different. He can play both of them together. He emphasized that Crawford ranked eighth in the country in pick-and-roll efficiency. Crawford understands the pick-and-roll and wants to get other people the ball. Willard also commented that Crawford is a really good defensive guard. He says Simmons II can shoot it from anywhere and will “take his toughness vs anyone.” He says Simmons II is looking forward to proving he can play at this level.
On newcomers who can surprise – Willard mentioned Fiegen again. The Ivy League sources he spoke to said “you don’t understand what kind of kid you just got” and that he is the “steal of the portal.” Fiegen has a strong work ethic and motor, and Willard says he can put him all over the court. Willard didn’t think anyone could match Perkins’ work ethic, but Fiegen is right there.
On Perkins and Hodge’s injuries – Perkins will definitely be available for Rome. He has been fully cleared for workouts for a month. Hodge is doing good, but “we’re going to take it real slow.” Willard added, “November first looks likely, but if not we’ll go December first.”
A couple other notes – With the NCAA Tournament expanding to 76 teams, Willard wants to try to get as many good games as possible. Those games “give you a chance to grow.” He implied that there’s more room for error with the expansion. Willard also clarified that the Michigan game will be at Xfinity Mobile, not at the Finn.
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