Reigning NCAA champion Villanova announced the signing of a loaded four-man recruiting class.
Bryan Antoine (Eatontown, N.J.), Eric Dixon (Abington, Pa.), Justin Moore (Ackokeek, Md.), and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Shawnee Mission, Kansas) have signed their letters this week as part of the fall signing period that began Wednesday.
All four are currently listed in the top 70 of ESPN’s ranking of the top players in the Class of 2019.
“This is as well-rounded a class as we’ve had,” stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. “These young men are good students and talented players who come from great families. We’re really excited about this group.”
Antoine attends the Ranney School and is at No. 12 in the ESPN Top 100 rankings. He has averaged no fewer than 20.5 points per game in his first three seasons, including 21.1 ppg in 2017-18. In addition the 6-5 guard averaged 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per outing last season. In the most recent ESPN Top 100, he is at No. 12.
“Bryan Antoine is as dynamic a guard as we have recruited in years,” Wright said. “He has a great ability to drive and get to the rim, shoot 3’s, defend and rebound. Plus he’s an outstanding student who has been well taught at the Ranney School. We’re proud to have him as part of the family”
Dixon, a 6-8 forward, averaged 24 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots as a junior in 2017-18 at Abington (Pa.) High School. He helped lead his squad to a 24-6 mark and is at No. 68 in the ESPN Top 100.
“Eric Dixon is a really tough player, who was coached along the way by a Villanova legend Gary Massey,” said Wright. “He can play on the inside or the outside and plays a physical game that we value highly. He’s also an outstanding student who will be a great addition to the Villanova community.”
Justin Moore (No. 48 in the ESPN Top 100) averaged 16.6 points per game as a junior in 2017-18. The 6-4 guard made a verbal commitment to Villanova in May and is preparing for his senior season at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md.
“Justin Moore comes from a program with great tradition at DeMatha High School,” Wright stated. “This is a solid, physical guard who can play multiple positions well. One of the things we really appreciated was Justin’s toughness as a competitor. We can’t wait to have him join our family.”
Robinson-Earl began his prep career at Bishop Miege High School in Kansas before moving to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The 6-9 forward averaged 21.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season at Bishop Miege. His father, Lester Earl, was a highly recruited forward who played at LSU and Kansas (1996-2000).
“Jeremiah is an exciting long, mobile basketball player,” said Wright. “He can play any position and does so with great intelligence. His Dad was an outstanding player and he comes from a wonderful family.”
Redshirt sophomore Dylan Painter (Hershey, Pa./Hershey High School) has elected to transfer, it was announced today. Painter appeared in 25 games for the Wildcats since coming to Villanova and started the 2018-19 season opening victory over Morgan State on Nov. 6.
“This is a very sad day for all of us in our program,” stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. “There is not a player more loved or respected on our team than Dylan Painter.
“Dylan has decided he wants to go to a program where he can play more. He’s been such a valuable asset to our program that we want him to be happy – he deserves it. Dylan’s been a very important member of this program and we all wish him the best.”
Painter appeared in 23 games as a reserve as a freshman in 2016-17, registering a career high with 10 points and six rebounds in a BIG EAST Tournament victory over St. John’s. In 2017-18 the 6-10 forward redshirted, practicing each day as the Wildcats posted a 36-4 record and captured the NCAA national champion.
In 2018-19, Painter appeared in two games, averaging 2.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per outing.
(Release via Villanova) Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter And like ZAGS on Facebook