By ADAM ZAGORIA
Braden Pierce is following Kevin Willard to Villanova.
The 7-foot freshman center from Woodstock, GA is transferring to Villanova from Maryland, he told ZAGSBLOG.
“The visit process really helped me learn what I valued most,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot since I did this coming out of High School and it helped me understand that I want to challenge myself to play basketball at the highest level possible and 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. I also know that basketball will end someday and I want to challenge myself academically.
“The community that Villanova has in the NBA/basketball world is second to none and I’m excited about the opportunities Nova provides in the business world for life after basketball– whether that’s in 4 years or 20.”
Pierce averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds last season while shooting 56% from the field.
“I’m bringing a versatile skill set that makes me a tough matchup on both ends of the floor,” he said. “I can stretch the defense with my shooting ability while anchoring it on the other end as a shot blocker and rim protector. Above all, I’m coming to Villanova to win and impact the game in every way.”
Stanford will join former Maryland guard Malachi Palmer in Villanova’s transfer portal class and Temple transfer guard Zion Stanford. The Wildcats also have a class of 2025 commit in guard Christian Jeffrey.
Redshirt freshman Matthew Hodge is also returning to play for Willard.
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