PITTSBURGH – Nnanna Njoku is where he belongs, he said, even if that has not meant stepping onto the basketball court in many games this season for Villanova.
The freshman out of Sanford School was smiling broadly as he walked off the PPG Paints hardwood Friday afternoon, having just taken part in the Wildcats’ practice for Friday’s NCAA Tournament showdown with Delaware.
An imposing 6-foot-9 and 260 pounds, Njoku has appeared in seven games for the 26-7, sixth-ranked Villanova and none since Jan. 16. He has six points and 14 rebounds in 25½ minutes of action.
He missed some time due to the death of a cousin with whom he was very close, was out for a month with a concussion and was briefly sidelined due to a non-COVID illness.
But his trust about the college choice he made and his future remains strongly intact.
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“This year’s been a grind,” Njoku said. “It’s been a real test of my mental strength, stamina. But ever since I got here that’s what I’ve been building up. Not only do they build you physically but they build you mentally. There’s things I had to fight through and I got through them so I’m doing very well.”
Villanova coach Jay Wright’s faith hasn’t wavered.
Njoku, from Newark, signed with Villanova before his senior year, when he averaged 20.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, led 16-2 Sanford to its 10th state title and was named state Player of the Year.
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“We love Nnanna,” Wright said Thursday. “He’s gonna be really good. He’s had a tough freshman year. He’s had injuries, illness. But he’s really progressing.”
It isn’t unusual for Wright’s teams to feature players who’ve benefitted from growing into his system and, therefore, being older. That can especially be the case for post players.
That has also helped Njoku keep the big picture in mind.
“I came in here with high hopes, of course, but I also have to remember that I’m playing with seniors and playing with guys who’ve done this for years,” Njoku said.
“There’s a lot to learn, so I’ve kind of taken that into account and I’m very happy with what I’m doing.”
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Njoku became just the third boys player to be first-team All-State at least three times, following Brandywine’s Dexter Boney (1986-88) and ex-Sanford teammate Jyare Davis, the only four-time pick (2016-19).
Davis has had a stellar year at Delaware, being named CAA Rookie of the Year and conference tournament MVP, after transferring from Providence, where he didn’t play at all in 2020-21. Njoku has enjoyed seeing that and the two were in regular contact until this week because their teams are playing each other.
Villanova will graduate Jermaine Samuels, its second-leading rebounder and top shot blocker, which could improve Njoku’s chances to contribute next season.
Njoku has appreciated his coaches’ honesty in not “always telling you what you want to hear” but knowing any critical feedback would be beneficial.
“He’s going to be a very good player for us,” Wright said. “We’re thrilled with him. He’s in that process of learning how to be a Villanova basketball player and doing a great job.”
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