April 30, 1999

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Gary Buchanan, a 6-4 guard from St. Thomas More Academy in Connecticut, has signed a national letter of intent to join the Villanova Wildcats, head coach Steve Lappas announced today.

"Gary will fit in very well with our philosophy here because he is a terrific 3-point shooter," Lappas said in announcing the signing. "He is also an excellent ballhandler. We look forward to his arrival."

Buchanan, a native of St. Louis, Mo., enjoyed a strong 1998-99 campaign at St. Thomas More. He averaged 18 points, six assists and six rebounds per game for a St. Thomas More squad which completed its season with a 26-5 record and reached the New England Prep School finals. An accomplished marksman, Buchanan connected on 41 percent of his attempts from beyond the 3-point arc and 52 percent of his shots from the field.

The Villanova basketball class of 2003 now includes four talented newcomers: Buchanan; forward Aaron Matthews, 6-5, of Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass.; forward Andrew Sullivan, 6-8, of St. Augustine Prep in Turnersville, N.J.; and Ricky Wright, a 6-7 forward from Central High School in East Chicago, Ill.