Nov. 15, 2001

VILLANOVA, Pa. - A trio of gifted high school seniors have signed national letters of intent to attend Villanova, head coach Jay Wright announced today.

The group of signees include: Allan Ray, a 6-2 guard from St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, N.Y., Curtis Sumpter, a 6-7 forward from Bishop Loughlin High School in Queens, N.Y., and Randy Foye, a 6-3 guard from Newark (N.J.) East Side High School.

"Our staff has done a great job of putting together a strong and exciting foundation for our vision of Villanova basketball," said Wright. "These three young men know one another and are proud to be a part of the great Villanova tradition. Everyone at Villanova is thrilled about the strong character this group brings to our university."

Ray averaged 15 points, five assists and five rebounds as a junior at St. Raymond's.

"Allan is truly one of the great New York City guards," said Wright. "We love his toughness and savvy. He is an outstanding student in the great tradition of the St. Raymond's program. His parents and coach, Gary DeCesare, have helped develop a fine young man."

Sumpter averaged 18 points and eight rebounds a game for Bishop Loughlin last season.

"Curtis is one of the best small forwards in the country," Wright said. "More importantly, he has great character and terrific athletic ability. He has played for a tremendous high school coach in Ted Gustus and has a very strong family supporting him."

Foye averaged 21 ppg as a junior at Newark East Side H.S. and is considered one of the top players in the state of New Jersey.

"Randy is a talented and intelligent New Jersey guard," Wright stated. "He could be one of the most underrated players in the country. This is a wonderful young man that everyone at Villanova is going to fall in love with."

These three signees become the first members of Villanova's Class of 2006.