VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova seniors
Collin Gillespie (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) and
Jermaine Samuels (Franklin, Mass.) tonight announced that they will return to the Wildcats in 2021-22.
Gillespie, a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard and co-BIG EAST Player of the Year, suffered a torn MCL in his left knee in a March 3 victory over Creighton that clinched the BIG EAST regular season title for the Wildcats. He averaged 14.0 points per game and was among the national leaders in assists to turnover ratio (2.88).
Samuels, voted Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST, averaged 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing in the postseason for the Wildcats, helping to spark the 'Cats to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in Gillespie's absence. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per outing across 25 games in 2020-21.
Gillespie: "Since my injury and over the last few months supporting my teammates from the sidelines, I have had much time to think about my future. I have received valuable feedback and have had many conversations with my family and the coaching staff allowing me to make a confident decision regarding this upcoming season.
"With that being said, I am going to take advantage of this extra year and come back to Villanova! It is going to be a blessing to put the Villanova uniform on for one last year and play for such an amazing university! I am very excited to get fully healthy again and continue to grow as a player, student, and person. And lastly to my brothers: Run it back!"
Head Coach
Jay Wright: "Collin has made the decision to return to VU after receiving valuable feedback. He remains focused on his rehab process in preparation for next season. We're excited to have one of our great leaders return to battle with us."
Samuels: "After much consideration and many valuable conversations with my family and coaching staff, I have decided to COME BACK for another season. There's nothing like playing Villanova Basketball, wearing that V on my chest and playing for my teammates and coaches. I'm excited to return to Villanova to focus on becoming an even better student-athlete and man. See you soon Nova Nation. GO CATS!!"
Wright: "We are blessed to have Jermaine's character, leadership, and talent in our community for another season. He will work hard to take his game to new heights and continue to lead our team."
The NCAA announced last fall that it would offer eligibility relief to winter sport athletes regardless of how many games they played during the 2020-21 academic year.
