In the second part of our conversation with William B. Finneran Endowed Head Men's Basketball Coach Kyle Neptune, we take a look at returning stalwarts Eric Dixon and Jordan Longino along with the coach's first impressions of a four player crop of incoming freshmen.

NN: Two familiar faces, both with ample BIG EAST experience, Eric Dixon and Jordan Longino remain Wildcats as well. What is the value of the leadership those two players, both of whom were part of an NCAA Final Four team, offer to this squad?
 
Neptune: "This going to be Eric Dixon's sixth year in college. We have a guy that has played every single role you can play here at Villanova – redshirt, young reserve, starter on a Final Four team, all-league player. He understands everything we are trying to do. There have been ups and downs over his time here. We're counting on Eric not just for production on the court, but leadership as well. I can't say enough about Eric Dixon.
 
"This is maybe the first summer where we've had Jordan fully healthy for the whole summer. He's gotten a lot better. There have been strides made with his jump shot. He's in a great shape and has been a leader, especially to the younger guys. I'm excited about the upcoming season for Jordan."
 
NN: Two other returnees, Nnanna Njoku and Jordann Dumont were shelved by surgery earlier in the year. How is each of them progressing?
 
Neptune: "We're hopeful that both those guys will be on back out there by mid-September if they continue to progress. While they have been out, they have done a lot to try to insure that they are in shape when they do get back. They have been diligent in their rehab."
 
NN: There are four incoming freshmen on your roster, three of whom have spent the summer with you in Matthew Hodge, Josiah Moseley and Malcolm Thomas. (Aleksandar Gavalyugov is currently competing for his native Bulgaria in U18 FIBA action.) Can you give us a thought on each of those newcomers?
 
Neptune: "There is always a transition for freshmen entering college. When you come to this level of college basketball, very few people can just step right in and be what they have always been.
 
"Our group has had a bit of an adjustment period but I think they have fought through it. They have been resilient. We're happy with where they are now. Each of those guys is very talented.
 
"Matt Hodge is all of 6-7. He's a great decision-maker, a great shooter while also a versatile defender. Josiah plays with a physicality that is so impressive. He can finish at the rim with anyone and has played every position. His versatility will be something that we try to use. Malcolm is one of the best athletes we've ever had here and we've had some great ones. The way he can finish above the rim at one end and protect it at the other is rare. Also, he can guard bigger guys or smaller guys. We think he will impact our program for a long time."
 
NN: After two months of Davis Center workouts, what possibilities most excite the coaching staff about this group?
 
Neptune: "We've always been a program that focuses on defending and rebounding. That's still the case. But I think we also have the chance to be pretty good offensively as well. Jhamir has a lot of ways to initiate our offense. Eric is a proven all-league player at this level. We have Jordan Longino poised for a good season. Wooga Poplar is another proven scorer at this level. Tyler Perkins is a tremendous competitor. We have talented freshmen who are hungry to prove themselves in the Big East.
 
"We're really excited for this season."
 
NN: On Monday you hosted former players at the annual 'Summer Jam' reunion. How does that day impact your current players, many of whom were new to it?
 
Neptune: "This is one of the most impactful days we have each year. We tell our team every year that we try to play for those guys who came before us, the guys who helped Villanova Basketball into what it is today. Their opinions of where we are as a team are as important as any because they wore the uniform and took pride in representing our University. If those guys are happy with our progress, we feel like we're on the right path.
 
"Having the alums around our guys and provide mentorship to them is amazing."