VILLANOVA, Pa. – A pair of transfers from the University of Maryland have signed financial aid agreements with Villanova, it was announced today. Guard Malachi Palmer and center Braden Pierce, both with three seasons of eligibility, are headed to Villanova to once again play for head coach Kevin Willard and his staff.
Palmer, who hails from Harrisburg, returns to Pennsylvania after appearing in 22 games as a freshman for the Terrapins last season.
"Malachi is a tough, physical guard that plays on both sides of the ball," stated Kevin Willard. "He is an elite on ball defender and a natural scorer at the offensive end. His athleticism and size make him a perfect fit for the Big East. Malachi is a gym rat who keeps getting better, a tough shot-maker who knows how to put the ball in the basket. We're excited to welcome Malachi to Villanova."
Palmer, 6-6, played two seasons at Mt. Zion Prep and was listed as the No. 2 recruit in the state of Maryland before becoming a Terrapin in 2024. He was part of a Maryland team that captured 27 victories and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, averaging 8.3 minutes per game. He dropped in a career high 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in a Nov. 19 win over Canisius.
Prior to attending Mt. Zion Prep, Palmer attended Hillcrest Prep in Arizona and Central Dauphin High School in his hometown. He appeared in both the 2024 Capital Classic and Iverson Classic Showcase.
Pierce, 7-0, appeared in five games for the Terrapins in 2024-25 before being sidelined by injury. That followed a redshirt season in College Park in 2023-24. The native of Woodstock, Ga., spent his final prep season at IMG Academy after getting his start at River Ridge High School.
"Braden is a developing frontcourt player we have watched get better over the past two years," said Willard. "He benefitted from competing every day against two of the best big men in the country last season. Our staff has always appreciated Braden's shooting skill as a stretch five. He has good interior touch with both hands, is a quality shooter and brings a physical presence that will be very valuable in the Big East. We're looking forward to being back in the gym with Braden."
