VILLANOVA, Pa. – Tafara Gapare, a 6-9 forward who was part of Maryland's 2024-25 team that posted 27 victories and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, has inked a financial aid agreement to attend Villanova, it was announced today.
 
"Tafara adds a different element to our team," stated Villanova Head Coach Kevin Willard. "His size and athleticism allow us to do a multitude of things defensively. Offensively, he can create and get his teammates easy looks as well. We are really excited to have Tafara join us here at Villanova."
 
A native of Wellington, New Zealand, Gapare began his college career at UMass in 2022-23 before transferring to Georgia Tech for the 2023-24 campaign, where he started 15 games. Last season at Maryland he appeared in 32 games for the Terrapins, averaging 10.4 minutes, 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds while playing for Willard and his staff. He connected on .371 of his 3-Point Field Goal Attempts and contributed 24 blocked shots.
 
Gapare joins former Terrapin teammates Malachi Palmer and Braden Pierce on the 2025-26 Wildcats roster.