If you are familiar with the VUHoops Mailbag that Matt and I did recently, you might be familiar with the answer to this question already.
But, why not discuss it together?
For those of you who are older than I am, let’s remember that this list begins around 2004. I am 31 years old and became a Villanova fan at eight years old.
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So no, I did not watch Ed Pinckney or Howard Porter. Definitely not Paul Arizin. As a New Jersey native, and New York Knicks fan, I am familiar with Tim Thomas and Kerry Kittles at the NBA level but did not watch them at Villanova.
There might be a list to be made of all-time players where we can dive deep into the history, but for now, we’re going to stick to what has been the glory days of Villanova Basketball.
My Top 10 Villanova Basketball Players
Honorable Mentions: Jermaine Samuels, Dante Cunningham, Donte DiVincenzo, Darrun Hilliard, Mike Nardi, Kris Jenkins, Daniel Ochefu
Career stats: 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 47.1% FG, 38.7% 3PT, 81.3% FT
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Career accolades: 2024-25 Third Team All-America, 3x All-Big East selection, 1 Final Four appearance (2022), Program’s all-time scoring leader (2,314 points), No. 8 all-time in rebounds (904), Led nation with 23.3 points per game in 2024-25
Dixon ended his career as Villanova’s top scorer all-time. He was one of many Wildcats who came into the program and developed into an elite player. After being part of a Final Four team, Dixon endured the down years under the coach before Kevin Willard. The final spot on this list could have went many ways but the individual success in down years lands Dixon here, including leading the nation in scoring in his final season.
9. Allan Ray
Career stats: 15.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 40.7% FG, 36.7% 3PT, 82% FT
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Career accolades: 2005-06 Second Team All-America, 3x All-Big East selection, No. 8 all-time in points (2,025), No. 3 all-time in 3PT (312)
Ray became one of the top players in the Big East during his career at Villanova. After making the decision to come to Villanova in a loaded recruiting class under Jay Wright, Ray scored over 2,000 points and proved to be an elite scorer. Villanova fans, look away if you want — Ray was also called for the controversial (and bogus) travel call late in the NCAA Tournament against North Carolina in 2005. That does not take away from an incredible legacy obviously. To this day, that call still makes the blood pressure rise.
8. Scottie Reynolds
Career stats: 16 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 41.4% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 81.4% FT
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Career accolades: 2009-10 First Team All-America, 2006-07 Big East Rookie of the Year, 3x All-Big East selection, 2009 Final Four appearance, No. 3 all-time in points (2,222), No. 3 all-time in steals (207), No. 4 all-time in 3PT (287), Tied No. 6 all-time in assists (482)
Reynolds ended his career No. 2 all-time in points and that is no surprise if you watched him from year one. He came to Villanova as a polished scorer and put together some of the most fun highlight videos you could find. Reynolds also delivered a defining moment in 2009. Jamie Dixon decided to press, Reynolds got a running start and made a layup to send the Wildcats to the Final Four.
Career stats: 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 42.2% FG, 38.7% 3PT, 84.8% FT
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Career accolades: 2021-22 Third Team All-America, 2x Big East Player of the Year (2021, 2022), 2018 National Champion, 2 Final Four appearances (2018, 2022), 3x All-Big East selection, No. 2 all-time in 3PT (326), Tied No. 6 all-time in assists (482)
Talk about another guard who developed during his career. Gillespie had the chance to sit behind Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges as a freshman and learn the game. This helped his development into a 2x Big East Player of the Year and one of the best shooters in program history. Gillespie hit big shot after big shot as his career went on. He helped lead Villanova to one more Final Four in 2022, which would be the last year of Jay Wright’s career.
Career stats: 9.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 44.9% FG, 32.5% 3PT, 73.7% FT
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Career accolades: 2005-06 All-Big East selection, 2004-05 Big East All-Freshman selection, No. 3 all-time in steals per game (1.9)
Lowry ran the point in a four-guard lineup that changed the game. He defined a generation of Villanova basketball. Sometimes there were bumps in the road, whether it be his personality or off-the-court antics, but Lowry was a vocal leader on the team who challenged Wright whenever he got the chance. Lowry put together the best NBA career of anyone on this list (to this point). Lowry got me started with Villanova years ago.
Career stats: 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 39.7% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 80% FT
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Career accolades: 2014-15 Big East Player of the Year, 2015-16 All-Big East, 2012-13 All-Big East Freshman, 2015-16 National Champion, No. 1 all-time in minutes played (4,592), No. 4 all-time in assists (535)
An undersized freshman guard hit big shots against top teams Syracuse and Louisville that led to wins. The next year, the same guard hit a corner three during the Battle 4 Atlantis to sink No. 2 Kansas. This set the tone for what would be a legendary career for Arcidiacono. He ended his career as one of the most beloved players in program history who was part of the most iconic play in program history — perhaps NCAA Tournament history.
Career stats: 15 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 39.9% FG, 32.9% 3PT, 78.1% FT
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Career accolades: 2005-06 First Team All-American, 2005-06 Big East Player of the Year, 2x All-Big East selection, No. 6 all-time in steals (198), No. 10 all-time in points (1,966)
We will not let anyone forget about how good Foye was during his Villanova years. A pure scorer, one of the smoothest guards on the list, and a true competitor in every sense of the word. Foye was part of a generation that would set the tone for guards at Villanova for years to come. As a senior, Foye was an All-American and Big East Player of the Year before being selected seventh overall in the 2006 NBA Draft.
3. Mikal Bridges
Career stats: 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 52.5% FG, 40% 3PT, 84.5% FT
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Career accolades: 2017-18 Wooden All-American, 2017-18 All-Big East, 2016-17 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, 2 National Championships (2016, 2018)
Bridges went from a skinny recruit out of high school to arguably one of the best players in program history. He was a vital part of two NCAA Championship teams, eventually turning into a Top 10 pick in the NBA. He came in as a ready defender and showed it by making the final play against Frank Mason in 2016 to send Villanova to the Final Four. As a junior, his performances in the Big East Tournament led to a title and turned it into a national title.
Career stats: 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 51.1% FG, 38.9% 3PT, 72% FT
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Career accolades: 2016-17 First Team All-American, 2016-17 Big East Player of the Year, 2016 National Championship, 2x All-Big East selection, No. 4 in defensive rebounds (560), No. 5 in games played (146)
Hart was the centerpiece of Villanova during his career and he has continued that at the next level with the New York Knicks. Just an aggressive rebounder with a motor that never ran out. Hart is among the program leaders in multiple areas. He was an All-American and Big East Player of the Year in his final season. It ended in disappointment against Wisconsin but Hart was a pivotal part of the team that won the national title the year before.
1. Jalen Brunson
Career stats: 14.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 51% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 82% FT
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Career accolades: 2017-18 Naismith & AP Player of the Year, 2017-18 First Team All-American, 2017-18 Big East Player of the Year, 2x All-Big East selection, 2 National Championships (2016, 2018), No. 10 all-time in assists (432)
The top spot on the list from my lifetime is obvious but this might end up being No. 1 overall. Brunson is one of the most decorated players of the last two decades. The list of accolades goes on and on from Player of the Year awards to All-American to Big East honors to national titles. Brunson has continued his elite level of play in the NBA, proving everyone wrong and being the focal point of an NBA Championship team in New York. The three years that Brunson put together at Villanova will likely never be duplicated by another player. He stands as the best player in Villanova history.
