N-G star Cosby-Roundtree commits to Villanova
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, a 6-foot-8 center at Neumann-Goretti, has committed to play for NCAA tournament champion Villanova. The 215-pound junior and his mother, Ayesha, visited Villanova on Thursday night.
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, a 6-foot-8 center at Neumann-Goretti, has committed to play for NCAA tournament champion Villanova.
The 215-pound junior and his mother, Ayesha, visited Villanova on Thursday night.
"They showed me that the school will be a home away from home for me," he said. "And I love the coaching staff."
Cosby-Roundtree, a solid rebounder and shot blocker, chose the Wildcats over Miami, Providence, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia Commonwealth, and Xavier, among others.
"He's probably been leaning toward Villanova for a long time," N-G coach Carl Arrigale said Friday. "The school is also close to home, so I think he felt pretty comfortable with that."
Cosby-Roundtree averaged 14.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks in his junior season while helping lead the Saints to 27-4 record and their sixth PIAA Class 3A state championship in seven seasons.
"He's a hardworking kid who's very coachable," Arrigale said.
Rated the third-best player in the state's class of 2017 by ESPN, Cosby-Roundtree was visited recently by Miami, Syracuse, Temple, and Xavier.
"I think he can be a terrific player in college," Arrigale said. "After another year of playing for us, and when he starts working with Villanova's strength and conditioning coaches, his game will go to the next level."
Cosby-Roundtree becomes the fourth Philly-area high school standout to commit to Villanova in recent years, joining Ryan Arcidiacono (Neshaminy), Daniel Ochefu (Westtown), Mikal Bridges (Great Valley) and Tim Delaney (Pitman).
Villanova would be thrilled to land another N-G junior. Quade Green, a dynamic and explosive 5-11 guard, has scholarship offers from 'Nova, Arizona, Louisville, Maryland, Syracuse, and Temple, among others.
Green, whom ESPN rates as the No. 2 player in the state in the class of 2017, behind only Reading's Lonnie Walker, was visited this week at school by a pair of Duke assistants.
Cosby-Roundtree and Green are playing AAU ball for Team Final and the PSA Cardinals, respectively, this weekend in a Nike Elite Youth Basketball League showcase event in Westfield, Ind.
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