Goodman stays local at Villanova

Dec. 1, 2010

Savon Goodman, a high-scoring and athletic swingman from Academy of the New Church in Bryn Athyn, became the second top junior basketball recruit from Southeastern Pennsylvania to commit to Villanova recently.

The 6-foot-6, 195-pound Goodman made the announcement Nov. 30, choosing the Wildcats over fellow suitors Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina, among 20 or so others.

Neshaminy's Ryan Arcidiacono, a 6-foot-3 point guard and sharpshooter, committed to Villanova in late October. He and Goodman may not sign binding national letters of intent until November 2011.

In choosing the Wildcats, Goodman emphasized again the importance of staying in the Philadelphia area. "What pushed it over the top was being home with my family, and my family and friends being able to see all my games," he said.

Why did Goodman make an early commitment?

"I sat down last night, had a big talk with my aunt [Heather Goodman, his legal guardian], and she said she was tired of getting all the phone calls," he said. "Nah, I'm just kidding. "

He later said that defending NCAA champion Duke was the runner-up for his services.

Last season for ANC, Goodman averaged 16.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1 block. He was an Inquirer third-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania selection.

"He has a motor that just won't quit," ANC coach Kevin Givens said. "He's very good in the open court, relentless on the boards, and aggressive on defense. All of the coaches who recruited him said,'We just love his intensity and energy level, and we want him on our side.' "

In 2012-13, Villanova could have at least five players with local ties: Goodman; Arcidiacano; senior combo guard Darrun Hilliard from Liberty High in Bethlehem; 6-9 forward Markus Kennedy, a Delaware County native now at Winchendon School (Mass.); and current Wildcats guard Maalik Wayns, a sophomore from Roman Catholic.