Nardi Talks About Decision

Mike Nardi, a dynamic 6-1 point guard from St. Patrick H.S. in Elizabeth, N.J., told us he decided on Villanova because of the fit he will have with the Wildcats offense. Nardi phoned Villanova this afternoon and made a verbal commitment to Wildcats head coach Jay Wright, according to Nardi.

"I think you have to look at who is on the team when you are there and see if you fit in," Nardi said. "I think I will fit in great there. Jason (Fraser) really gets up and down the floor. Randy Foye is a great guard as is Allan Ray. It's going to be fun playing with them."

Nardi had previously said that N.C. State was the leader but the Wildcats won this battle after making an offer. The Cats feel Nardi is a player who can thrive in their system. "I just felt that Villanova was the best spot for me," Nardi said. "So I changed my mind. I think I can have a great career at Villanova. Coach Wright is one of the best in college basketball. Villanova is going to have a great team when I get there."

Nardi may be one of the passing point guards in the 2003 class. Nardi has the skills to get everyone on his team involved in the offense. He throws a great lead pass in transition and uses the bounce pass with great skill. "I am going to have to work on my strength now," Nardi said. "I may play in one more tournament this summer before I get ready for school."

Nardi previously told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he had offers from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Villanova, while UConn, Pitt, N.C. State and Stanford rounded out his list of seven colleges.

Nardi will be a key player at Villanova. He has the ability to get such super athletes like Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser involved offensively. Players like Fraser and Sumpter will enjoy playing with Nardi, who loves to distribute the ball. "It's going to be fun to have the ball in transition with those great athletes," Nardi said. "They will make it easier for me when I am running the break with guys like Allan Ray and Randy Foye and Snowden."