Villanova lands local wing

Part of building and maintaining a successful program is locking down local targets. Another important aspect is being able to find that diamond in the rough or player who hasn't yet gotten the notoriety they deserved and locking them in before others get to him. With today's commitment of Darrun Hilliard, Jay Wright and Villanova look to have accomplished both goals.

Hilliard first broke onto the national scene last summer at the final Reebok All-American camp. During camp, he established himself as a wing with good length, a nice looking jumper and some upside.

Fast forward a year later, and there was Hilliard putting in work at the AAU Super Showcase while playing for the Jersey Shore Shots.

Interest mounted from places like Iowa, VCU, St. Joseph's, Temple, La Salle, Siena, Seton Hall, Drexel, Penn State, Fairfield, and Boston College. But, during a press conference at his school this afternoon, Hilliard announced that he'd seen enough and that he was going to stay home and attend Villanova.

VUSports.com correspondent Alex Schwartz of NorthstarBBall watched Hilliard at the Super Showcase and had this to say about the newest Wildcat.

"At 6-5, Darrun Hilliard has the capability to play multiple positions on the floor and can even slide over to the one if need be," said Schwartz. "He has superb length, but what really stands out about his is his athleticism and leaping ability. Hilliard is still raw and is by no means a finished product, but he has the tools to be successful at the next level.