An Eric Dixon-less Villanova basketball squad beat Lafayette, 75-63, on Monday, Nov. 4, to kick off the college basketball season.
It was a homecoming for senior Wooga Poplar who collected a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds in his first game as a Wildcat. Senior Jhamir Brickus flashed his ball handling and passing skills, providing five assists alongside 13 points. Sophomore Tyler Perkins found his way into the starting lineup.
After spending three seasons at Miami, Poplar returned to where he grew up, Philadelphia. His family and friends watched as Poplar facilitated the game alongside his teammates.
With Villanova down Dixon as he served his one-game suspension, UPenn transfer Perkins filled his spot in the starting lineup. Perkins scored 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in 35 minutes. It was clear his starting role as a freshman at UPenn prepared him.
Takeaway #1: Poplar plays with the Villanova basketball attitude
Undoubtedly Poplar’s performance was the biggest positive from the season opener.
Poplar is from Philadelphia. He is no stranger to what it’s like to be an underdog. At Math Science and Civics Charter School [MSCCS], Poplar led his high school to its first state championship appearance and title. Being from Philly adds a little bit of motivation to bring something back to the Main Line.
“Of course. I mean, this is where I’m from, but like, [MSCCS] is the same color,” Poplar said. “So everybody says, oh, he’s back in that same blue. So yeah, it’s a great experience. I’m just happy to be here.”
Poplar is versatile enough to play anywhere on the court. Wherever help is needed, one will find Poplar getting himself to that place on the court.
“Poplar is arguably one of the best shooters we’ve had here,” Neptune said. “When you look at his numbers in terms of what he’s done so far with us, arguably one of the best athletes we’ve had here. Great teammate as well.”
Takeaway #2: Enoch Boakye brings the energy
At 9:45 p.m. on a Monday, the Finneran Pavilion was on its feet and loud as Boakye slammed down one of a couple of dunks. His size and physical capabilities have been absent from Villanova basketball rosters since the days of Daniel Ochefu.
Boakye led the team in rebounds with 11. Nothing was getting past him in the paint. Villanova out-rebounded Lafayette 41 to 25.
The six-foot-eleven center has the athleticism of a forward. He has speed and agility which is rare for a player as tall and built as he is.
Villanova struggled last season with second-chance opportunities. Boyake had four offensive rebounds, allowing Villanova to score 13 second-chance points. In some cases last season, Villanova only had two second-chance points in some games.
“Boakye has been really good for us from the second he’s come on campus,” head coach Kyle Neptune said. “His attitude has been amazing. He’s a leader. He’s a guy that is a great teammate, and he really doesn’t care what he has to do out there. He’s such an unselfish guy. He’s a big-time piece for us.”
Takeaway #3: Bench depth
Now Villanova has its first sizable freshman class in a few seasons. Last year Jordann Dumont was the only 2023 recruit.
The bench scored just 12 of Villanova’s points, but freshman Josiah Moseley was responsible for 10 of the bench points in only 17 minutes of playing time.
Moseley had some nerves after checking into his first college basketball game, but he quickly shook them off and settled in.
“I thought for a freshman to come out and understand the game plan, being able to execute it is something that’s kind of been [Moseley’s] calling card,” Neptune said.” He’s a guy with all his talent and ability. He’s a guy who’s a six-foot-seven, high-level athlete, can finish at the rim, can shoot the ball, can make passes and make reads at a high level.”
Freshman Matthew Hodge (NCAA ineligibility) and redshirt freshman Jordann Dumont (recovering from hip surgery) have yet to enter the Villanova lineup. There are a lot of pieces Villanova will have down the stretch.
Next up for Villanova (1-0): vs. Columbia – Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. EST
Next up for Lafayette (0-1): at La Salle – Nov. 9 at 3:30 p.m. EST