Good Morning, Nova Nation 5/23: Coming Home

Meet the newest Wildcats!

Author

Sydney Fields
May 23, 2025

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

What else is going on in Nova Nation?

🏀 Meet the newcomers
🏆 All-American honors
đź”· And much more!

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🔼  Coming Home. Guard Malachi Palmer has signed to the Villanova men’s basketball team! The Harrisburg native returns to Pennsylvania after spending his freshman season at Maryland with Coach Willard.

“Malachi is a tough, physical guard that plays on both sides of the ball. He is an elite on ball defender and a natural scorer at the offensive end. His athleticism and size make him a perfect fit for the Big East. Malachi is a gym rat who keeps getting better, a tough shot-maker who knows how to put the ball in the basket. We're excited to welcome Malachi to Villanova.”

- Coach Kevin Willard

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🔼 Big Addition. The men’s basketball team also signed 7’0 center Braden Pierce! He played in five games for Maryland last season before being sidelined by injury. The Woodstock, Georgia native spent his final prep season at IMG Academy.

"Braden is a developing front-court player we have watched get better over the past two years. He benefitted from competing every day against two of the best big men in the country last season. Our staff has always appreciated Braden's shooting skill as a stretch five. He has good interior touch with both hands, is a quality shooter and brings a physical presence that will be very valuable in the BIG EAST. We're looking forward to being back in the gym with Braden."

- Coach Kevin Willard

🔼 Another One. Men’s lacrosse star Jake Melchionni picked up another All-American honor! He was named USILA All-America Honorable Mention after forcing 24 turnovers to lead the Wildcats. He becomes the third member of his family to receive USILA All-American honors for lacrosse.

📅 WHAT’S AHEAD

Wednesday 5/28

🎽 Men’s Track & Field at NCAA East Preliminary

Thursday 5/29

🎽 Women’s Track & Field at NCAA East Preliminary

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Have a great weekend!