Can Villanova Center Luigi Suigo Become a Main Line Legend? | Meet the Wildcats

This is one in a series of stories previewing each member of the 2026-27 Villanova Men’s Basketball roster.

The biggest acquisition of the offseason — literally and figuratively — Luigi Suigo is a 7-foot-3 center from Milan, Italy who played three seasons in the European pros before committing to Villanova. Suigo declared his name for the NBA Draft at the end of last season and waited until the deadline to withdraw from consideration; if he’d heard from scouts that teams were planning to select him in the top half of the first round, he wouldn’t have ended up on the Main Line.

Suigo could use some time to develop to the speed of the American game, however — the Wildcats’ preseason slate showed a handful of defensive lapses as guards skirted around him in the paint — and a Villanova team with experienced forwards like Kwame Evans Jr. and Devin Royal should prove beneficial for his development. For a player of his size, Suigo possesses a rare package of offensive skills.

Offensive Upside

Playing in Serbia last season, he took 30 percent of his shots from beyond the arc and cashed in 28.1 percent of the time; even if that’s below the Division I average, he remains a threat from deep that other teams will have to respect, creating space for the rest of Villanova’s lineup.

Suigo flashed his footwork and dribbling during the Wildcats’ preseason and made 10 of 19 shots from two-point range, adding 18 rebounds and five assists across three games played. There’s some passing upside too, especially as he drives inside and kicks out to his teammates, so Villanova head coach Kevin Willard will undoubtedly enjoy drawing up plays catered for Suigo’s abilities. As with any young player — especially at center — defense and fouls will plague Suigo at times, but seeing him come into his own should prove a memorable experience for Wildcats fans, even in a one-and-done year.