Villanova Coaching Search: New Mexico Players Hit the Portal

While the Villanova Wildcats continue to keep their search for a head coach to replace Kyle Neptune airtight, potential courses of action (some more tenuous than others) become apparent thanks to changes across the college basketball landscape.

One of the Wildcats’ reported top targets, New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino (son of Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, the current head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm), could start to pick up steam. While there hasn’t been any public news on the younger Pitino’s candidacy in a few days — although his contract buyout figure could make him a more attractive target for Villanova than other options like Kevin Willard or Mick Cronin — one developing change could indicate his preparing to leave New Mexico for another school.

The Lobos lost a pair of key contributors to the transfer portal on Tuesday, March 25: guard Donovan Dent, the Mountain West Player of the Year this season after putting up 20.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, and fellow guard Tru Washington, who averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

As talented players often follow their head coach when a change takes place, that makes Richard Pitino a name to watch closely, especially as rumors between him and Villanova pick up steam.

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