Villanova Names Nick DePersia Special Assistant to the Head Coach

Villanova Men’s Basketball announced a new role for a member of their coaching staff on Monday, Sept. 8, naming former graduate assistant Nick DePersia as a Special Assistant to the Head Coach.

DePersia began his Wildcats’ tenure ahead of the 2019-20 season as a graduate assistant, following former Wildcats assistant and later head coach Kyle Neptune to Fordham after two seasons. He then returned to the Main Line once Villanova brought Neptune back into the fold, serving as Assistant Director of Basketball Operations before dropping the assistant part of that title ahead of last season.

One of a select few coaches to stick around during the transition from Neptune to new head coach Kevin Willard, it’s not immediately clear what DePersia’s new role entails. Neither Villanova nor Maryland (Willard’s former school) rosters in recent seasons list any special assistants to the head coach. In previous seasons, however, DePersia spent much of his two seasons as a graduate assistant working in the film room, preparing footage for the team to view.

A college athlete himself, DePersia, a six foot tall guard, suited up at D-III Rowan from 2015 to 2019.

Wildcats fans will have their first chance to see this year’s team in action on Wednesday, Sept. 17 during a season kickoff event at the Finneran Pavilion. Villanova’s season opener is set for Monday, Nov. 3 against BYU in Las Vegas, a likely top ten matchup for the Wildcats.