Villanova Men's Basketball
Villanova Transfers: Onyekwere to Return, Pierce to Charleston
Villanova Men’s Basketball will retain the services of another member of their 2025-26 roster, rising redshirt freshman Niko Onyekwere: while the 7-foot-1, 240 pound center initially entered the transfer portal, Nova Alerts reported on Monday, April 20 that he decided to withdraw his name and return to the Main Line.
His return leaves the Wildcats with six open roster spots heading into next season. They still need a starting big man — Onyekwere probably fits best as a reserve given his lack of experience — but should have most of their minutes accounted for beyond that.
Fellow Villanova center transfer Braden Pierce committed to the College of Charleston. A rising redshirt sophomore with three seasons of eligibility remaining, Pierce also toured Saint Joseph’s. He appeared in 30 games for the Wildcats last season after following head coach Kevin Willard from Maryland, averaging 1.2 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 blocks across 6.5 minutes per game.
