Villanova WBB Offseason Primer: Bascoe Set to Return?

Villanova Women’s Basketball has at least four spots to fill on their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season: check back here for updates as their offseason outlook changes with new additions or transfers.

Villanova Women’s Basketball has at least four spots to fill on their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, with seniors Denae Carter, Ryanne Allen, Kylee Watson, Maggie Grant and Annie Welde all set to graduate.

The Wildcats have one signee in the upcoming recruiting class, legacy commit Alexis Eberz, and brought in Romanian guard Miky Panait midway through the season. Listed as a sophomore on the 2025-26 roster, Panait didn’t appear in a game for Villanova despite joining the program on Sunday, Jan. 18. After playing at a professional level overseas, she’s used up some of her college eligibility, but should qualify as a redshirt sophomore next season.

After making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023, attention turns to how much of their roster the Wildcats can retain. Carter is the only starter set to graduate. Allen served as the first player off the bench and Watson dealt with injuries for much of her lone season on the Main Line, but she and fellow seniors like Grant and Welde still played a critical role in developing Villanova’s culture, a key part of their success this season by all accounts.

Bascoe Reaffirms Her Commitment?

Other teams will try to poach Jasmine Bascoe, a unanimous All-Big East pick, away from Villanova. Before the Wildcats’ Round of 64 matchup against Texas Tech, however, the dynamic point guard seemed to reaffirm her commitment to the program.

“I think this is a good first step for us. And then for the next two years, we’re looking to do the same thing,” Bascoe said. “So yeah, very excited, very happy to get out there, but this is an expectation and a goal that we’re gonna set every season from now on.”

Freshman Kennedy Henry, who earned all-rookie and All-Defensive honors from the Big East for her performance this season, is another player Villanova might need to work to retain; other starters still on the roster are guard Kelsey Joens and forward Brynn McCurry.

Twin forwards Brooke and Elise Bender, both rising sophomores, could help replace Carter; Elise didn’t play this season as a result of injury, while Brooke rotated in off the bench. Dani Ceseretti also provided a key two-way presence as a reserve, while rising sophomore point guard MD Ntambue and rotational forward Rachel Wirts could earn more playing time as their careers continue.

Given that Villanova has a chance to return four of five starters as well as key bench players like Brooke Bender and Ceseretti, they’re in an excellent position heading into next season. Panait and Elise Bender will provide an additional jolt in the arm — better yet, they’re already familiar with the program — so, assuming there isn’t a transfer portal onslaught, the Wildcats should manage to supplement their current, tight-knit roster with some timely additions. The portal will open on April 6 following the national championship game, remaining open through April 20.