Villanova Women’s Basketball Adds Austrian Forward Janet Oriakhi

Villanova Women’s Basketball now lists freshman forward Janet Oriakhi on their 2026-27 roster. Standing six feet tall and hailing from Graz, Austria, Oriakhi is 21 years old. She began playing in the Austrian Women’s Basketball Bundesliga, the top flight of women’s professional basketball in the country, during the 2021-22 season.

She appeared in 18 games during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 23.8 minutes per game while playing center. Villanova is well-equipped at forward heading into this season with senior Brynn McCurry, sophomore Brooke Bender and senior transfer Anna Foley. Oriakhi can provide another layer of depth and, if she’s able to retain four seasons of eligibility despite her experience in the pros, should have plenty of time to develop into a consistent contributor.

The Wildcats now have 13 players on their 2026-27 roster. They’ll open the season in Rome, Italy against Notre Dame on Sunday, Nov. 1.