Villanova Women’s Basketball Signs Romanian Point Guard

Villanova Women’s Basketball signed Romanian point guard Miky Panait on Sunday, Jan. 18, per a team announcement.

Panait, 20, has played in the Liga Națională, the highest tier of professional women’s basketball in Romania, since their 2020-21 season. She’s also played on the Romanian National Team and participated in professional development programs like the NBA Academy and Basketball Without Borders.

Since breaking out during her second season in the Liga Națională, Panait has averaged 11.7 points, 32.2 minutes, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. While learning the Wildcats’ system might take some time, as it would for any other player, Panait’s experience in the pros since the equivalent of her early high school years should give Villanova a dependable contributor capable of earning immediate playing time.

Jasmine Bascoe currently runs the point for Villanova, so Panait could fit in as a sixth player or give the team versatility in smaller lineups.

Panait isn’t currently listed on the Wildcats’ roster, indicating she’ll suit up next season rather than trying for immediate eligibility. Five of the 14 players on Villanova’s roster will exhaust their eligibility at season’s end and, along with incoming freshman Alexis Eberz, Panait will help fill those gaps.