There isn’t a recent picture available for redshirt freshman Nico Oneykwere, which is emblematic of how much the general fan base knows about him. But with that mystery comes optimism for a role in the 2026-27 season.
The 7’1” center from Abuja, Nigeria took his first season on the Main Line to work on his skills and his body in preparation for a spot in the rotation, and he now will be given that chance. As the roster stands, Onyekwere is the only center on the team behind Luigi Suigo. Kwame Evans Jr., at all of his 6’10” frame, will assuredly play a good chunk of his minutes at the five, but Onyekwere will have opportunities. Suigo is unlikely to play 30-plus minutes per game, and there will be times where he is in foul trouble. Against teams that have a bigger front line, Onyekwere will have to step up. And of course, if Suigo were to ever get injured, Onyekwere’s role would grow.
When Onyekwere decommitted from Florida State in March of 2025 (following Leonard Hamilton’s retirement), Kevin Willard jumped in to secure the big man. Willard was clear from the start that Onyekwere was set to redshirt his freshman season:
“Nico is a space-eater, an old-school style center with the kind of tools needed to compete inside in the Big East. He has range to 17 feet , can shoot the hook shot with both hands and does a good job on screen and rolls. We’re eager to get to work to help Nico transition to the speed of the college game and continue to develop his skills.”
Incoming transfers Duke Brennan and Braden Pierce both had experience in power conferences, so it was natural for them to be ahead in the pecking order. But when both entered the transfer portal following the season (and Brennan assumed to have graduated prior to the ongoing court cases), Onyekwere looked to have a golden opportunity for more playing time. Much to the surprise of many, Onyekwere also entered the transfer portal on April 8. With him redshirting, it was assumed that he would be back for his second season. Entering the portal didn’t mean he was guaranteed to leave, but the vast majority of the time it trends that way.
Onyekwere only lasted 12 days in the portal before withdrawing his name and recommitting to Villanova. It’s unknown if he didn’t get better offers elsewhere, or if he just needed to see how things shook out for the Wildcats in the portal, but regardless he is back. And although he didn’t play a year ago, continuity is especially important in today’s game.
There were rumors at points that Willard was trying to get another center on the roster, but it becomes increasingly unlikely as each day passes. This sets up Onyekwere to, at minimum, play spot roles for the upcoming year. Similar to the aforementioned Pierce a season ago, it would be a benefit if he can at least be relied upon for 6-8 minutes in games where size is needed. Onywekwere is unlikely to be a fit against every team, but he can still play an important role on the team. And with another year of development, perhaps he can be a candidate for the starting center spot in 2027-28.
