-
Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Miami Hurricanes transfer Wooga Poplar, one of the best players left in the portal, has committed to Villanova, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Poplar visited Villanova last month and was also pursued by the likes of Oregon and Kentucky. He went through the NBA draft process and attended the G League Elite Camp before withdrawing his name ahead of last week’s deadline.
A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Poplar hit career highs across the board last season. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a junior, shooting 38.5% from 3-point range.
Before the season, Miami coach Jim Larranaga said a breakout season was in store for the Philadelphia native.
“He looks like a pro,” Larranaga told ESPN at ACC media day. “He looks like a first-round draft choice. He’s a great 3-point shooter. He’s perhaps the best pull-up jump shooter in the country, off the catch or off the bounce. He’s a passionate defender. He’s in for a big year.”
Poplar was terrific to start the season, scoring at least 20 points in four of his first 11 games — including 25 in a mid-December win over La Salle. His numbers tailed off in conference play, but he still managed to score 17 points against Pitt and 15 against Duke.
He’s No. 16 in ESPN’s transfer rankings.
Poplar marks a much-needed addition for Kyle Neptune and the Wildcats, coming a week after All-Big East big man Eric Dixon opted to return to Villanova for another season. Three other transfers could also feature in the starting lineup: Jhamir Brickus (La Salle), Tyler Perkins (Penn) and Enoch Boakye (Fresno State).
Next season will be a key one for Neptune, who has missed the NCAA tournament in each of his two seasons since taking over for Jay Wright in 2022.
The Philadelphia Inquirer was first to report Poplar’s commitment.