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Four-star 2016 power forward verbally commits to Villanova

Jay Wright

AP Photo

AP

With JayVaughn Pinkston being a senior this season and Daniel Ochefu a junior, adding some depth to the front court was something that Villanova aimed to do on the recruiting trail. Friday morning the Wildcats satisfied that need, as four-star power forward Omari Spellman verbally committed to Jay Wright’s program.

The news was first reported by Adam Finkelstein of ESPN.com, with Spellman sending out a tweet shortly thereafter. Spellman, who is ranked 24th in the Class of 2016 by Rivals, decided to announce his decision on his mother’s birthday.

“To honor my mother’s birthday and our bond I would like to announce my commitment to Villanova University,” Spellman tweeted.

The 6-foot-9 Spellman, who currently attends MacDuffie School in Massachusetts, is Villanova’s first verbal commitment in the Class of 2016. With Ochefu due to move on after next season, Spellman (whose skill set is different than that of Ochefu) gives Villanova a player who can slide into the post in 2016.

“Omari Spellman is a big-bodied and skilled post player who has good hands and feet and a developing post scoring game,” NBCSports.com recruiting analyst Scott Phillips said. “He’s yet another talented east coast king to stay close and go to Villanova.”

Of Villanova’s three commitments in the Class of 2015, 6-foot-8 Tim Delaney is their lone front court addition with guards Jalen Brunson and Donte Divencenzo being the others.