Villanova is acquiring some local flavor from the transfer portal, as Poplar opts to transfer closer to home.
The Villanova Wildcats are getting a boost from local product Nisine ‘Wooga’ Poplar.
Poplar, a 6-foot-5 guard from Philadelphia, committed to Villanova on Wednesday, according to Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
He appeared in 100 games at Miami over the last three years, serving as a full-time starter in each of the last two seasons.
Last year, Poplar averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Hurricanes. He was hampered by an ankle injury in the second half of the season, but he remained a key contributor and started in 29 games he appeared in.
Poplar chose Villanova over the likes of Oregon, Arkansas, Kentucky and others. He tested the draft process during the offseason and participated in the G-League Elite Camp. The two-way guard arrives at Villanova with one year of eligibility remaining.
He is the fourth commitment off the transfer portal for the Wildcats, and the third backcourt addition for Kyle Neptune and Co.
The Wildcats also acquired guard transfers Tyler Perkins (Penn) and Jhamir Brickus (La Salle). They also secured the commitment of Fresno State’s Enoch Boakye last week to bolster their frontcourt.
Poplar goes by his longtime nickname, Wooga, which first came from his grandmother. He starred at Math, Civics and Sciences in Philadelphia, and helped the school win a state title during his sophomore year. He was a four-star prospect out of high school as a member of the Class of 2021.
With Poplar, Villanova has two open scholarship spots available.