Recruiting recap: 2003/2004

We continue our review of Jay Wright’s recruiting classes, today looking at the classes of 2003 and 2004.

2003

Mike Nardi, Will Sheridan

4-year record: 92-41, 3 NCAA tournaments, 1 Sweet 16, 1 Elite 8

Mike Nardi

Nardi averaged 10.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in his four-year Villanova career. His three-points shooting and steady play at the point guard position made him a key contributor in ‘Nova’s Sweet 16 and Elite 8 runs. He started all 35 games as a freshman en route to being named to the Big East All-Rookie team in 2004. His 423 assists are good for 12th in school history, and as a senior he played a key role in mentoring Scottie Reynolds.

Nardi went on to have a productive pro career overseas and has now returned to Villanova in a Director of Student Athlete Development position.

Will Sheridan

Sheridan’s numbers (5.1 points, 5.5 rebounds) were less than spectacular, but as is often the case, they don’t tell the whole story. Sheridan was willing to play his role and do the dirty work, particularly on the defensive end, and was the type of guy that any successful basketball team needs. He was also able to provide senior leadership to guys like Reggie Redding, Shane Clark, Dante Cunningham, and Dwayne Anderson.

After graduation, Sheridan played professionally overseas. He is now a musician and as well as working in the fashion industry.

2004

Kyle Lowry, Dwayne Anderson

4-year record: 96-37, 4 NCAA Tournaments, 2 Sweet 16, 1 Elite 8

Kyle Lowry

Lowry’s stay on the Main Line was short, just two seasons. But his impact was large. In his freshman campaign he helped lead ‘Nova back to the Sweet 16, and as a sophomore helped them take the next step to the Elite 8. He made the Big East All-Rookie team as a freshman in addition to being named Big 5 Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore he was named to the All-Big East Second-Team. He averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3 assists in his two seasons at Villanova. He embodied the reputation of a “Philly guard,” tough and tenacious.

Lowry declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year, becoming the 24th overall pick. He is preparing for his 11th NBA season, where he has become an All-Star. He has led the Toronto Raptors to some of their most successful seasons, and just won an Olympic Gold Medal with the USA Men’s Basketball Team.

Dwayne Anderson

Anderson averaged 5.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in four seasons at Villanova. His Villanova career would actually start in 2005-06 after playing a graduate year of high school ball. The extra year would allow him to be a key leader on the 2009 Final Four team.

Anderson played professionally overseas, and now is an assistant under Pat Chambers at Penn State.

Overview

The classes of 2003 and 2004 didn’t have the sizzle of the class of 2002, but they played a role in a very special and important time in the program, and did their part to push the program forward. They were key components of runs to the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, and in Anderson’s case, the Final Four.

Their accomplishments after leaving the program, whether it be Lowry’s stellar NBA career, Nardi, Sheridan, and Anderson’s overseas careers, Nardi and Anderson’s forays into coaching, or Sheridan’s musical or business interests, have made them great ambassadors of Villanova University and the basketball program. Their contributions to the program will always be remembered.