Latest Villanova Wildcat to Leave for 2018 NBA Draft: Omari Spellman

When Donte DiVincenzo announced Tuesday he was leaving Villanova for the NBA, it wasn't much of a surprise.

Wednesday's news that big man Omari Spellman would also be leaving the defending champs will definitely be a shocker to many. In an Instagram post, Spellman announced that he's leaving the Wildcats after just one season.

My experience in college has by far. more than anything else in my life, shaped me into the young man I am today. I have met friends that I will cherish forever. Villanova University is a very special place, and it holds an even more special place in my heart. And to my teamma- no to my brothers I will love you guys forever. Coach Wright has helped me mature as a man along with some of the best coaches in the country Kyle Neptune, Ashley Howard, George Halcovage, and Mike Nardi. I will forever appreciate everything done for me. To the Nova Nation, thank you for the support and love I have received as a member of the family and community, that is something that I will cherish forever and I know Villanova is a place I can always call home. And last, but probably the most important to me, is my mother away from home, Arleshia Davidson. We share a love and bond that will never be broken. In saying this, I would like to announce that I will forgo my final three years of college eligibility and remain in the NBA Draft! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING NOVA NATION!!!

A post shared by Omari Spellman (@omarispellman) on May 30, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

After missing the 2016-17 season while entrenched in a weird academic eligibility battle, Spellman showed the reason he was a five-star recruit. The redshirt freshman recorded 10.9 points and eight rebounds a night. He also shot an impressive 43 percent on 3.8 threes a game.

Spellman's skill set should be appealing to NBA teams looking for a stretch four or mobile five. At 6-foot-9 (7-foot-2 wingspan) and 253 pounds, Spellman has an NBA body. He's a great athlete and an instinctive rebounder who has a shooting touch that extends to the three-point line. The only question may come on the defensive end of the floor when he's asked to cover quicker stretch fours or true centers.

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With his decision to stay in the draft, you have to believe he's been told he has a chance to go in the first round. If he does, he'll likely join teammates Mikal Bridges (a projected lottery pick), Jalen Brunson and DiVincenzo as a first-rounder.