Curtis Sumpter has big plans for when he gets to Villanova.
“I want to win four Big East titles and at least one national championship,” the Bishop Loughlin star said yesterday at the Garden after he gave his expected verbal commitment to the Philadelphia school. “I have big plans.”
He should. It’s clear that Villanova has reclaimed its spot among the elite programs in the nation since former Hofstra coach Jay Wright took over after last season. Sumpter, who was named to the Post’s All-CHSAA second team as a junior, chose the Wildcats over more established programs like UConn, North Carolina and St. John’s. In addition to snagging the 6-foot-7 Sumpter, Wright got Allan Ray from New York State champion St. Raymond’s.
“He just makes you feel so comfortable,” Sumpter said. “Everybody there does. I know a lot of people who have played for Coach Wright and they all really like him. I know it’s a great fit for me. More than anything else, it was him that made the difference.”
Now that his college selection appears settled, Sumpter can focus on getting his grades up and making Loughlin into a winner again before he leaves.
Sumpter is confident that he can raise his grades enough to qualify as a freshman.
“One of the reasons I’m going to Villanova is that I can make an immediate impact as a freshman,” Sumpter said. “We’re going to do great things there.”