Ryan Arcidiacano is the unquestioned leader of the Villanova Wildcats, but many fans are not satisfied knowing just how well a player does in college. They also want to know what’s in store for that player at the next level. And in the case of Arcidiacano, his NBA Draft prospects are not as bright as others.
Arcidiacano is a fourth-year senior for Villanova and led the team to the Final Four. He returned for his senior season because he didn’t really have other options, and because he was dedicated to the success of the program. Even as recently as midway through this NCAA Tournament, Ryan Arcidiacano was not considered an NBA Draft prospect.
A 6-foot-2, 195-pound point guard, Arcidiacano has averaged over 30 minutes per game in each of his four seasons at Villanova. Prior to his senior season, he never shot above 40 percent from the field, which was a concern. But he elevated his game across the board during the season.
Arcidiacano averages 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game — all career-best marks. He also improved his shooting to 43.3 percent from the field, 38.2 percent on threes and 83 percent at the line.
Entering the season and during most of the season, Arcidiacano was not viewed as a legitimate pro prospect. But with his strong play and leadership during the NCAA Tournament, he may have at least given some teams thought about taking him in the second round.
At best Arcidiacano is probably a very late second-round pick in the NBA Draft. The more likely scenario for him is to be a D-League player or pro player in Europe, but that is not to diminish what he has accomplished in college.
