The Villanova Lady Wildcats roster went through an extreme makeover this off-season. Not only losing front-court star Christina Dalce, who transferred to Maryland, but also their top star, and one of the best scorers in the country, Lucy Olsen, who transferred to Iowa. Coach Denise Dillon has been very busy adding players that can come in and impact. Getting Southeast Missouri State transfer Jaliyah Green was a huge pick up. The St. Louis native averaged 12.9 points 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in her sophomore season for the Red Hawks.
The 5-10 star guard was top five on her team in every major category. Green ended last season red hot with an eight-game streak of 10-plus points (averaging 16.9 points a game). She locked into a whole new level of her game and brings that momentum to the Lady Wildcats. She talked to me recently about why playing for Villanova is a dream and what stood out the most about Villanova as she made her transfer decision.
Jaliyah Green: Coach Baker-Sword recruited me. Villanova was the right choice because, one: the education here is like no other, getting a Villanova degree can take you a lot of places and, two: The Big East is a tough conference and I’ve wanted to play on a big stage like this since I can remember.
Leader Johnson: What do you like about Denise Dillon? What has she told you about your future with Villanova?
Jaliyah Green: Coach Dillon truly cares about her players and keeping their confidence high which is something I really like. She expects me to be able to use my versatility in being able to affect the game in more than just one way.
Leader Johnson: What do you like about the way the Lady Wildcats play? How does how they play cater to your style?
Jaliyah Green: The Lady Wildcats have a five-out style of play that gives a lot of different looks and their ability to switch up things defensively as well. It helps with me being able to be aggressive on both ends of the floor.
Leader Johnson: What were your top teams before you committed?
Jaliyah Green: Charlotte, Arkansas State, Wichita State, and Villanova.
Leader Johnson: Tell me what stood out about your Villanova visit ?
Jaliyah Green: I loved that the community was super involved, and the campus is beautiful. The coaches were super attentive and intentional on making it feel like home.
Leader Johnson: What Nova players have you talked to since you committed?
Jaliyah Green: I’ve talked to Denae Carter and Maddie Webber; they’ve been so helpful in helping me navigate the ins and outs of Villanova and just being a friend to me when I need it.
Leader Johnson: What do you bring to the future of the lady wildcats?
Jaliyah Green: I bring experience, basketball IQ, leadership, and versatility to the Lady Wildcats.
Leader Johnson: Thanks for your time.