Wayns close to choosing Villanova

If Maalik Wayns likes what he sees after a visit to Villanova this week, there's every reason to believe that the Roman Catholic junior-to-be will give an oral commitment to coach Jay Wright.

Wayns, a 6-foot point guard, is participating in the National Basketball Players Association top 100 camp at the University of Virginia this weekend. And as he has for most of the spring, Wayns is raising eyebrows with his play.

He's also raising his stock, having already received a number of scholarship offers in addition to Villanova's. But according to Roman assistant Chris McNesby and various sources close to the player, Wayns is close to committing to the Wildcats.

"Maalik has intimated to me that he has strong feelings for Villanova," McNesby said. "I think he wants to visit the school and ask Jay a few more questions. But he's certainly leaning in that direction."

Wayns, who did not return a call yesterday, has a visit to the Wildcats' campus planned for Tuesday.

Among the schools that have made offers are West Virginia, Virginia, Pittsburgh, St. Joseph's and Temple.