Neshaminy junior commits to 'Nova

On the theory that it's never too early to start configuring the future . . .

Villanova's basketball program has received its first verbal commitment for the class of 2012. And it's a good one. Ryan Arcidiacono, a 6-3 junior point guard from Neshaminy High who already is being projected as one of the best prospects ever to come out of Bucks County, is headed to the Main Line.

His father, Joe, was an offensive lineman for the Wildcats from 1976 to '80 when they played in Division I. His mother, Patti, also is an alumnus.

Last season, Ryan averaged 17 points, 4.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals. And his stock apparently went way up in the summer. ESPN.com has him rated as the 31st best player in the class, and fourth at his position.

The other finalist was Florida. The only other school he visited was Boston College. But, for him, the decision was really a no-brainer.

"I always grew up watching Villanova," Arcidiacono said. "We had a minihoop in the family room, and I was always imitating the Kyle Lowrys, all those guys. I can't believe I'm actually going to be one of them.

"Gainesville was nice, but this was a lot closer. I have a big family, and they'll all be able to watch my games. I think it's a great fit for me. Their offense the last few years has been one of the tops in the Big East. Jay [Wright], the [assistant coaches], the players, they just made me feel at home. They're one of the best teams in the country. I want to be part of that tradition. I fell in love with all of that, so why wait [to announce]? I was 100 percent sure I wanted to go there. So a lot of other schools can recruit someone else now instead of waiting on me."

In a perfect world, he'll be the successor for another local product, sophomore Maalik Wayns, of Roman Catholic.