Miami transfer Wooga Poplar commits to Villanova

Chaz Lanier, Jaxson Robinson, and Wooga Poplar were three big wing targets for Kentucky head coach Mark Pope as the Wildcats looked to fill out their roster. Lanier withdrew from the NBA Draft and committed to Tennessee as the Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth alum returned home to the Volunteer State. Robinson withdrew from the draft and followed his BYU coaching staff to Kentucky. Poplar withdrew from the draft and decided to head home.

The ACC transfer committed to Villanova on Wednesday afternoon.

NEWS: Miami transfer guard Wooga Poplar has committed to Villanova, sources tells @On3sports.

The 6-5 junior averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season. First by @Jeff_Neiburg.https://t.co/v8JbymTVan pic.twitter.com/BU6biVB4w9

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 5, 2024

The 6-foot-5 wing started 29 games for Miami last season as a true junior. Wooga Poplar has played in 100 games during his collegiate career. In 2023-24, Poplar posted career highs in minutes (31.1), points (13.1), rebounds (4.8), assists (2.1), and three-point percentage (38.5%). The Philadelphia native was a member of Miami’s Final Four team in 2022-23 starting 36 games and averaging 8.4 points per outing. Poplar is a career 36.5 percent shooter from three and 82.3 percent from the line.

Wooga Poplar will be a true senior for Villanova in 2024-25. The ACC transfer will be joining a Big East program looking for a bounce-back season. Third-year head coach Kyle Neptune is 35-33 (20-20) through two seasons and has yet to get the Wildcats into the NCAA Tournament. Poplar will play a big role after Villanova lost transfer commit Max Shulga to VCU.

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