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Villanova's Gillespie, Samuels returning for 5th year

Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Two key Villanova seniors will be back in 2021-22.

Guard Collin Gillespie will return for a fifth season with the Wildcats after a knee injury cut his 2020-21 campaign short, he announced Monday.

Jermaine Samuels Jr. quickly followed Gillespie, announcing he will also suit up for a fifth year with Villanova in the fall.

Gillespie averaged 14 points, 4.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and shot 37.6% from deep this past season with the Wildcats. However, the guard suffered an MCL tear in his left knee in a win over Creighton on March 3, ending his season prematurely and holding him out of the NCAA Tournament. Gillespie still earned recognition for his play, becoming one of three players to share the 2021 Big East Player of the Year award.

Samuels recorded 12 points and 6.4 rebounds per game over 25 appearances this past year, starting in all but one. The forward put up 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest in three NCAA Tournament games before Villanova fell to Baylor in the Sweet 16.

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