BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Elijah Crawford #2 of the UIC Flames looks on against the California Golden Bears in the second half during the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at Haas Pavilion on March 18, 2026 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images NEWS: UIC transfer guard Elijah Crawford has committed to Villanova, he told @On3.The 6-3 sophomore averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. A former four-star recruit that began his career at BYU.https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iqpic.twitter.com/1JhfV87Fvl— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 20, 2026After securing its forwards in Devin Royal and Kwame Evans Jr., as well as a shooting guard in Jake Fiegen, Villanova was in need of a new lead guard.

It has found that in Illinois-Chicago guard Elijah Crawford.The 6’3” sophomore is a former four-star recruit who played his first season at BYU. This past year for the Flames, Crawford averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 45.3% shooting and 75.3% from the line. Crawford did struggle from distance at 27.6%, but hopefully his free-throw percentage is indicative of potential there.Crawford has the pedigree of a high-major player.

In his final game of the season against Cal-Berkley in the NIT, the guard scored 14 points and dished out 12 assists with only two turnovers. He shot an efficient 4/9 from the floor. In the Missouri Valley Conference Final, Crawford recorded 28 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.Crawford projects to start for the Wildcats, either next to Tyler Perkins or Jake Fiegen at the shooting guard.

Either way, the Wildcats now have a formidable five players in tow, with Matt Hodge on the mend and top-50 recruit Adam Oumiddoch. More work is yet to come, as a center (s) and depth are needed.