Villanova women’s basketball has officially welcomed guard Marie-Denise Ntambue to its roster, as announced on May 7. Ntambue, a 5-9 guard hailing from Crestwood Preparatory School in Toronto, Ontario, previously pledged her commitment to the Wildcats on February 16 via her Instagram.
Known for her participation in the Canada Elite program and the Under Armor Association, Ntambue is expected to bolster Villanova’s lineup, particularly with her potential to serve as a versatile backup point guard. Head coach Denise Dillon expressed confidence in Ntambue’s ability to grow within the program, emphasizing the importance of having multiple ball-handlers on the court to ensure effective gameplay and flexibility.
Ntambue is one of four high school recruits who have signed with Villanova, alongside notable talents such as McDonald’s All-American nominee Kennedy Henry, Elise Bender, and Brooke Bender. The program has experienced minimal turnover, with only one player, rising junior guard Maddie Webber, moving to the University of Illinois via the transfer portal, and five players graduating.
Ntambue’s arrival comes as the Wildcats continue to build a strong roster, which includes rising sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe, who was recognized as the Big 5 Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the Big East All-Freshman team last season. Additionally, Villanova has reinforced its squad by adding transfers Kylee Watson from Notre Dame and Kelsey Joens from Iowa State.
With one remaining open roster spot, the Wildcats are in a position to enhance their lineup further, promising an exciting future as the program seeks to make a significant impact in upcoming seasons.