For basketball players who don’t want to give up their passion after college, there’s one dream in mind: the National Basketball Association. For Villanova basketball players, there have been many occasions where that dream has become a reality. 

51 former Wildcats have played, or are currently in the NBA. On Tuesday, freshman forward Cam Whitmore declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, hoping to be the 52nd. 

“Going to the NBA was my dream, and I’m happy that I’m making that dream come true,” Whitmore said. 

Heading into college, Whitmore was the 22nd ranked recruit on the ESPN 100 for 2022. He is currently projected to be a top-10 draft pick in the draft this summer.  

“First and foremost, I just want to thank God for allowing me to be in this position I am in today and just allowing me to guide me in the right steps to be a successful man,” Whitmore said. “I just want to thank my parents, my mom and my dad for always striving to encourage me to be the best person I can be.” 

Whitmore missed the first seven games of the 2022-23 season due to a thumb injury. However, he returned to the court for his collegiate debut on December 7, 2022 against Oklahoma where he played 20 minutes, scoring seven points and adding three steals. 

In his only season at Villanova, Whitmore was named the Big East Freshman of the Year, averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 26 games. 

“I want to thank my teammates and coaches at Villanova University for allowing me and encouraging me to be a better basketball player and a complete basketball player,” Whitmore said.

During his time as a Wildcat, Whitmore was also named Second Team All-Big Five. On the season, he shot 47.8 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from deep, helping to lead the Wildcats to a 17-17 record under first-year head coach Kyle Neptune. 

“Cam is a uniquely gifted player, who has an amazing opportunity before him to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA,” Neptune said. “As a basketball family, we’re excited for Cam as he takes this next step in his journey and [I am] fully supportive of his decision.” 

The NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 22 at the Barclays Center.