The saying “I’ll handle it” means taking responsibility. To senior guard Jordan Longino, this phrase means more than responsibility— it means fighting through hardship.  

Adversity is something Longino is familiar with. Over the past four years, the Doylestown, PA native has faced a number of setbacks, as injuries have plagued his collegiate basketball career. But the three words that Longino’s older brother, Evan-Eric, tells him, are a source of motivation.

“It’s something [my brother] texts me before games, and throughout the day,” Longino said. “It means having the mentality to figure things out with whatever the task is or whatever’s put in front of you, no matter the adversity and no matter the obstacles.”

Arthroscopic surgery on Longino’s left knee in March 2022 prematurely ended his promising freshman season, sidelining him during Villanova’s NCAA Final Four run. Longino had been the lone freshman to break into the rotation, averaging 8.8 minutes and 1.8 points in 2021-2022. 

Throughout his second and third seasons at Villanova, Longino missed multiple games due to hamstring problems and a retear of his meniscus.

The injuries took a physical and mental toll. Recovery was difficult, and so was watching his team from the sidelines.

“It’s tough,” Longino said. “I’ve always been a competitor and I want to be a guy who’s out there helping my teammates. It’s hard watching your teammates battle out there, but I can’t. At the same time, you don’t want to rush it. [The injuries] were obviously frustrating and annoying, but ultimately, I knew it would come back around at some point.”

Over this past summer, Longino worked hard to get his body healthy. It was the first time in his career that he was not rehabbing or fighting through an injury during the summer months.  

“Coming into the summer, being healthy was a big deal for me,” Longino said. “My teammates and coaches instilled confidence in me so I could go into this year with a fresh mindset.” 

Longino’s summer work did not go unnoticed, especially by graduate forward and four-year teammate Eric Dixon. In October, Dixon shared his admiration for Longino’s ability to come back from multiple severe injuries, and foresaw his crucial role on the court this season.

“[Longino] is a warrior and he hasn’t let the injuries stop him,” Dixon said. “But for him to get healthy this off-season and stay healthy throughout this year, I think you’ll see a different version of Jordan Longino that you haven’t seen before.” 

Dixon’s prediction has stayed true, especially since Big East play began in December.

In non-conference play, Longino averaged just under 8.8 points and 2.9 rebounds. But against conference competition, Longino’s numbers on the stat sheet have increased as his role on the court becomes even more crucial.

“[Longino] is a high-level talent that can make shots that can defend most of the positions,” head coach Kyle Neptune said after the Marquette game on Jan. 24. “He’s done well offensively in Big East play, but he’s been a great defender throughout his entire career.”

Over Villanova’s past eight games, Longino has averaged 15.6 points per contest. This included a career-best 27 points against Marquette, leading all scorers.

“It always feels good to reach milestones like that,” Longino said. “It feels good getting in a rhythm and finally feeling like myself out on the court.” 

When the Wildcats took the court in November, being fully healthy was a new feeling for Longino. His body and mind both needed time to get used to the absence of sore knees and a minute restriction. 

“It was definitely different,” Longino said. “Throughout my whole career, I have had to play [hurt]. I remember my sophomore year not practicing but playing games. That was tough and I couldn’t get a rhythm. Now I get what it feels like to be out there healthy and work on my craft.” 

With the support of coaches and staff, the injuries allowed Longino to learn new ways to manage his mental health during hardship.

“Our trainer Dan [Erickson] told me to start meditating,” Longino said. “That’s something I do every morning when I wake up. It’s helped me mentally throughout my career here and now it’s something I continue to do even though I’m healthy.”

The injuries have also been a valuable lesson for Longino about the privilege of being able to play at a high level. As a freshman, he played sparingly, but as a senior, Longino wishes his time at Villanova could extend.

“You can’t take anything for granted,” Longino said. “You have four years to play, and this is my last year, but I can remember like it was yesterday coming in as a freshman. We have ten guaranteed games left, and it feels like time flies so quickly.”

In his four years at Villanova, Longino has seen a lot. From being on a Final Four team to seeing his Hall of Fame coach retire, to winning the Battle 4 Atlantis, all while missing the NCAA Tournament twice, Longino has ridden the highs and lows of his basketball career.

Now, as a veteran senior, Longino is cherishing every second of his final season. 

“A short-term goal would be making sure my leadership and team is consistent every day,” Longino said. “Long-term, I just want us to be the best basketball team we can be by the end of the year, whatever that means. Whether that means the [NCAA] Tournament, wherever we end up, I just want us to be in a spot where we’re playing our best basketball.”

February and March are crucial times for Villanova. Every win is a lifeline and every loss is detrimental to postseason hopes. Longino’s expectations are lofty every moment he enters the gym.   

Over the past four years, “I’ll handle it” has encapsulated Longino’s recovery from a torn meniscus. Now, it serves as a daily reminder that he can persevere through any challenge.

With two months left in Longino’s career, his brother’s words have even more meaning, and with the pressure of his final collegiate games on the line, “I’ll handle it,” makes all the difference.