News & Events 2002-2003

Deng and Villanueva Announce Their College Picks

Luol Deng ’03 and Charlie Villanueva ’03 wearing their college hats.

November 5, 2002 — At a press reception today in Blair Academy’s Walker Gymnasium, basketball players Luol Deng and Charlie Villanueva, two of the top five seniors in the country, revealed the names of the colleges to which they have verbally committed.

The highly touted four-year senior, Deng, plans to attend Duke University. He chose the Blue Devils over his other top choices Indiana, Virginia, and Missouri after over a year of intense recruitment from these and dozens of additional interested schools. Villanueva, a three-year senior, also heavily recruited nation-wide for months, announced his intention to play for the University of Illinois. His other top choices included Villanova, Seton Hall and Indiana.

Luol Deng, Charlie Villanueva and Coach Joe Mantegna respond to reporters questions during a second news conference by telephone for members of the national sports media.

Blair Headmaster T. Chandler Hardwick praised the boys and faculty member Joe Mantegna for managing a difficult and pressure-filled process: “Luol and Charlie were terrific about staying focused on this school community and their academic work while going through the challenges of college recruitment. We are pleased with their choices, but pleased as well that they can return to enjoy their senior year of Blair. Coach Joe Mantegna did an outstanding, selfless job of guiding both young men through the recruitment issues to their decisions today.”

With their announcements, the New Jersey prep school duo ended weeks of speculation. “It was a very difficult decision. The schools we considered all treated us wonderfully,” said Deng. “Charlie and I shared our experiences and ultimately needed to make the decisions we felt were best for each of us.”

The press gather in Walker Gymnasium for the big announcement.

“I enjoyed it, but I’m glad it’s over,” added Villanueva. “Luol and I can now focus on our final season at Blair and hopefully make it a year to remember.”

Deng, a native of Sudan, learned to play basketball growing up in Egypt and England. The 6’7” small forward played for England’s junior national team during summer vacations back home in London. Villanueva (6’8”), who grew up in Queens and now resides in Brooklyn, is New York City’s premier player.

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