Villepigue Signs with UNLV
Dustin Villepigue's re-recruitment didn't last too long. In fact, it almost ended before it started.
After tabbing UNLV and Utah as the frontrunners earlier this spring, Villepigue opted to sign with the Rebels after taking an official visit to Las Vegas from Apr. 16-18.
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Villepigue told JUCO Junction that he signed his letter of intent to attend UNLV back on Apr. 22. Because he is not yet 21 years old, he sent the LOI to his parents in Simi Valley, Calif., where they are expected to sign it and send it over to UNLV.
Villepigue had scheduled visits this month to UNLV (Apr. 16-18) and Utah (Apr. 23-25), but his trip to Salt Lake City never materialized.
"Utah only had one official visit left, so if I were to visit there, they kind of needed me to commit," Villepigue explained. "I didn't want them to waste the visit."
After Villepigue tripped to UNLV, he saw all he needed to see.
"I liked everything about UNLV," he said. "It's close to home, so my parents can come and see the games, and it's a great program with a great new coach. I can go into the program and play right away."
With the loss of senior post players J.K. Edwards and James Peters, the Running Rebels may rely on heavily on Villepigue in 2003-2004.
In addition to UNLV and Utah, Villepigue also fielded interest from South Carolina, Pepperdine and Washington State.
Villepigue spent two years at Gonzaga (one as a red-shirt) prior to enrolling at Dixie.
Despite tearing two of the three ligaments in his right ankle, Villepigue missed only six games at Dixie this past season. He started 20 of 25 games for the Rebels, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Villepigue shot 65 percent from the field and 62 percent from the foul line this past season, playing an average of 26 minutes per contest. Dixie finished 22-9 overall, dropping a 74-64 decision to Southern Idaho in the Region 18 semis last month.
Villepigue will graduate from Dixie this Friday. He'll then turn his attention to his future at UNLV.
"My foot is basically healed and I am getting my conditioning back," Villepigue said. "I'm comfortable with playing in the post, I have a great hook shot, and my turnaround jumper is coming around."
"Defensively, I am working hard on my lateral movement so that I can guard quicker guys out on the wing," he continued. "I am not afraid to take charges, dive on the floor for loose balls or communicate with other players. I'm a team player who will do what it takes to win."
Villepigue will have two years of eligibility at UNLV.