:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61712551/Nova_Mug.0.jpeg)
Happy Hump Day Nova Nation! Remember that Josh Hart guy that used to go to Villanova? National Champion, First Team All-American, Big East Player of the Year... nothing? The FORTNITE guy. There you go!
All kidding aside, Hart was beloved during his time at Villanova. He was a hard nosed, grind it out guy whose skills improved dramatically year over year. By the time he left Villanova, Hart was Top 10 in All-Time scoring for the school, also finishing Top 20 in rebounds and steals, as well as Top 30 in assists. The guy did everything, and did it well.
It turns out all of those skills transition well to the NBA. While he may not have gotten the hype that his fellow rookies Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma got in their first seasons, Hart’s offseason improvement has him in the conversation to start for the Lakers this year. Considering how well his game compliments his newest teammate, LeBron James, Hart’s going to get significant minutes regardless of where he starts the game.
While Hart may be the latest Villanova player to get significant NBA buzz, he won’t be the last. Omari Spellman started a preseason game for the Hawks, Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges have been solid contributors for their teams, and Jalen Brunson has been his usual super-efficient self. The future of the NBA is littered with Wildcats, and there are more in line behind them.
In other “news”, Recruiting updates that may or may not be incriminating?, Katz will cover the Cats, and the NCAA can’t stop themselves from consistently making the absolute worst decisions. Enjoy!
You May Not Know Josh Hart Yet, but You Will | The Ringer
The second-year guard is often overlooked as part of the Lakers’ young core, but he may be the one LeBron James can rely on with the game on the line.
Why Josh Hart May Be LeBron’s Most Valuable Teammate | FiveThirtyEight
In case you hadn’t noticed, the Los Angeles Lakers have a cerebral, multi-talented player who is strong as an ox and competes like a runaway train. Thanks to StephDon for sharing the link!
Los Angeles Lakers: Competition at shooting guard is helping Josh Hart | Lake Show Life
Los Angeles Lakers guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recently commented on his competition with Josh Hart.
Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Isaiah Stewart offered “GM” role by a college, trending toward MSU Spartans - A Sea Of Blue
That promise reeks of desperation.
Five-star Jeremiah Robinson-Earl recaps recruitment | 247 Sports
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Five-star power forward Jeremiah Robinson-Early goes in-depth on his college recruitment.
College basketball preview: Who will win 2018-19 player of the year? | SI.com
Will an upperclassman win National Player of the Year for the sixth straight season? Or will a freshman like R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson or Romeo Langford break through? Eric Paschall gets an honorable mention.
Ranking the top 15 breakout candidates in college basketball for 2018-19: | CBSSports.com
A Villanovan is on the list... do you agree with the choice?
Ranking the 10 best coaching hires heading into this season | NBC Sports
These are the coaches that are set up for success heading into the 2018-19 season. Former Villanova assistant, Ashley Howard, gets a solid nod in the list.
Ex-ESPNer Andy Katz to make 'select appearances' on Fox college hoops coverage | Sporting News
Katz couldn't stay away from the Wildcats.
When NBA stars like Klay Thompson need that extra edge, they call these guys | SB Nation NBA Preview 2018
Welcome to the world of offseason skills trainers, who are rapidly becoming overnight celebrities.
South Carolina basketball: UNC hurricane game denied by NCAA | The State
Dear NCAA,
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GETTING PAID TO DO!?!?!?!?
-Everyone