There’s an alternate reality where the 76ers are full of Villanova National Champions

Happy Friday Nova Nation! If you’re in the Philly area and you have the time this morning, it’s your last chance to head down to Preston and Steve’s Campout for Hunger. It’s an amazing event and a great cause, and if you have the means I highly encourage you to donate in person or from afar. Besides, how can you not love an event with a City 6 Pop-a-shot challenge that Jay Wright has won in 2016 and 2018 (now why does that sound familiar?)

But our main story today comes from Mike Jensen over at the Inquirer. He takes us down the rabbit hole into a reality in which the Philadelphia 76ers keep their current starting lineup, but their bench contains Ryan Arcidiacono, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Omari Spellman, and Jalen Brunson. Be still my heart.

I know not everyone here is a 76ers fan, but at least some of you may have to reconsider your allegiances if that crew was playing in Philly. As a matter of fact, this is the only reality in which I’d ever be really worried about Jay leaving for the NBA.

But why stop there? Let’s stay in this universe and have the Sixers sign Kyle Lowry as a free agent last summer, and this year trade for or sign Donte DiVincenzo and Dante Cunningham for a little name confusion. Then bring Hilliard back from overseas, un-retire Kerry Kittles, and raise Paul Arizin from the dead. Yeah, I’d root for that team.

In other “news”, Wright beats Howard in a preview of Saturday, Eric Paschall remains a mock first rounder (Sixers?), and everyone else wants to be like Villanova. Enjoy!

NBA Wildcats

What if the Sixers had valued Villanova players? | The Inquirer
The Sixers could have taken most of the Villanova players who led the 2016 and 2018 NCAA champions.

NBA Rookie Rankings: The Kids Are Gonna Be Alright | UPROXX
At the quarter-pole of the season, we take a look at the 10 best rookies so far in the NBA.

Who are the 30 best prospects in college basketball? | NBC Sports
This is the only mock draft you need to pay attention to.

Villanova Adjacent

City 6 Coaches return for the 6 annual Pop-a-Shot Challenge | WMMR
The City 6 coaches participated in their annual pop-a-shot competition, with the finals coming down to La Salle's Ashley Howard and Villanova's Jay Wright. Just as he did after winning his first NCAA Tournament Championship, Wright walked away with his second pop-a-shot trophy.

OSU basketball: In Villanova, Mike Boynton and Oklahoma State caught a glimpse of what they aspire to become | tulsaworld.com
“We're trying to build a culture here,” OSU team captain Thomas Dziagwa said.

Villanova Wildcats Premiere Pro-Level Projection System at Hoops Mania 2018 | prweb.com
VILLANOVA, PA (PRWEB) November 29, 2018 -- Villanova Wildcats men’s and women’s division one basketball teams returned to the court in style.