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Despite losing elite players, Villanova can still be an elite team next season

Even if DiVincenzo and Spellman leave, Villanova will remain a Top 10 team entering next season

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Happy Hump Day Nova Nation! We’re a little late crawling out from under the covers this morning, but it’s late May. Summer hours apply!

This was discussed briefly in yesterday’s thread, but Villanova can lose four of its best players from last season and still be a Top 10 team entering next year. They have consistent leadership in Booth and Paschall, the #12 ranked recruiting class in the country (plus Joe Cremo), and four sophomores who should make significant jumps now that they all have some playing time under their belts. And if Donte DiVincenzo or Omari Spellman do return, you can start up the “Dynasty” hype train.

In other “news”, a Brunson and Hart reunion in LA?, DiVincenzo talks about the G-League, more NBA Draft, Nova still owns the Big East, and Jay Wright is consistently nailing the hardest thing to do in recruiting. Enjoy!

2018-19 college basketball rankings: Why Villanova has fallen out of the top 5 of the Top 25 (and one) - CBSSports.com
Villanova, which is expected to lose four starters, is No. 7.

2018 NBA Draft: Jalen Brunson would be a solid pick for the Lakers in the first round | Silver Screen and Roll
If the Lakers want to bolster their backcourt, they could do a lot worse than adding Jalen Brunson in the 2018 NBA Draft.

For preps and college underclassmen, G League apprenticeship a fact of life | Detroit Pistons
CHICAGO – The Pistons have 12 players under contract for next season and every one of them had a foothold in the rotation at one point last season. So it wouldn’t be the biggest upset ever if they wind up trading the only pick they hold in the June 21 draft, the 42nd overall selection. But if they exercise it, there’s about a 100 percent chance that player will get familiar with the route from Detroit to Grand Rapids.

NBA talent evaluators weigh in on 5 NBA combine participants who improved draft stock | The Athletic ($)
The combine in Chicago helped NBA executives gain a better understanding of draft prospects who are rising as draft prospects.

Big East Conference Reset: Perennial powers must reload | NBC Sports
Villanova and Xavier lose plenty, but still look to be on top

Competing against Duke and Kentucky for one-and-done recruiting
The Blue Devils and Wildcats have dominated recent classes, leaving little room for the other programs to stay at the top. Villanova's approach is better, but it's equally difficult to sustain.