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Happy Thursday Nova Nation! While most of you are waking up on the east coast, it’s the west coast that seems to be buzzing lately about Villanova basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers have the 25th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and they’ve already been linked to every Villanova player except Mikal Bridges. After striking gold with Josh Hart at the end of last year’s first round, the Lakers have been keeping a close eye on which Wildcat could be their next breakout player.
They’re one of a number of teams that could use a solid backup PG, making Jalen Brunson an excellent choice towards the end of the first round. Last week at the combine the Lakers interviewed one of the draft’s fastest risers, Donte DiVincenzo. And this week, they brought in big man Omari Spellman to workout with a few other draft prospects. East coast fans haven’t traditionally had a lot of love for the Lakers, but if they keep taking Villanova players that may need to change.
In other “news”, NBA Draft Comparisons, Sleeper picks, recruiting news, and good grades. Enjoy!
Lakers Pre-Draft Workout Video: Villanova's Omari Spellman | Lakers Nation
Big East Freshman of the Year and 2018 NBA Draft prospect Omari Spellman went through a Los Angeles Lakers pre-draft workout, discussed his experience at Villanova and why he wants to be a player in the similar mold as Draymond Green.
NBA Draft 2018: This year's Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid and more pro-prospect comparisons | CBSSports.com
Reid Forgrave tries his hand at comparing certain draft prospects' situations with current NBA players. He's got Donte DiVincenzo as this year's Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson as this year's Fred VanVleet.
Who Will Be This Year’s NBA Draft “Sleeper Pick?" | The Grueling Truth
DiVincenzo and Spellman both get nods as sleeper picks.
'Baby Westbrook' Jalen Lecque Aims For Peach Jam & USAB, Trimming Schools | FloHoops
Jalen Lecque has a ridiculous offer sheet, unreal athleticism, and a heck of a workload in front of him. Catch the star at Nike EYBL Session IV. Jay Wright and Villanova are in the mix.
Villanova Student-Athletes Make the Grade in Latest APR Data | Villanova.com
There was more good academic news for Villanova Athletics on Wednesday as the NCAA released data on multi-year academic progress across its membership.