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Happy Wednesday Nova Nation! After taking a bit of a reprieve from the NBA Draft coverage, I figured we’d check back in as Bridges, Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Spellman prepare for the next level. That led me to the most recent CBS mock draft, which featured some very interesting landing spots for the former Wildcats.
In the mock, Donte DiVincenzo would land in Los Angeles Lakers with former All-American Josh Hart, while Jalen Brunson and Omari Spellman both stayed relatively close to Villanova with the Brooklyn Nets and Nova’s Dante Cunningham. That got me thinking about some other fun Wildcat pairings we could see after the upcoming draft.
What if Mikal Bridges went 7th to the Bulls and teamed up with Ryan Arcidiacono? Brunson or DiVincenzo could join them in Chicago at the 22nd overall pick too. Those two could also head west to join Josh Hart in Los Angeles with the young and upcoming Lakers. Cunningham would need to resign with the Nets, but he could also pair up with a number of the young draftees.
But my perfect scenario actually would involve all of the Villanova players slipping a bit in the draft. Bridges goes 10th, DiVincenzo 26th, Brunson 38th, and Spellman 39th. If that happened, all four players would stay in Philly next season with the 76ers. TRUST THE WILDCATS!
What Villanova pairings would you like to see at the NBA level next season? In other “news”, Whitey talks Brunson, Cruitin’/Crootin’, Bracketology update, White House trips, and Jay Wright is honored. Enjoy!
2018 NBA Mock Draft: This two-round projection is dominated by big men at the top | CBSSports.com
In the latest mock from CBS, the Wildcats have 3 players selected in the first round and a few pairings of former teammates: Bridges 8th to Cleveland, DiVincenzo 25th to Lakers, Brunson 29th to Nets, Spellman 40th to Nets.
AUDIO: Because I believe Pacers will select Jalen Brunson, my deep dig into who he is began today with Whitey Rigsby of Villanova Radio | KentSterling.com
Whitey talks Jalen Brunson and Villanova.
Villanova's Jalen Brunson an option at point guard | Denver Post
Jalen Brunson leaves Villanova and college basketball with little left to prove. National championships in 2016 and 2018. The Bob Cousy, Lute Olson, John R. Wooden, and Naismith College Player of the Year awards as a senior.
Top basketball recruit Bryan Antoine breaks down finalists | Lexington Herald Leader
Kentucky, Duke, Florida, Kansas and Villanova are the five finalists in the recruitment of high school basketball star Bryan Antoine, one of the top prospects in the 2019 class. Is there a favorite in his recruitment?
Takeover Duo Motivated For Peach Jam Title After USA Basketball Cuts | Flo Hoops
Hunter Dickinson and Justin Moore may have been cut from USA Basketball, but they've got their eyes set on a Peach Jam title with Team Takeover.
Behind the Bracket: Big Ten rises post NBA draft early entry deadline | ESPN
After a dismal NCAA tournament showing in 2017-18, the Big Ten can expect a better haul next season. Plus, Arizona returns to the field after an impressive recruiting rebuild.
Villanova still awaiting its White House invite, but what will the Wildcats do if it comes? | The Athletic
As the fallout over the Eagles’ rescinded White House invitation mounts, another Philadelphia title team has not decided whether it will stop by 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Will Villanova men's basketball go to the White House? | Philly.com
With the Eagles not going, the issue turns toward the 2018 NCAA men's basketball champions.
Jay Wright, of Villanova Wildcats, and Muffet McGraw, of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, to receive Joe Lapchick Character Award | ESPN
Villanova's Jay Wright, Notre Dame's Muffet McGraw, and Solly Walker, the first African-American to play basketball at St. John's, are this year's recipients of the Joe Lapchick Character Award. The recipients will be honored at a luncheon in September.