Villanova Basketball Stars Kyle Lowry and Josh Hart Shine in NBA’s Season Opener

Happy Wednesday Nova Nation! In the opening game of the 2020 NBA season, it was a pair of Villanova Wildcats that rose to the occasion for their teams. First it was Kyle Lowry, who before the game addressed the crowd and unveiled the Raptors new NBA Championship Banner.

Following that celebration, a great game broke out. Lowry had 22 points, adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds in a winning effort for the champs. But possibly the more impressive effort on the night went to another Villanova alumnus in the Pelican’s Josh Hart.

Hart injured his ankle in the first half, and had to return early to the locker room to have it looked at and treated. But he was then able to return in the second half to put up a double-double and help force overtime for a team that was missing it’s newest star, Zion Williamson. Hart had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes, all three of which were game highs for New Orleans bench players. He also showed off some clutch shooting late as the Pelicans tried to pull off the opening night upset.

It should be another great NBA season as there are eight former Wildcats playing on seven teams this season. Tonight you can catch Ryan Arcidiacono (Bulls), Jalen Brunson (Mavs), and Mikal Bridges (Suns). Tomorrow is opening night for Donte DiVincenzo (Bucks), Omari Spellman (Warriors), and Eric Paschall (Warriors).

Be sure to check in here at VUHoops.com for NBA updates all season long, and good luck to all Villanova alumni playing professionally this year in the NBA, G-League, and overseas!

In other “news”, Jermaine Samuels could be this year’s most improved player, Villanova Football will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2009 National Championship, and a number of Villanova sports teams unveil their upcoming schedules. Enjoy!

Villanova Basketball

College Basketball’s Breakout Stars: Who will be this year’s most improved players? | NBC Sports
A Villanovan leads the list.

NBA Wildcats

Raptors' Kyle Lowry wears 'North Philly' shoes during NBA opening night warm-up | PhillyVoice
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry wore "North Philly" sneakers during warm-ups on the NBA's opening night against the New Orleans Pelicans. Lowry, a former Villanova standout, grew up in North Philadelphia.

Kyle Lowry’s prints were all over the Raptors’ championship, and the same is now true of their rings | The Athletic
The Raptors championship ring is believed to be the most expensive bauble created for an NBA team with 650 diamonds in total.

STINSON: Redemption — and satisfaction — at last for Raptors’ Kyle Lowry | Toronto Sun
The biggest cheers, as they had to be, were for Kyle Lowry.The celebration at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night had a lot of angles to it. It was, most obviously, about a banner unveiled in the rafters.

Pelicans news: New Orleans to pick up options on Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart | Clutch Points
The New Orleans Pelicans will pick up the fourth-year options on guards Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

Pelicans SG Josh Hart hurts ankle, then shows off with double-double, big shot to help force OT | nola.com
Pelicans shooting guard Josh Hart was only a few minutes into his debut with the team when it suddenly got painful.

Milwaukee Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo needs to deliver positives offensively | Behind the Buck Pass
As he looks to make an impact for the Milwaukee Bucks over his sophomore season, Donte DiVincenzo will have to hone his offensive consistency.

Mikal Bridges to sport custom Nike sneakers as Phoenix Suns open season | Bright Side Of The Sun
Bridges is part of a group of players who worked with Nike to develop personal flair on their shoes for the start of the NBA regular season.

Villanova Football

Villanova Football Mourns the Loss of Bob Wright | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, PA. -- Former Villanova football student-athlete Bob Wright passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the age of 47. Wright, who graduated from Villanova in

VILLANOVA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TO CELEBRATE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, PA. – The 2009 Villanova football team will be honored on the 10th year anniversary of the team's national title during the Wildcats Nov. 9th game versus

Villanova Athletics

Villanova’s Mary Gedaka has pivoted right into a big-time career | Philadelphia Inquirer
"She has the quickest first step of anybody on our team. It’s close to impossible for a center facing up guarding her."

Wildcats To Welcome Provdence Wednesday | Villanova University Athletics
Providence pays a visit to the Higgins Soccer Complex on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Water Polo Announces 2020 Schedule | Villanova University Athletics
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Head Coach Larry Sanders has announced the 2020 Water Polo schedule.

Wildcats Release 2020 Schedule | Villanova University Athletics
Villanova head coach Brad Adams released its schedule for the 2020 spring season today.

Decker Named to BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll | Villanova University Athletics
New York – Villanova's Emma Decker was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll for the first time this season. This is Decker's fourth career weekly award, and her

Carrera Lucas Embracing Coaching Role at Villanova | Villanova University Athletics
One piece at a time, goalkeeper Carrera Lucas puts on her uniform.

College Basketball

Ranking every college basketball team from No. 1 to 353 for 2019-20 and an interesting fact on every team | CBSSports.com
Matt Norlander's annual extravaganza of looking at all 353 teams is back for the 2019-20 season

Michigan State’s Langford out until January with ankle injury | NBC Sports
Michigan State's Joshua Langford out until January after suffering setback during attempt to return from ankle injury.