The Sun’s Arizin: Villanova News & Links for August 7th

Yeah... there are three Villanovans representing USA Basketball, so they’re the main focus of this roundup.

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson Marries High School Sweetheart Ali Marks at Chicago's Ritz Carlton! (Exclusive)
The NBA point guard tied the knot on Saturday with his longtime girlfriend in a lavish affair

Days after his wedding, Jalen Brunson is on the court with USA Basketball. | AP News
Jalen Brunson could be on his honeymoon right now. He’s playing for his country instead. Let this serve as incredible proof of how badly Brunson wanted to play for USA Basketball at the FIBA World Cup that starts later this month: He and his now-wife moved their wedding to make it happen.

Grant Hill Sees Bright Team USA Future For New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson | Sports Illustrated New York Knicks News, Analysis and More
NBA legend Grant Hill was impressed by Jalen Brunson’s quick maneuvering to land on the American FIBA World Cup roster and foresees a bright future for the New York Knicks point guard’s national team affairs.

Ranking 5 best players for Team USA ahead of FIBA World Cup 2023 | Sportskeeda
After finishing seventh during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Team USA will be looking to put on a show.

“How could you possibly top that?” – Jalen Brunson gives a glimpse of ‘natural leader’ during team USA camp, says Steve Kerr
Jalen Brunson looks like a lock at the starting point guard position in the Team USA roster that is headed to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

“He’s just always consistent”: Anthony Edwards names Knicks star as the best player in Team USA training camp
Josh Hart, a role player throughout his NBA career, is getting high compliments from Anthony Edwards, arguably the league’s biggest rising star.

Meet Team USA’s FIBA Basketball World Cup roster, featuring one of its youngest groups ever | SBNation.com
USA Basketball’s World Cup roster has tons of young talent, but no international experience.

NBA Novans

Josh Hart Finds ‘Home’ With New York Knicks, Talks Player Option & Long-Term Deal | Sports Illustrated New York Knicks News, Analysis and More
Set to rep both Team USA and the New York Knicks over the coming months, Josh Hart spoke about his player option in Manhattan and the prospects of an even longer stay.

Josh Hart: ‘New York Style’ Donte DiVincenzo is ‘What Knicks Needed’ | Sports Illustrated New York Knicks News, Analysis and More
Former college teammate Josh Hart revealed how Donte DiVincenzo can make the New York Knicks more threatening.

Jay Wright: Ex-Villanova star Donte DiVincenzo will make Knicks ‘a winner’ | NY Post
Donte DiVincenzo will add a needed element of spacing to the Knicks and their 3-point shooting. Jay Wright stressed his skill-set goes beyond that.

Villanova Sports

Rockets’ Jermaine Samuels: Lands two-way deal with Houston - CBSSports.com
Villanova alumn Jermaine Samuels agreed to a two-way contract with the Rockets on Wednesday.

Nova Notebook: Hart’s Happy to be Home | Villanova University
Hakim Hart is back at home for his final season of college basketball

Villanova Wildcats Preview 2023-24 | Last Word On Basketball
An unfortunate season in 2022-23 has made the Villanova Wildcats primed for a bounce-back year, and they have talent to do it.

Nova Notebook: Hart's Happy to be Home | Villanova University
Hakim Hart is back at home for his final season of college basketball

2023-24 Big East Men’s Basketball Team Preview: Villanova Wildcats | Anonymous Eagle
Can Kyle Neptune get the train back on the tracks after a rough first season as head coach?

Mainland, NJ, WR/DB Jamie Tyson Commits to Play at Villanova | 97.3 ESPN
The senior will return to Mainland after catching 11 passes for 303 yards and five TDs last season.

Other Related News

What’s next in college sports conference realignment? Here’s where the shaky landscape stands | Yahoo Sports
The Pac-12 appears to be on life support. A decision from one of the four-corner schools could prove as a lifesaver or a death knell. College athletics is on fragile ground.

St. John’s hires former assistant Matt Abdelmassih as new men’s basketball general manager | Rumble In The Garden
The former assistant coach returns to his alma mater to oversee NIL activities