Josh Hart, one of the leaders of Villanova's most successful four-year run in program history, officially took the next step in his basketball career in the NBA draft Thursday night when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the last pick in the first round.
The Lakers traded with the Utah Jazz to obtain the 30th selection, and they chose Hart, only the second senior chosen in the first round.
The 6-foot-5, 209-pound Hart, a shooting guard from Silver Spring, Md., flirted with the NBA draft last year before returning to the Wildcats for his senior season. He became one of the top players in the country, averaging 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range.
Hart was voted Big East player of the year and made several all-America teams as he helped lead the Wildcats to a 32-4 record and a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Hart finished his Villanova career being a part of 129 victories against only 17 defeats, the most wins by a class in program history, and was a key part of the 2016 national championship team.
"He just got better in every area and I think that's what he'll do in the NBA," Villanova coach Jay Wright said recently. "He's a complete player who will be a winner and can do whatever you need him to do."
Hart, who scored 1,921 points in his career, 10th on the school's all-time list, improved his shooting range last season, knocking down 74 3-point baskets. He distinguished himself in college in a number of areas, particularly at the defensive end and crashing the offensive boards.
When he worked out for teams last season, he was told to work on his ballhandling and improve his long-range shooting and he did both. His 3-point percentage rose from 35.7 percent as a junior to 40.4 percent as a senior.
Hart's experience, leadership and character _ he is an Eagle Scout _ also are a plus for the Lakers. He can defend multiple positions and was known throughout the Big East for his hustle.
When he came to Villanova from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, Hart wasn't exactly on the radar of many of the nation's premier teams but he gradually became a concern for opponents as his career progressed.
"I don't think anybody knew who I was coming out of high school," Hart said, "so I think I exceeded that expectation from that standpoint."
