Hart Transplant: Josh Hart off to LA!

By Patrick Zeng
@Roundtripper891

For the first time since 2006 Villanova basketball has produced a first round NBA draft pick. That year, Nova's Randy Foye and Kyle Lowery both were taken at picks seven and twenty four, but in 2017 it's all about Hart. With the 30th pick, Josh Hart's wait was over and the Main Line mainstay is off to the Los Angeles Lakers. Hart joins Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Thomas Bryant as Magic Johnson's first crop of draft picks as the new president of basketball operations in LA.

Hart is coming off a stellar senior season in which he averaged 18.7 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists while also taking home hardware as the Big East player of the year as well as the Big East co-defensive player of the year. Hart brings a winning pedigree to the Lakers as a member of the most successful class in Villanova history with two big east tournament victories as well as a national championship. Magic Johnson identified Hart's winning attitude and culture as a key aspect to why he picked Hart in a post draft interview.

Along with the intangibles that Hart is made up of, he also brings a key skill set to city of angels. Hart is an above average rebounder for his size and should be able to score as a slasher. Hart has the ability to hit outside jump shots and sees the floor extremely well. Hart is not the type of player that will be able to create a lot of space for jumpers, but his athleticism and explosiveness off the dribble should allow him to thrive when cutting to the basket.

Hart should fit in nicely to a team trying to transition itself from where it has been for the past few years. And if enough talent is assembled in LA, then Hart should prove to be a valuable asset for many years to come with his high basketball IQ as well as ability to rebound the basketball and get to the hoop.

Josh Hart represents everything that Villanova basketball is; Smart, efficient, talented and tough. And with his ability, all of those traits should be able to flourish for Nova's newest NBA draftee in Los Angeles. \

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