Cats on the move: Wildcats in the NBA have hectic week
By Patrick Zeng
@Roundtripper891
With the draft having happened and NBA free agency being in full swing, a few Villanova Wildcats have been in the news of late. Having already discussed Josh Hart's arrival to Hollywood(Here), it's time to take a look at what's happened to fellow Nova alums so far this summer.
The man that hit possibly the most iconic shot in college basketball history is heading home. Kris Jenkins, a product of Gonzaga high school in the nation's capital, signed with the Washington Wizards last week as an undrafted free agent. Jenkins is coming off a season where he didn't quite hit expectations for the Cats after his unbelievable play in the 2016 postseason tournaments. Jenkins averaged 13.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg as well as 36% from three during his senior season. He'll have an outside chance at making the roster along with fellow 2016 national champion Daniel Ochefu with a strong showing in the summer league. Jenkins will need to prove that he has the quickness to make it at the next level and needs to find more consistency in his stroke.
Kyle Lowry also grabbed headlines this week by signing an eye watering contract to return to Toronto(he also wrote an awesome article to announce his decision). Coming off his third all star selection, Lowry inked a 3 year $100 million deal, further displaying the lucrative nature of NBA free agency. The star point guard(and Villanova favorite) has truly made a name for himself over the past few seasons, helping lead the Raptors to relevancy with three consecutive division titles from 2014-2016 as well as the three seed in the eastern conference, during this past seasons playoffs. He has formed a formidable duo with USC product DeMar DeRozan over the past couple of seasons and that connection should only continue to grow with Lowry having committed his future to "The Six".
Darryl Reynolds also found a home as an undrafted free agent and his destination is only a quickuber ride from campus. Over the weekend, Reynolds was picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers, much to the delight of many local Villanovans. Reynolds played an integral role on Jay Wright's squad the past two seasons, filling in for Daniel Ochefu when he was injured in 2015-2016 and then as a starter and rim protector for the 2016-2017 bunch. Reynolds pitched in 4.5 ppg along with 5.4 rpg and .9 blocks per game this past season as the team's lone post presence.
This past week has made it so the three most successful seniors in Villanova basketball history are all on NBA rosters. While Hart's spot seems pretty secure, it'll be an uphill battle for Jenkins and especially Reynolds to make their respective team's rosters. And Lowry's new deal should be a nice recruiting reference for Jay Wright to mention to potential recruits with wandering eyes to the NBA about Villanova's player development. Whatever the fate of these beloved Wildcats, Villanova basketball is thriving.
@Roundtripper891
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| 📸: Bleacher Report |
With the draft having happened and NBA free agency being in full swing, a few Villanova Wildcats have been in the news of late. Having already discussed Josh Hart's arrival to Hollywood(Here), it's time to take a look at what's happened to fellow Nova alums so far this summer.
The man that hit possibly the most iconic shot in college basketball history is heading home. Kris Jenkins, a product of Gonzaga high school in the nation's capital, signed with the Washington Wizards last week as an undrafted free agent. Jenkins is coming off a season where he didn't quite hit expectations for the Cats after his unbelievable play in the 2016 postseason tournaments. Jenkins averaged 13.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg as well as 36% from three during his senior season. He'll have an outside chance at making the roster along with fellow 2016 national champion Daniel Ochefu with a strong showing in the summer league. Jenkins will need to prove that he has the quickness to make it at the next level and needs to find more consistency in his stroke.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55408351/usa_today_9934362.1498218516.jpg) |
| 📸: USA Today |
Kyle Lowry also grabbed headlines this week by signing an eye watering contract to return to Toronto(he also wrote an awesome article to announce his decision). Coming off his third all star selection, Lowry inked a 3 year $100 million deal, further displaying the lucrative nature of NBA free agency. The star point guard(and Villanova favorite) has truly made a name for himself over the past few seasons, helping lead the Raptors to relevancy with three consecutive division titles from 2014-2016 as well as the three seed in the eastern conference, during this past seasons playoffs. He has formed a formidable duo with USC product DeMar DeRozan over the past couple of seasons and that connection should only continue to grow with Lowry having committed his future to "The Six".
 |
| 📸: USA Today |
Darryl Reynolds also found a home as an undrafted free agent and his destination is only a quickuber ride from campus. Over the weekend, Reynolds was picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers, much to the delight of many local Villanovans. Reynolds played an integral role on Jay Wright's squad the past two seasons, filling in for Daniel Ochefu when he was injured in 2015-2016 and then as a starter and rim protector for the 2016-2017 bunch. Reynolds pitched in 4.5 ppg along with 5.4 rpg and .9 blocks per game this past season as the team's lone post presence.
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| 📸: Zimbio |
This past week has made it so the three most successful seniors in Villanova basketball history are all on NBA rosters. While Hart's spot seems pretty secure, it'll be an uphill battle for Jenkins and especially Reynolds to make their respective team's rosters. And Lowry's new deal should be a nice recruiting reference for Jay Wright to mention to potential recruits with wandering eyes to the NBA about Villanova's player development. Whatever the fate of these beloved Wildcats, Villanova basketball is thriving.
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