Villanova Basketball: Josh Hart's stock is sky high heading into 2016-17

While Josh Hart didn’t hit the shot to win the NCAA Championship, he is still Villanova basketball’s most important player.

The Villanova Wildcats are living the high life. Coming off the most “storybook” ending to a season ever, Kris Jenkins and company earned the right to enjoy the moment.

Cheesesteaks on Jay Wright? Sure, why not.

In college basketball, there are 351 other Division I basketball programs working day in and day out to reach their full potential. Sit on the throne, and you will watch others who want it more pass by you.

Funny thing is, Jenkins isn’t even the most important player on his team. While Jenkins will never buy another drink in Philadelphia for the rest of his life, it’s Josh Hart who the Wildcats need to be at his best in 2016-17.

Hart, who will be a senior in 2016-17, was the ringleader for last year’s squad. Averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, the 6’5″ guard was one of the most reliable weapons in the entire country.

Hart considered bolting for the NBA, but ultimately decided upon a return to Philly.

“I enjoyed the (NBA Draft) process and learned a lot,” Hart said to ESPN.com in May. “It was definitely worthwhile. I look forward to graduating next year and coming back to play with my teammates.”

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With the departures of center Daniel Ochefu and point guard Ryan Arcidiacono (who seemed to spend a solid 12 years at Villanova), the Wildcats will need new leaders on and off the court. There’s no better option than Hart, and he knows it.

It’s very rare for NCAA champions to repeat. The Florida Gators pullied it off in 2006-07, but those teams were star-studded. Corey Brewer, Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Marreese Speights took the floor in Gainesville versus the rest of the SEC and now have roles in the NBA.

It’s too early to say if any current Villanova Wildcats will accomplish what those four have in their NBA careers, however, it’s a tough combined resume to beat.

Furthermore, Villanova does have those two starting positions to replace. Championship game star Phil Booth (20 points) will likely slide into the starting five. Ochefu’s minutes are up for grabs, as Darryl Reynolds (4.5 rebounds per game), Fordham transfer Eric Paschall, and five-star freshman Omari Spellman battle it out for the right to start next to Jenkins.

With leadership and continued production from Hart, increased maturity from stud guard Jalen Brunson, and some strong performances from Jenkins, ‘Nova has the foundation. If the starting five is rounded out efficiently, we could be looking at another title contender.

After all, why would Hart return if he didn’t think there was a shot?

Next: Sensational sophomores of 2016

Hart and Jenkins know they are a part of a roster that is capable of repeating as National Champions, so I wouldn’t count them out.

Villanova Basketball: Josh Hart’s stock is sky high heading into 2016-17

By Brian Rosen | Aug 31, 2016

While Josh Hart didn’t hit the shot to win the NCAA Championship, he is still Villanova basketball’s most important player.

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