The College Career of Josh Hart: A Villanova Wildcat

Joshua Aaron Hart, born on March 6, 1995, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Before his NBA career, Hart made a name for himself as a standout college basketball player for the Villanova Wildcats. His time at Villanova was marked by significant achievements, including a national championship, individual accolades, and consistent improvement.

Early Life and High School Career

Growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, Josh Hart developed a passion for basketball and quickly became known as a high-energy player. Despite his talent, he initially didn't attract interest from private schools and enrolled at Wheaton High School. He later transferred to Sidwell Friends School, where he began to showcase his potential. As a junior, he averaged 20.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. However, academic struggles nearly led to his expulsion, but he was given a second chance after students and parents petitioned the school on his behalf.

In his senior year, Hart excelled, averaging 24.3 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game, leading his team to a 22-9 record. He earned first-team All-Met honors from The Washington Post and was ranked as the 82nd-best prospect in the class of 2013 by Rivals.com. After considering offers from Rutgers and Penn State, Hart committed to Villanova in November 2012, stating, "It's about doing the things that the coaches want me to do."

Freshman Season (2013-2014)

Hart's freshman year at Villanova saw him earn a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He was named Big East Rookie of the Week three times. While his three-point shooting was not particularly strong (31 percent), assistant coach Baker Dunleavy noted his "amazing confidence." In only the second game of his collegiate career, he had a 90-59 win over Mount St. Mary's.

Sophomore Season (2014-2015)

As a sophomore, Hart's role expanded, and he was named the Big East's Sixth Man of the Year. According to head coach Jay Wright, Hart was the "perfect sixth man because he can come in and play any position except probably point guard." Hart and teammate Darrun Hilliard both scored 20 points in an 85-62 rout of Temple on December 14, 2014. Hart scored 21 points in a December 20 game against Syracuse.

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Hart was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2015 Big East Tournament, becoming the first bench player to receive the honor. At the conclusion of the regular season, Hart was unanimously selected for the first-team All-Big East.

Junior Season (2015-2016)

Hart's junior year was marked by significant team and individual success. He was named a third-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He then helped Villanova win its second national championship in school history, and first since 1985. On the season, he averaged 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. In November Hart scored a then-career high 30 points vs Wake Forest in a 96-77 win at the Charleston Classic. On December 10, Hart scored a career-high 37 points along with 11 rebounds and four assists in a 74-66 win over Notre Dame to push No.

Senior Season (2016-2017)

As a senior, Hart continued to excel, averaging a career-high 18.7 points per game. He was a consensus first-team All-American and was awarded the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. He was also named Big East Player of the Year and Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, earning his second consecutive All-Big East First Team selection. Hart was a finalist for the Naismith Award, Wooden Award, and USBWA Player of the Year Award. He was also named MVP of the 2017 Big East Tournament. He scored a college career-high 37 points against Notre Dame, Dec 10, 2016.

College Statistics Overview

Across his four years at Villanova, Hart averaged 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, with a .511 shooting percentage in 146 games (75 starts). He significantly improved his three-point shooting, culminating in a college career-high of 74-183 (.404) from beyond the arc during his senior year. Hart's consistent development and leadership were crucial to Villanova's success during his tenure.

Legacy at Villanova

Josh Hart left a lasting impact on the Villanova basketball program. He was a key member of the 2016 NCAA Championship team and earned numerous individual accolades. His jersey was retired by Villanova on January 19. His versatility, high energy, and consistent performance made him a fan favorite and a highly respected player.

NBA Career

Hart was selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz with the 30th overall pick. He was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers along with the 42nd overall pick, Thomas Bryant, in exchange for the Lakers' 28th overall pick, Tony Bradley. Hart played two seasons for the Lakers before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 in a package for Anthony Davis. Hart played three seasons with the Pelicans and was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2023.

Professional Career Stats & Highlights

As a professional, Hart has continued to develop his game. Mid-season acquisition during the 2022-23 season and was vital contributor to Knicks’ 2022-23 second half surge and subsequent Playoff run following Feb 2023 arrival from Portland. Re-signed by the Knicks to a contract extension on Aug 10, 2023, Hart just completed his seventh NBA season (first full season w/ NYK). This past season he totaled six triple-doubles, which ranked fifth in the NBA. He also he made a series clinching three-pointer against the 76ers to send the Knicks to the second round. Hart became the first Knick since Patrick Ewing (1999) to record 15+ rebounds in back-to-back playoff games against the Pacers (May 10). Career averages of 9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 2.7 apg with .459 career shooting over 29.2 mpg in 453 games (212 starts). Career 568-1,653 (.344) from Downtown and is a .748 career FT shooter. Originally drafted by Utah, Knicks are his fifth NBA team following Lakers (2017-18 thru 2018-19), New Orleans (2019-20 thru 2021-22) and Portland (2021-22 thru 2022-23). Owns one career 40+ scoring game (career-high 44 points for Blazers on March 12, 2022 vs. Washington) and eight career 10+ assist game (career-high 12 assists for Knicks on Feb 8, 2024 vs. Dallas). Less than two months prior to trade to Knicks, hauled in a career-high 19 rebounds (with 10 pts) in Blazers’ OT win over NYK at MSG, Nov 25, 2022. No career tripledoubles. Has averaged double-figure points twice with career-high 14.9 ppg for Pelicans-Blazers in 2021-22. On March 23, 2021 for Pelicans, had five assists, five steals and 15 rebounds off the bench in win over Lakers (27 mins), becoming the first player in NBA history to reach those totals as a reserve since steals were first recorded in 1973-74. Scored in double figures in 28 straight games, Dec 8, 2021--March 2, 2022 for Pelicans-Blazers (15.8 ppg in that span). In sixth pro season, made NBA Playoff debut in 2023 and was key factor in Knicks’ post-season run with 10.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg with .479 shooting over 32.1 mpg in 11 games (five starts). Played two games for South Bay Lakers of NBA GLeague in rookie pro season of 2017-18.

NBA Playoffs

Has made two postseason appearances - two trips with the New York Knicks (2022-24). He made a series clinching three-pointer against the 76ers to send the Knicks to the second round (May 2, 2024). He registered 24 points on 69.1-percent shooting, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block against Indiana (May 6, 2024). Hart also recorded a playoff career-high 18 rebounds, 10 points, four assists and two steals against the Pacers (May 10, 2024). Hart amassed 21 points, four made three pointers, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks against Philadelphia (Apr.

2023-24 (Knicks)

Recorded six triple-doubles this season. Tied for fourth most triple doubles in a season in Knicks history. Recorded 19 rebounds twice this season. Registered 10+ rebounds in 31 games, which led the NBA by players 6’4” or under. Finished the season in a three-way tie with Kawhi Leonard and Austin Reaves, for the most (81) loose balls recovered in the NBA this season. Amassed a season-high 31 points on 73.7 percent shooting, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals against the Kings (Apr. 4, 2024). Hart became the first Knick to record at least 30 points on 70 percent shooting, eight rebounds, and eight assists in a game since Walt Bellamy (1966). Jalen Brunson also recorded 30+ points in this game, which made them the second pair of college teammates to record 30+ points in the same game this season, joining DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic (USC). Recorded 23 points, a career-high 12 assists, 10 rebounds, and one steal vs. Dallas (Feb. 8). Hart amassed 20 points on 50 percent shooting, a career-high 19 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block in 39 mins against Philadelphia (Mar. 12). He also recorded a season-high 46+-against the 76ers, which is the highest +- recorded by any Knick this season. Tallied 13 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and two blocks against Cleveland (Mar.

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