The Wildcats lose leading scorer Darrun Hilliard II and mainstay JayVaughn Pinkston to graduation. And Dylan Ennis announced he’ll transfer. But Villanova should once again have a strong backcourt that will make it the Big East front-runner. Josh Hart (10.1 ppg) and Ryan Arcidiacono (10.1 ppg) will welcome top-30 point guard Jalen Brunson (photo above). Back-to-back unexpected early NCAA tourney exits should serve as incentive for this group.
Recruiting grade: A. Brunson, who won the skills competition at the McDonald’s All American Game, might already have had an impact on the program with Ennis’ decision to transfer rather than play his final season with the Wildcats.
