Josh Hart, Guard, Villanova (40th ranked NBA prospect)/Mikal Bridges, Forward, Villanova (57th ranked NBA prospect)
The Villanova duo is back and ready to make a run at a second straight national title. Hart, a senior combo guard, has dominated this season and is one of the frontrunners for the Wooden Award, or National Player of the Year. He is averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during his final season as a Wildcat.
His counterpart, sophomore forward Mikal Bridges, has averaged 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season.
Hart and Bridges are shooting 41 percent and 39 percent from three-point range, respectively, this season, and they have been two of the leaders of the Big East-winning Villanova team that heads into the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. After Tuesday’s win against New Orleans, Mount St. Mary’s has earned the right to face-off against the Wildcats Thursday.
Once again, a No. 1 seed has never lost to a 16-seed, and there is no reason to believe Villanova will become the first.
Hart will graduate after this season, but Bridges is expected to remain in school for his junior season.