The New York Knicks just added another Villanova Wildcat to their team, making it four now.
Kyle Lowry is rumored to be a free agency target for the Knicks, according to NBA insiders.
When the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, they reunited him with his college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. These four players were part of the 2016 national champion Villanova Wildcats team. The Knicks had also previously employed Ryan Arcidiacono before trading him to Detroit in February.
Villanova Connection:
Having four former Wildcats on one NBA roster is rare. The 2015-16 Phoenix Suns had four Kentucky Wildcats: Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin, and Brandon Knight. Similarly, the 1997-98 Boston Celtics briefly had four Kentucky players under coach Rick Pitino. The 2014-15 Philadelphia 76ers also had four UCLA Bruins but never more than two at once .
What’s unique about these Knicks is that their four players not only come from the same college but also won a national title together. Three of them even grabbed another title in 2018 without Hart. Unlike those other teams struggling to hit .500, these Knicks are contenders.
Fans might think it’s cool how many Villanova guys are on this team.
They could add even more Wildcats by bringing back Arcidiacono or signing Kyle Lowry. However, it’s unlikely they’ll go after ex-NBA players like Eric Paschall or Omari Spellman who are playing overseas now.
Historically speaking, no NBA team has matched what the Indianapolis Olympians did in 1949-50 with six former Kentucky players (plus Mac McMullen). In the mid-’60s, the Cincinnati Royals built a strong squad using local college talent due to “territorial picks,” which allowed them first dibs on nearby stars before drafting rules changed in 1966.
This current Knicks setup is special because all these former Wildcats get along well and complement each other on court. If they were just adding Villanova alumni for fun without considering fit, it could have been disastrous. But that’s not what’s happening here.
The real test will come during March Madness if Villanova makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. A third of the Knicks’ roster might get distracted for three weekends! And if things don’t pan out with this group? Well, owner James Dolan can always start collecting UConn players instead .
What do you think about all these Villanova guys on one team?
