For Jalen Brunson, Villanova offers a chance to get away—and return home

Jalen Brunson could just be the next big thing at Villanova.

Jay Wright and the Wildcats are no strangers to superb guard play. Ryan Arcidiacono and Darrun Hilliard were magnificent last season, and Dylan Ennis transferred in part because of Brunson's arrival.

But Brunson isn't here by accident. He had a hard upbringing, and he earned his dues. He told Sports Illustrated, " wish I didn’t have to go through that stuff, but at the same time, it’s made me who I am today—a tough-nosed, hard-playing kid who doesn’t let anything get to him,” Brunson says. “All that stuff has really shaped who I am now. I’m thankful for it. It gives me a taste.”

(h/t Sports Illustrated)