National Basketball Association

2017 Watch List: Josh Hart

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Josh Hart, Senior, Villanova, Guard, 6’5, 204

(2015-16, 31.4 mpg) 15.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.7 tpg

51.3 FG%, 75.2 FT%, 35.7 3FG%, 60.2 TS%, 57.5 eFG%

24.3 USG%, 7.6 OREB%, 17.2 DREB%, 12.8 REB%, 2.2 STL%

DOB: 3/6/1995 (21) Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

2015-16 All-Big East First Team

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

Though most will say that Villanova’s run to an NCAA Championship was due to their excellent teamwork, which is true, Hart was probably their best all-around player. Listed as a shooting guard, Hart fills multiple roles for the Wildcats, and led the team in scoring while also finishing second on the team in rebounds and steals. At 6’5, he has good size for the shooting guard position, and with a near 6’10 wingspan, he has the length to guard multiple positions. As a sophomore, Hart hit 46 percent from long-range, but didn’t find the same success as a junior. He can be a very good long-range shooter off the catch, but he showed inconsistencies in his motion and release, including, at times, a bizarre kick-out of his legs while shooting, which affected his shot. Once he was able to find a rhythm, his shot would look fine, but he wasn’t always able to get there. Hart didn’t really quite show NBA three-point range, but with his strength, the adjustment shouldn’t be very difficult, especially if he can find some consistency again with his motion and release.

Hart is not as effective shooting off the dribble, but he is good at clearing space, especially using a good shot fake to get the defender in the air, and taking a few dribbles in either direction for the open mid-range shot, or creating space as a pick-and-roll ballhandler. His shot selection, like most Villanova players, is very good, and sometimes can border on too unselfish. Hart is an average-to-above-average ballhandler, with the ability to attack the basket left or right, though he seems to prefer going to his off left hand. Hart doesn’t have great speed to beat defenders off the dribble, so he relies on his instincts and smarts to create shots, whether it is a short floater in the lane, often after a spin move to lose to defender, or using the rim as protection to get from getting blocked. Because of his use of fakes, body control, and good footwork, Hart is a very efficient finisher around the rim, even showing the ability to finish strong if given space.

Hart can be a good offensive weapon in transition, especially when he is running one of the wings. He does have the ability to push the ball himself, though he isn’t great as a passer, and he can be single-minded on trying to get to the rim, but he does push the ball quickly and uses his strength to muscle by defenders one-on-one. Towards the end of the season, Villanova also started to use Hart’s strength more to an advantage by posting him up, even against bigger defenders, with success. The moves aren’t overly flashy, simple dribble moves or turnaround jumpers, but effective, and his ability to power through defenders is a plus, so this is something to watch for when the match-up is there.

Hart is an excellent offensive rebounder, especially for his size. He shows a great knack for tracking the ball, and he is a threat to crash the boards no matter where he is on the floor when the shot goes up. While he doesn’t create many second-chance shots for himself, he gains extra possessions for his team. Hart has also developed into a reliable free throw shooter, hitting 75 percent last year, a career high, on 137 attempts, also a career high.

Defensively, Hart can be very good, combining effort, instincts, and strength, to his advantage. His lateral movement can be very good, though inconsistent, at times. Hart has quick hands, and when he pressures the ball, he can be very disruptive, though he has a tendency to take a lot of chances, on and off the ball. Along with that, he plays passing lanes well, and he is very good at disrupting dribble hand-offs. As on the offensive end, Hart is a very good rebounder on the defensive end, using his body well to clear space and going strong after the ball.

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What he needs to show this season

With much of the core of last season’s championship team back, Hart will likely play a similar role as a do-everything wing. The big thing for Hart will be getting his long-range shooting closer to his sophomore numbers, with close to his junior level attempts. As mentioned, it’s about consistency; Hart has shown he can be a strong shooter when he gets into a rhythm, but he needs to make his form and release consistent. Along with that, showing more consistency off the dribble, especially with his ability to clear space, will be important. As a shooting guard, Hart can work on his ability to move off the ball, using screens to get open, and finding ways to get ready to shoot off the catch when moving.

A good ballhandler, Hart could develop it a bit more, especially adding a quicker first step, and changing directions more smoothly. Hart is also a decent passer, especially in pick-and-roll situations, but he can do a better job making reads quicker. Without great speed, Hart makes do, and his ability to stay aggressive off the dribble is important to the Villanova offense.

On the defensive end, Hart has the ability and effort, even if he doesn’t have the pure athleticism/speed. He does need to mind his positioning, on and off the ball, especially when defending a quicker player, and while his chances on the ball sometimes pay off, he should worry more about containing his man on the ball, and not losing track of his man off the ball. Hart needs to work on changing directions and pivoting more fluidly when defending the ballhandler and off the ball. Finally, he needs to do a better job getting through screens, especially when defending a good perimeter shooter.

Where he fits at the next level

Hart had a good showing at the NBA combine after last season, though not to the level where he could have guaranteed himself a great draft spot. Coming back for his senior season was definitely the right decision, even if the chance for another NCAA Championship wasn’t in play. Though it doesn’t always translate on the floor, Hart put up some decent numbers in the athletic testing, and while his offense didn’t look great in the scrimmages, he showed how he can contribute on defense and the boards. The thing with Hart is nothing about his game is ever going to jump out at you, but when he puts everything together on the floor, it works, and it makes his team better. It will be important for his NBA prospects to show that he can be a reliable long-range shooter, but his ability to defend and rebound for his position, along with his leadership, will enamor coaches. This is a case where you have to put aside any love you have for pure numbers; you probably won’t be impressed by Hart. Watch his versatility on both ends of the floor, and how he makes his team better. That’s why Hart should be on his way to the NBA in a year. His senior year is about polishing up his game.

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