5 Upperclassmen to Watch in the 2017 NBA Draft Class

SG Josh Hart, Villanova

As somebody who played a key role in Villanova’s title run this past March, Josh Hart made a name for himself as one of the most well-known collegiate faces heading into the next year’s draft class. As a rising senior, he’ll be entering the league regardless of performance next season, and is a late first, early second-round option Sixer fans should keep a close eye on.

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Swarm and Sting

For what Hart lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with general skill around the basketball court. He’s an excellent passer for his size (6-6), and proved his worth as somebody who could man multiple positions for the Wildcats last season depending on systematic need. He’s an incredibly intelligent basketball player, and somebody who could fit extremely well into the Sixers’ system as a shooter and secondary playmaker on the wing.

Offensively, Hart doesn’t explode off the dribble, but showcases excellent instincts with the basketball. He sees the court well, and works his way into the defense at an effective rate. As an off-ball scoring option, Hart’s perimeter shooting was a massive cog in Nova’s offensive regime last season, and he ability to catch the ball in stride and create something, whether offense for himself or a teammate, off the dribble was always impressive. Much akin to Denzel Valentine, Hart is the type of savvy, well-calculated wing who understands how to position himself for success. He utilizes everything in his limited tool kit at a level that far exceeds his physical capabilities, and found a way to show out as one of college basketball’s most impressive stars as a result.

Defensively, he doesn’t have the quickness to guard multiple positions with the same effectiveness that he can play multiple spots on the offensive end, but he’s more than serviceable based on effort and awareness alone. His anticipation is well above average, which allows him to get into passing lanes or contest shots off the drive much more consistently that most players with his athletic package. He’s smart on both sides of the basketball, and meshes perfectly into the Sixers’ versatility-driven rotation because of it.

Brett Brown likes hard working players who known how to get things done regardless of the scenario that’s presented, and that’s exactly what Hart provides. He’ll fill a plethora of roles depending on the whims of the coach, and is capable of developing into an extremely efficient contributor at the next level for someone who is currently projected in the mid-second round in DraftExpress’ 2017 Mock Draft.

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