VILLANOVA, Pa. – Legendary Villanova guard Jim Huggard, who averaged 15.8 points per game for the Wildcats from 1958-61 and was later inducted into the Philadelphia Big Five Hall of Fame, has died. Villanova head coach Jay Wright announced the news on Twitter Friday.
 
"Our Villanova family mourns the passing of a legend, Jim Huggard," Wright said. "He was the original tough, Philly Villanova guard. Our love and prayers go out to the Huggard family."
 
Huggard quickly became a cornerstone player for head coach Alexander Severance after enrolling at Villanova. As a sophomore in 1958-59 he helped the 'Cats post an 18-7 record and reach the National Invitation Tournament. A year later, Nova posted a 20-6 mark that culminated with a second consecutive NIT appearance. In Huggard's three seasons, he scored 1,184 points in 75 career games while the Wildcats posted a 49-26 overall record.
 
Following graduation, Huggard played professionally in the Eastern League and later served as a college basketball referee and coach. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Big Five Hall of Fame in 1978.
 
Details on arrangements are pending.