This edition of the Nova Notebook introduces us to graduate transfer – and Philadelphia native – Hakim Hart.
 
In his mind's eye, Hakim Hart has a keen understanding of what traits make for a classic Philly guard.
 
"In my mind," said Hart during a recent summer conversation in the Gibbs Family Press Room inside Finneran Pavilion, "a Philly guard is a tough player who picks up 94 feet, can defend 1-5, and overall has a good feel for the game. He can be a playmaker, make shots at the other end.
 
"He can pretty much do everything."
 
It would be fair to say that Hart's own game – honed during a stellar career at Roman Catholic High School and polished in four productive seasons at Maryland – is a composite of those traits. His toolbox of skills should fit well in a Villanova foundation that sits firmly upon sound defense and teamwork.
 
At 6-8, he checks a lot of boxes for Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune and his staff.
 
For Hart, the chance to close out his career near home after four years spent down I-95 in College Park, Md., played a major role in his decision to enroll for a graduate year at Villanova.
 
"Coming back gives me a vibe like I had in my high school years, playing at Roman Catholic," Hart stated. "It was a great atmosphere with great crowds and great competition.
 
"Being back means a lot to me."
 
Sports have been a central part of Hart's life from a young age. At one point he was a football player and the specter of a 6-8 wideout could be a daunting spectacle for a defensive back. But by the time he got to high school, he had settled on hoops as the sport he would focus his energy on.
 
"I realized," he said, "this was the sport for me."
 
When the chance came to enroll at Roman Catholic High School, Hart leaped at it. As a member of the Philly Pride AAU squad, Hart had several former teammates playing at Roman and he was well acquainted with the rich basketball history of the Center City school.
 
The on-court results were striking. In just two seasons, he scored more than 1,000 points and helped lead Roman to consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League titles in 2018 and 2019. As a senior he averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game on his way to being named the winner of the Markward Award as the Catholic League's Player of the Year.
 
Hart has fond memories of those days, especially the Catholic League championship duels at the fabled Palestra.
 
"The atmosphere," he stated, "was electric. Everyone was into it."
 
Hart's original plan was to play at Saint Joseph's University. However, when the University made a coaching change, Hart re-opened his recruitment, ultimately picking the Terrapins. Another Big Ten program, Penn State, was also in the mix.
 
Looking back, Hart believes he benefitted from joining a program with accomplished upperclassmen, not unlike the one he came on board with here at Villanova.
 
"When I first got there, they were a good team already," he noted. "I learned a lot from wings like Aaron Wiggins and Darryl Morsell. I just kept working my way at practice."
 
With each season, Hart's minutes and role expanded. As a sophomore he started 19 times in 31 games. By his junior season, he started all but one game for the Terrapins, averaging 9.9 points per game. Last season, he was voted Honorable Mention All-Big Ten after helping lead Maryland to an NCAA Tournament appearance under former Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard.
 
"I think that experience in the Big Ten will help me progress because the Big East is a good conference too," Hart said.
 
After making his announcement in April, Hart completed his degree in College Park. Since the early part of June, he's been at VU, adapting to his new surroundings and picking up the nuances of Villanova Basketball.
 
"It's going pretty well," stated Hart. "All the guys are nice, funny. I can relate to them, so it makes the transition easier."
 
Chris Arcidiacono and Eric Dixon are former AAU teammates. Their advice to Hart was simple.
 
"They told me the best thing you can do here is to be a hard worker and a team player," he said. "I feel like I was already doing that before coming here, so the adjustment is going well."
 
Like Hart, assistant coach Ashley Howard is a Philadelphia native and the pair have known each other for some time. That's another connector point.
 
While exploring transfer options last spring, Hart also entered his name into the National Basketball Association Draft pool before ultimately withdrawing. The feedback he received form NBA coaches and executives offered him a fresh perspective on what areas he can bolster to his versatile skill package with an eye towards the spring of 2024.
 
But for now, the focus is on what's directly ahead in 2023-24.
 
"I feel like growing up I always wanted to be a Villanova player," Hart stated. "Now, I've got the opportunity. I'd like to take my time and hopefully do great things with it."
 
As a younger athlete, Hart took note of what one Wildcat – a fellow Delaware Valley native – excelled in.
 
"Mikal Bridges has a similar body type as me," he stated. "I liked to watch him play."
 
Former head coach Jay Wright has noted how Bridges' speedy development in his first season of game action with the Wildcats in 2015-16 helped transform that team, especially at the defensive end. His successor is hopeful that Hart's skills and versatility can likewise positively impact the 2023-24 'Cats.
 
One of Philly's finest is back and ready to lend a hand at Villanova.