From the Main Line to the 2026 NBA Finals

The 2026 NBA Finals bring a trio of familar faces to Nova Nation who once suited up in the Blue and White but are now clad in Blue and Orange. Continue on throughout the page to learn more on the connection between Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges that took them from 800 East Lancaster Avenue to this current championship run with the New York Knicks.

From Nova to NYC

Click each photo below to read up on the three former Wildcats' bios from their time at Villanova

Josh Hart
Jalen Brunson
Mikal Bridges
NovaKnicks Merch Available Now
Nova Accomplishments

Hart, Brunson and Bridges each posted illustrious careers in the Wildcat uniforms, earning a plethora of awards at the local, conference and national levels. All three have had their jerseys retired in the last five years to join a slew of Wildcat greats who came before them.

Together they accounted for a combined

2 National Championships
18 All-American Honors
5 All-BIG EAST Selections
2 BIG EAST Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Laurels

NOVA NOTEBOOKS

Check out the four links below for reflections on our NovaKnicks through the eyes of their former teammates and other Villanova connections

Ex-Mates See Familiar Traits in Nova Knicks
Arch's Former Pupil is Thriving Now
A Journey with Josh
Bridges' Breakout Began With Quiet Work