Villanova Univeristy Athletics

From the Main Line to 2026 NBA Finals Champions

The 2026 NBA Finals had 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. In both uniforms, they found championship success with 10 years separating two titles with all three players on the same roster: an NCAA Championship in 2016 and an NBA Championship in 2026.

Continue on throughout the page to learn more about the connection between Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges that took them from 800 East Lancaster Avenue to helping the New York Knicks win their first NBA title in 53 years.

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

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

NOVA NOTEBOOKS

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