Josh Hart: OKC Thunder NBA Draft Prospect Series

Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Hart from Villanova comes in next on Thunderous Intention’s draft prospect series

The senior guard from Villanova is a two-way guard that honed his skills throughout his four years in college. Hart showed progression in almost every area of his game each year in college. The former national champion comes in as a player who can contribute right away.

Josh Hart won the national championship with his Villanova Wildcats during his junior season. Hart entered the draft after that championship but later withdrew from the draft to increase his draft stock and help his team defend their title. That extra year at Villanova did help his stock as he is now considered an early second-rounder and even a late first-rounder in some mock drafts.

Specifics

Height: 6′ 5″
Weight: 209 lbs
Wingspan: 6′ 8″
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22/Senior
College: Villanova
Last season stat line: 18.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.6 spg, 51% fg, 40% 3pt

Current Rankings

(Note – rankings are taken on day of article posting and therefore may be listed at a similar rank as previously posted prospect reviews)

Draft Express: 51st

Draft Net: 43rd

CBS Sports: 40th

The Ringer: 31st

Skills

Josh Hart is good at many things, but not great at one. During his freshman and sophomore years at Villanova, Hart was known as a good rebounder for his position and a stout defender. As his college career progressed, he gained more of a well rounded offensive game.

Hart is terrific in transition and when he gained more IQ, his decision making in those situations greatly improved. Josh shot above 50% from the field in each of his seasons at Villanova, even with the increased shots in his last two years. He also developed into a reliable three-point shooter during his time in college.

There isn’t much Hart can’t do. Now whether those percentages transfer to the NBA level has yet to be seen, but he shows up in big moments. Being on one of the top teams in the country, the competition he faced was legit. Josh plays with great poise and confidence in his abilities.

Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) defends Creighton Bluejays guard Marcus Foster (0) during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

Play-making is Hart’s biggest flaw. During his senior year at Villanova he was given more responsibility calling plays and initiating offense. However, becoming good at that takes time and a dedicated coach willing to give it to him. Other than his handle, his lack of elite athleticism and size could be counted against him. In college he was able to hold his own against most competition, but his foot speed and lack of length could be troublesome for a shooting guard in the NBA.

Honors and Awards

NCAA Champion (2016)
1st team All-American (2017)
Big East Player of the Year (2017)