Villanova’s Josh Hart named to AP preseason All-American team

Ending a season with accolades may be a tremendous feat, but Villanova’s Josh Hart gets the special joy of starting the season with one too. The Associated Press released their preseason All-American team today, and the Wildcat’s 6’5 senior guard was named part of the 5-man elite player class.

Nabbing 53 votes from a panel of 65 national media members, Hart undoubtedly wooed the committee with his tenacious drive. Averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in the 2015-16 season, Hart’s hustle for coach Jay Wright’s team proved to be a continual source of energy and skill for Villanova. Hart’s proclivity for making the clutch shot was equally on display during the NCAA Tournament, most notably slamming 23 points over Villanova’s semifinal victory against Kansas.

As noted by the AP’s report, Hart’s inclusion to their preseason squad breaks a lasting drought for Villanova—the last Wildcat to make the cut for the team was Kerry Kittles during the 1995-96 season preview.

Joining Hart on AP’s preseason All-American team are the following:

• Grayson Allen, Duke, 61 votes.
• Ivan Rabb, California, 57 votes.
• Dillon Brooks, Oregon, 30 votes.
• Monte Morris, Iowa State, 24 votes.

While Hart may have been the first Wildcat to make the AP’s preseason team in over a decade, Villanova has been represented in the AP’s All-American team upon the conclusion of past seasons. Former Wildcats such as Scottie Reynolds (2009-10), Randy Foye (2005-06), and Kerry Kittles (1995-96) have made the cut for rankings. With all this garnered national attention during preseason, Hart seems poised to sustain his hype.

Special thanks to BECB writer Mike Hopkins for providing past AP rankings.