By ADAM ZAGORIA
Villanova is re-loading after missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
After adding Washington State transfer T.J. Bamba, Kyle Neptune’s club landed a commitment from Maryland transfer and Philadelphia native Hakim Hart.
The 6-foot-8 guard, known for his defense and catch-and-shoot ability from deep, chose Villanova over Kansas, Gonzaga, and Miami.
“I choose Villanova because I feel like it was great fit for me and it’s close to home which is a plus,” he told ZAGSBLOG.
“It also give me an opportunity to win championships for my hometown. I also know a couple of players on the team already and staff, which makes the transition much easier. The skillset that I can bring will be versatility.”
As a senior at Maryland, Hart started all 35 games and averaged 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Villanova remains in the mix for 7-foot Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson, who will visit on April 27. Dickinson is also considering Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland and Georgetown.
The Wildcats are also among the final five for Class of 2023 four-star wing Brady Dunlap, who is visiting St. John’s starting Sunday night. He’s also considering Nebraska, North Carolina and Penn State.
Next season Villanova could feature a starting lineup of Mark Armstrong, Justin Moore, Bamba, Hart, and Eric Dixon at center.
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