When the New York Knicks acquired Brooklyn Nets star guard Mikal Bridges this summer, Villanova University faithful rejoiced!
The Knicks already had three former Villanova Wildcats on the roster: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo — all of whom were huge contributors to New York’s success last season.
Now, not only do the Knicks employ their crosstown rival’s former best player, but they also have another high-character teammate who had a solid, mission-driven foundation ingrained in him during his college years.
It’s practically unheard of for four players from the same college to be teammates on the same NBA team. The “Nova Knicks” are certainly the talk of the town, but they’re also the talk of Villanova’s campus — smack dab in the middle of Philadelphia 76ers country.
Brunson is coming off a monster season and playoff run for the Knicks. Had he not gotten hurt against the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks’ 2023-2024 campaign might have had a different ending.
Hart and DiVincenzo are known for being gritty players who will do anything for the team, and adding Bridges to the fold gives the Knicks another efficient scoring option.
Although all four were on the roster simultaneously at Villanova, there was never a time in college when they were active at the same time. The 2018 team — which won the NCAA Tournament national championship — featured Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Bridges, but Hart had already graduated.
Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A., is the prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He’s also been the Wildcats’ football and men’s basketball team chaplain for more than 20 years, meaning he was present as each of the players came through the school’s hallowed halls.
He said they embodied Villanova’s true spirit, which started with their parents and families and was further driven home by the way these young men handled themselves on and off the court.
University staff simply cultivated the seeds that had already been firmly planted.
Father Hagan, who travels to all the men’s team’s home and away games, said the school focuses on “mind, body, and spirit” and added that while there is a spiritual component, it is not forced.
“We’re not trying to make everybody Catholic,” he said, “but there’s a willingness to understand, and there’s a spirit that connects us. … “We all strive to make sure that truth, unity, and love are incorporated in everything that we do.”
Taking time out for prayer is part of the Wildcats’ pregame routine. Four hours before tipoff, the team enjoys a group meal, and Father Hagan begins by reading a passage from Scripture that the team reflects upon. Only at that point does the team get into its pregame stretching, taping, and film sessions.
After each game, and before the coach says anything, the team locks arms and says a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to compete, learn from what just happened, and grow closer to God and to one another moving forward.
“A lot of these guys have a lot of things going on in their lives,” Father Hagan said. “We want to remind them that God cares about all of that, not just if we win or lose.”
As the Knicks made their run last season, Father Hagan — an admitted 76ers fan — said there was a major buzz on campus.
“We have people here from all over the country and all over the globe, and we just got on board with the Knicks,” Father Hagan said. “It’s because they are an extension of our family.
“What I enjoyed was watching New York fans discover what we already knew. … It’s the way they live and the way they play that makes them easy to root for.”
The addition of Bridges adds another dimension to Big Apple basketball. Having another grinder in the mix is a dream come true for head coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad.
“It’s like seeing brothers come back together,” Father Hagan said. “Everyone is so proud and also understands the wisdom behind this. There’s a reason why those guys succeeded here. To know these four men in particular, they really are gentlemen.”
Surely we can expect some “Nova Knicks” watch parties on campus this season. Even for a Sixers fan, it’s an exciting time in Wildcat territory.
“It’s been a very unifying experience for us,” Father Hagan said. “You put aside your allegiance to the team that you would otherwise root for because you just want to see these guys do well.”
But like a true fan, Father Hagan wants to see his beloved 76ers succeed.
When the Knicks take on the Sixers, he said he hopes the Wildcats make all their shots but that the Sixers squeak out a close victory. We’ll see what those “Nova Knicks” have in store.