While Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and a handful of other high major programs keep reeling in five-star recruits and churning out one-and-done lottery picks, head coach Jay Wright and Villanova have taken a more steady approach, grooming three- and four-year college players into prospects with the potential to become longtime NBA contributors.
The Wildcats have made the NCAA tournament in 12 of the past 13 seasons with players such as Josh Hart, Dante Cunningham and Darrun Hilliard carving out NBA roles, and Kyle Lowry taking the long route from 24th overall pick to eventual All-Star point guard on the top team in the Eastern Conference.