Jalen Brunson Steps Up to Support Emotional 62YO Coach After Wholesome Villanova Reunion

Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson have come a long way since they played together at Villanova University. All three of them helped Villanova win two national titles in college (in 2016 and 2018). 

All three now play together on Team USA and for the New York Knicks. The three players spent two years at Villanova together. In 2017–18, Brunson and Bridges played together for a third year. Before the 2023–24 season, the Knicks identified the Nova Knicks because four of its players were on the 2016 Villanova Wildcats national title team. Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges had a wholesome reunion moment at Villanova. 

Recently over Twitter, 62YO Ex-coach, Jay Wright of Villanova posted a blurry picture of Bridges hugging Jalen Brunson at the Villanova reunion. Josh Hart was also standing near them. 

Wright wrote “Love this pic ! ⁦@jalenbrunson1 @joshhart @NovaMBBJalen.” Brunson moved up in support of Wright and reposted his tweet with a caption, “Coach let me send you a better picture next time.” As you can see it here:

Further, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo were all on Villanova’s NCAA Championship team and made the New York Knicks defeat the Brooklyn Nets. 

Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks defeat the Brooklyn Nets 105-93

Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo helped the Knicks beat the Nets 105–93 on Saturday. 

The New York Knicks have put together a team with some of Villanova’s best former players, but not everyone is on board. 

These aforementioned three players scored 54 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, and passed the ball 18 times during the game. They helped the Knicks win their third consecutive match against their crosstown rival this season. 

“I’m just trying to make the right play. Be aggressive,” DiVincenzo stated. “They were giving me space at the rim and I was taking advantage of it.”

With 3:41 left, the Knicks had a 102–84 lead after going on an 8–0 score. Hartenstein sunk the ball and made a three-point shot to end the run.

This season, New York has reached 3-0 against Brooklyn. The last show of the season is on April 12 at Madison Square Garden.

“They went for every offensive rebound, they got every loose ball,” interim Nets coach Kevin Ollie claimed. “They really wanted it more.” You could see it. That is where we are at because at those times you gotta go get it. You gotta go headfirst. We have to do those things to win. I know I sound like a broken record, but that is what we have to do.”

Bridges made a buzzer-beating 3 from about 70 feet away to give Brooklyn a 57-56 edge at halftime. At the break, Bridges had eleven points.

Along with his 13 rebounds and five assists, Josh Hart also had a good game for New York.

Read More: Draymond Green Finds Common Ground With Jalen Brunson After Humbling Warriors’ Loss: “I Know What That Feels Like”