Talk of the New York Knicks becoming the “Nova Knicks” is going viral after the club’s agreement with Donte DiVincenzo on a four-year deal on Saturday.
The latest signing by the Knicks reunites former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart with their national champion teammate. Hart, who was part of the Wildcats’ 2016 title team, agreed to a contract extension to remain with New York on Thursday. Brunson and DiVincenzo were freshman on the ’16 team and major contributors to Villanova’s championship squad in 2018 as well.
However, the trio don’t appear settled with just the trio reuniting.
After the news of Hart re-signing with New York broke Friday, another former Villanova teammate, Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges posted a clip of him making the “call me” gesture.
— Mikal Bridges (@mikal_bridges) June 30, 2023
Hart was a key part of New York’s late-season and playoff success, averaging 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 25 regular-season games with New York. On Saturday night, Hart appeared to be playfully attempting to recruit Bridges from Barclays Center to Madison Square Garden.
Yo @mikal_bridges hit my phone bro
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 2, 2023
Bridges, who agreed to four-year $90 million contract extension while with Phoenix back in 2021, excelled after being traded to Brooklyn in the Kevin Durant trade with the Suns.
But that didn’t seem to stop Brunson from joining the celebration with a hilarious tweet regarding DiVincenzo’s deal—as the Knicks point guard pretended not to know whom his team had just acquired.
Who? 🙄
— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) July 2, 2023
Former Villanova players and coaches also enthusiastically joined in on social media about the Wildcats reunion taking place in Manhattan.
Now we just need @CoachJayWright + Lowry, Bridges, JRE & Saddiq to join the Villanova @nyknicks 🗽 pic.twitter.com/Cjp3IT2py6
— Raynin' Threes (@Raynin_3s) July 2, 2023
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) July 2, 2023
Our guys are back together! @Divincenzo @joshhart @jalenbrunson1 Excited for the next step in your basketball journey! https://t.co/ph42LdnCiV
— Kyle Neptune (@kyleneptune) July 2, 2023