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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential second round steals

By Max Holm

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NCAA Tournament: 5 Players To Watch For In East Region
Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

If you or your favorite NBA team liked the sound of Thornwell, then you’ll also like Josh Hart from Villanova. Though he doesn’t offer as much defensive ability as Thornwell, he projects to be a better player in about every other area.

Hart’s also just 22. He still has the tools and a strong base, though, to be a decent defender at the next level. Just watch Hart be able to switch, close out and recover in one sequence below.

Like his fellow senior, Hart won Player of the Year in his conference, though the Wildcats left the Dance early in 2017. Hart was money in late-game situations and was a much more consistent shooter in college than Thornwell. He’s a gamer who will pass, defend, shoot and exert a lot of energy on the court. This is the type of player the Spurs get their hands on come draft time.

At 6-foot-5 with a wingspan over 6-foot-8, he has perfect size to play the 2 in the NBA. If Hart’s shooting translates, which it should, he’ll be a steal in the second round. Frankly, he should go in the first round due to his physique, body of work, shooting and leadership.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

If you’re looking for this year’s Malcolm Brogdon, it’s probably Hart. And Hart should have a better rookie season, on the right team, than Brogdon.

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