Villanova champ and ex-Stevenson star Jalen Brunson declares for NBA draft

Posted April 11, 2018 1:00 am

Associated Press

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Jalen Brunson, the former Stevenson High School star who earned men's college basketball player of the year honors this season, has declared for the NBA draft after winning two national titles at Villanova.

The star 6-foot-3 junior guard will forego his final season after helping lead the Wildcats to their second national championship in three years. Brunson averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game in 40 games for the Wildcats this season.

"Jalen has left an indelible mark on our university and our basketball program," Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement. "He is both the consummate Villanova basketball player and Villanova student-athlete, a leader on and off the court. We're proud of the man he has become. This is an intelligent decision and I have every confidence in his ability to succeed at the professional level."

Brunson, a former Daily Herald All-Area Basketball team captain, led Stevenson to three state tournaments and helped the Patriots capture the Class 4A title in 2015.

Mikal Bridges, who averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Wildcats, made the same decision on Monday.

Villanova's Jalen Brunson, left, is embraced by teammate Mikal Bridges during a game against Connecticut. Brunson, The Associated Press men's college basketball player of the year, has declared for the NBA draft. Bridges also has declared for the draft. Associated Press

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