How ’Nova Knicks Can Make Basketball History in NBA Finals vs. Spurs
Sports Illustrated • • general
Key Points:
- The Knicks have a chance to win their first NBA championship since 1973, with players Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart potentially joining a rare group of teammates who have won both NCAA and NBA titles.
- Brunson, Bridges, and Hart all played at Villanova, contributing to two national championships before reuniting on the Knicks, alongside former Villanova star Donte DiVincenzo, who was later traded.
- Historically, only four pairs of teammates have won both NCAA and NBA championships, including notable duos like Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lucius Allen.
- The Knicks and Spurs’ NBA Finals rosters feature players from all five major college basketball conferences, with the SEC and Big East having the most representation, and some mid-major conference players also contributing.
- The Knicks' current core highlights the impact of Villanova alumni on their success, demonstrating the importance of college basketball pedigree in the NBA Finals lineup.