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It's decision day! The Big East Conference is losing the possible preseason Player of the Year, Villanova is officially one of the top challengers to the Duke Blue Devils and a senior forward returns to Wisconsin.
College or Pro?
The leading scorer on last year's National Championship Villanova Wildcats squad is returning to school for his final season of eligibility. Josh Hart announced on Twitter Tuesday night that he is pulling his name out of the 2016 NBA Draft after participating in the Combine and team workouts.
Hart is the final piece to the puzzle for what is a loaded Villanova roster. The Wildcats have experience, depth and talent, giving them a legit chance to be the first team to repeat since the Florida Gators in 2006-07.
The Big East is losing star power in Providence forward Ben Bentil and Marquette forward Henry Ellenson. The conference lost their third top talent as Isaiah Whitehead has opted to remain in the 2016 NBA Draft and will hire an agent.
Whitehead led the Seton Hall Pirates to a Big East Tournament title and helped Kevin Willard's club earn their first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 10 years. The Brooklyn native molded into one of the best guards in America due to his strength, aggressiveness and ability to create his own shot.
Moving to the Big Ten, Nigel Hayes is withdrawing his name from the NBA Draft pool after struggling at the NBA Combine. Hayes will be the leader of a Wisconsin team that is projected to be in the mix for the Big Ten regular season title. The Badgers are returning everyone (literally) from a squad that went 13-4 down the stretch of last season and made the Sweet 16.
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Indiana's Troy Williams will forgo his final season of eligibility at Indiana and will stay in the NBA Draft. Williams has the athleticism and length to be an NBA player, but the Hoosiers could've repeated as Big Ten champions if he returned to Bloomington.
Mississippi State guard Malik Newman is withdrawing from the NBA Draft, but he may not be returning to Ben Howland's program. According to ESPN, the combo guard is strongly considering transferring to another Division I program.
Newman dealt with a nagging toe injury last season and is said to be disappointed with his role at MSU.
Other news and notes
Przemek Karnowski was granted a medical redshirt after missing the majority of last season with a back injury that required surgery. The Polish center is the defensive anchor for the Bulldogs as he stands at 7'1". Karnowski joins a backcourt that consists of Johnathan Williams III, Ryan Edwards and Zach Collins.
Jay Wright's National Championship squad is headed to Washington D.C. on May 31 to visit the White House. The ceremony is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET and will be streamed live online.