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Villanova's Josh Hart returning for senior season

Josh Hart, Villanova's leading scorer last season and one of the catalysts to the Wildcats' run to the national championship, said Tuesday night he will return to the Main Line for his senior season, a move that gives the team a legitimate shot at repeating as No. 1.

Josh Hart, Villanova's leading scorer last season and one of the catalysts to the Wildcats' run to the national championship, said Tuesday night he will return to the Main Line for his senior season, a move that gives the team a legitimate shot at repeating as No. 1.

"One more year!!" Hart said on Twitter at the end of a day that saw him participate in his last workout with an NBA team, this one with the Atlanta Hawks.

Hart earned an invitation to the NBA draft combine earlier this month and worked out for several NBA teams, including the 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, and the San Antonio Spurs.

"I enjoyed the process and learned a lot," Hart said in a statement released by Villanova. "It was definitely worthwhile. I look forward to graduating next year and coming back to play with my teammates."

Hart, of Silver Spring, Md., led the Wildcats in scoring last season with a 15.5-point average. His best game during the NCAA tournament possibly came in the national semifinals, when he scored 23 points in a 95-51 romp over Oklahoma.

The return of Hart and Kris Jenkins, who also declared for the draft and later pulled his name out, gives the Wildcats two key starters back. With returning starter Jalen Brunson, plus contributors Phil Booth, Mikal Bridges and Darryl Reynolds along with a potentially deep bench, the Wildcats likely will rank in the preseason top five in the fall.

"Josh Hart did a great job in this process," Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement. I'm really proud of the way he showed himself. I am really happy that he is returning with his classmates and that he will graduate on time."

White House visit set

It's official. Villanova is scheduled to visit the White House next Tuesday.

The White House formally announced that President Obama is to honor the Wildcats for winning the NCAA championship last month.

The announcement went on to say, "This visit will also continue the tradition begun by President Obama of honoring sports teams for their efforts to give back to their communities."

The welcoming ceremony is expected to begin at 4:10 p.m. Wright and team captains Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu are to head the Villanova delegation.

jjuliano@phillynews.com

@joejulesinq