Freshmen learning quickly at Villanova

Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright has a pleasant problem - finding more minutes for two freshman rotation players, 6-foot-5 guard Josh Hart and 6-6 forward Kris Jenkins.

Hart is averaging 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 22.6 minutes a game. Jenkins gave the Wildcats the lead for good with a three-pointer in Saturday's 74-67 win over St. John's. He is averaging 3.9 points and 2.2 rebounds in 11.6 minutes.

"I am looking to get them time because they have earned it and deserve it," Wright said.

It's not an easy task for a 15-1 team that is ranked sixth in the country. "Our other guys are playing well, too," Wright said.

Hart scored 14 points against St. John's and was named the Big East rookie of the week for the third time in four weeks.

"I can't praise my teammates enough," Hart said. "They are encouraging me and they have my back no matter how I play. And they are always boosting my confidence a hundredfold."

Wright said the most impressive part of both freshmen is that they have adapted to their new surroundings quickly.

"They met our expectations, and academically they did great the first semester," Wright said. "They have picked up everything that they have been taught."