2. Villanova connection
The Villanova Knicks were a hot topic of conversation during the offseason. New York added Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo to the roster within five months of one another and signed Hart to an extension. The front office didn't make those moves for the sole purpose of pleasing Jalen Brunson but instead because Hart and DiVincenzo helped to fill in gaps.
It certainly helps that several Knicks players (including Ryan Arcidiacono) had already established chemistry during their days as Wildcats. That connection carried over to the NBA, and it helped DiVincenzo acclimate to being a Knick.
Even if you're not a Villanova fan, you should at least be able to acknowledge the fact that Jay Wright created a winning culture. Wright said that his former players in New York "take great pride at this point in their career of making the Knicks a winner."
Out of the main Villanova players currently in the NBA, DiVincenzo is the only one who has won an NBA title. New York is still a player or two away from being a contender, but his experience will help guide the Knicks in the playoffs (if they secure another berth).