Kris Jenkins, Josh Hart Declare for 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Fresh off leading the Villanova Wildcats to a national championship in the NCAA tournament, star juniors Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins announced Wednesday they will declare for the 2016 NBA draft.

Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com reported Hart and Jenkins will at least go through the draft evaluation process. If they don't hire agents, they can still return to Villanova for their senior years.

Jenkins hit perhaps the biggest shot in NCAA tournament history this past Monday—a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift Villanova to a national title in a 77-74 victory over North Carolina.

Only Hart scored more points than Jenkins on the Wildcats' championship squad, averaging 15.5 points per contest on 51.3 percent shooting this season to go with 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals.

The two Villanova leaders have until 10 days after the NBA combine to remove their names from draft consideration—provided they don't hire agents—based on new NCAA rules.

With a blend of proficient scoring, solid defense and a knack for rebounding, Hart has the tools to thrive as a pro. Although Jenkins lacks elite athleticism, he's a cerebral, savvy all-around player who could be a strong role player.

Neither Hart nor Jenkins was featured in the latest first-round mock draft by Bleacher Report expert Jonathan Wasserman. A two-round mock from NBADraft.net doesn't feature them, either.

It's nevertheless a no-brainer for both players to capitalize on their recent time in the spotlight and test the NBA waters. They can still come back to college if their draft outlook isn't as promising as they'd hope.

Going through the predraft process allows college players with NBA dreams to get a better grasp of what they're getting into in a prospective leap to the pros. The ordeal ought to help Jenkins and Hart regardless of what they ultimately decide to do—even if they return to Villanova.