The NCAA championship hero, Donte DiVincenzo, will be an interesting piece for the Milwaukee Bucks this season and beyond.
Donte DiVincenzo‘s draft stock skyrocketed after his amazing performance in the NCAA championship game. The Delaware native scored 31 points for the Villanova Wildcats in their 79-62 victory over the Michigan Wolverines, earning DiVincenzo Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA Tournament.
DiVincenzo rode that momentum into impressive team workouts and the annual NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. The two-day showcase for incoming rookies serves as an extra resume builder for players considered on “the bubble” weeks before the draft.
The 6’5″ guard was very active during the combine in scrimmages and would go on to post a combine-best standing vertical leap of 34.5 inches. He also tied for the best max vertical leap at 42 inches.
After workouts, DiVincenzo spoke with reporters regarding his progress and new first round pick hopes leading into draft night.
"“I’m more than just a shooter, I want to show teams that I can do more. Playing point guard is one big thing that teams want to see — if I can control the tempo, get into the offense, get shots and pocket passes.”"
"“Teams that I’ve spoken to, it’s been all positive and going in the right direction. I believe the range teams see me as is a late first-round pick, so if I can keep growing and keep rising, that’s perfect for me.”"
The Milwaukee Bucks answered the bell and took DiVincenzo with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. They are hoping for the same type of energy and passion that he displayed off the bench for Villanova throughout the tournament. The opportunities will be available for the 21-year-old as the Bucks are a team that hasn’t defined their rotation yet under new head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Budenholzer made his name as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, leading them to a few great seasons before departing for Milwaukee. His teams in Atlanta sported some great 3-point shooting with the offense led by sharpshooters Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague having a perimeter mentality.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst spoke on his reasons for the selection during June’s introductory press conference.
"“In doing our homework and talking to people, not just in the Villanova organization, but people he played against and coaches he played against; a lot of people say that Donte, if not the best player on that team, was one of the top two or three best players on that team.“And to watch him come off the bench for the majority of time and produce the way that he did shows that he really, not only says it, but wants to play a role in winning and do what it takes to win. He actually did it, and he did it at a high level. For a guy like that, again, to pick someone who will fit our style of play and fit our roster was key.”"
The Bucks are a team on the fringe of either blossoming into a real contender in the Eastern Conference or falling apart completely. The addition of DiVincenzo should fix some of the backcourt shooting flaws from last season, but it will be his passion and energy off the bench that will be the most critical to long-term success.
DiVincenzo will slide into a role that should allow for him to score off the bench with the second unit while fitting alongside All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Effective spot-up shooting from DiVincenzo will make him very popular on this team and its new offensive game plan.