Donte DiVincenzo leaves Villanova tag at Knicks door in favor of individualism

CHARLESTON, S.C. — It’s a bizarre spot for Donte DiVincenzo.

He’s the brand new man, but in addition the man within the clique.

The ’Nova Knicks, they’re referred to as.

And DiVincenzo doesn’t need that to separate him from the opposite teammates.

“Me, I wish to personally attempt to develop every relationship with each single man, coaches and every little thing,” DiVincenzo mentioned. “Even in coaching camp, attempt to sit with as many alternative guys as potential, not begin this entire ’Nova factor.”

The “’Nova factor” is nice, DiVincenzo added.

He will get to play alongside three of his former school buddies.

They received a title collectively.

Josh Hart even negotiated his contract extension in such a option to facilitate DiVincenzo’s signing.

They’re straightforward to root for and straightforward to market.

On media day, for example, the Villanova foursome — DiVincenzo, Hart, Jalen Brunson and Ryan Arcidiacono — posed collectively in neon shades for a viral picture.

Hart, particularly, throws himself absolutely into the ’Nova bit.

Brunson performs the position of the extra mature sibling.

However DiVincenzo, the one member of the group with an NBA championship, desires to advertise individualism over Villanovaism.

“I’m Donte, he’s Josh, he’s Jalen,” DiVincenzo mentioned. “We’re all creating {our relationships} with all people on the ground.”

This is smart, in fact.

Whenever you add in Leon Rose (from Cherry Hill, N.J.), World Extensive Wes (from Camden, N.J.) and assistant coach Rick Brunson (attended Temple), the Knicks have a giant Philly space vibe in vital areas of basketball operations.

DiVincenzo is now a part of that blend, but it surely doesn’t serve the needs of crew success and camaraderie to divide a roster by previous friendships and territories.

DiVincenzo in all probability prefers the opposite popularity connected to his title: a winner.

“I do know if we’re successful video games, all people is gonna eat,” DiVincenzo mentioned. “The younger guys, the outdated guys last more within the league, the coaches, all people eats when all people is selfless, and the last word aim is to win video games. So, that’s all the time been my motto. Happening sixth 12 months within the league, so it’s working to this point.”

Certainly, successful has labored out for DiVincenzo.

He did it at highschool in Delaware.

He did it twice in school.

He did it with the Milwaukee Bucks, though the guard was injured for the Finals as Giannis Antetokounmpo emerged as an all-time nice.

“It sucked. It sucked,” DiVincenzo mentioned in regards to the torn ligament in his ankle in 2021. “Beginning each sport all season, enjoying, creating that continuity with a future Corridor of Famer and having a aim of successful a championship after which happening, it sucked. But additionally, I took loads from that. I realized loads from that. I realized loads being out and simply attempting to use that to each time I method a sport.”

Humility and perspective must be part of DiVincenzo’s Knicks profession.

A minimum of at first.

After beginning on championship contenders in Milwaukee and Golden State, he’s the backup capturing guard to Quentin Grimes.

That’s one other bizarre spot for DiVincenzo.

He’s a $50 million signing and the most effective purpose to hope for enchancment because the crew’s lone notable acquisition.

However, how a lot influence can he have coming off the bench?

How a lot enjoying time is accessible in a guard rotation with Brunson, Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett?

These questions might be higher answered within the subsequent few months.

Within the meantime, DiVincenzo is attempting to acclimate himself as a member of the Knicks, not as a Villanova Wildcat.

“You’re getting a younger veteran who’s had experiences. He’s bought deep playoff expertise. And he matches in completely with our crew,” Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “So simply play to our strengths, study your teammates. He’s slot in seamlessly to this point.”