Villanova is officially losing another play to the NBA Draft.
Redshirt Sophomore Donte DiVincenzo announced Tuesday he will hire an agent and forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility. DiVincenzo was named the 2018 Final Four Most Outstanding Player after he scored a game-high 31 points in Villanova’s national championship game win over Michigan.
I want to thank Nova Nation for an amazing season this year and the unbelievable amount of support throughout. The Villanova Community has done nothing but support and motivate me to become the best player and person I can be. I love everything about college and Villanova including the amazing people from the professors, staff members, and all the fans across the country. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me get to this point. My teammates are my brothers and will share a bond forever. I thank Coach Wright for challenging me day in and day out all while loving me like a son. I would not be in the position I am today if it was not for him and the Villanova Basketball program. After gathering all of the information possible, my decision is to keep my name in the NBA draft and plan to hire an agent. I thank everyone who has helped me reach this decision because it was not easy. I strive to get better as a person and a player everyday, everything that Villanova has instilled in me will allow me to reach all goals I have in mind. Thank you everyone who has supported me and the continuous support going forward. Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat. I love you Nova Nation. \\\///
DiVincenzo averaged 13.4 points and knocked down 40.1 percent of his 3-point attempts as the Wildcats’ sixth man last season. He tallied 8.8 points per contest as a redshirt freshman in 2016-17.
DiVincenzo told Yahoo Sports he believes he’ll be drafted in the first round.
“Teams that I’ve spoken to, it’s been all positive and going in the right direction,” DiVincenzo said at the NBA Combine earlier this month. “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.”
Villanova finished 2017-18 with a 36-4 record and won its second national title in four years. But star guard Jalen Brunson and forward Mikal Bridges both declared for the draft after the season. Forward Omari Spellman is also testing the waters.
The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft and return to school is Wednesday.
