By all accounts Donte DiVincenzo had an
excellent showing at the NBA Combine, with the consensus being that he helped himself as much as any prospect that participated. ESPN's Jay Bilas listed DiVincenzo's performance as the number one thing that stuck out to him during the combine.
With his stock already at an all-time high coming off his 31-point national championship game performance and Final Four MOP honors, he proceeded to show how he was able to achieve that performance at the combine while also answering some of the questions surrounding his game, notably on the defensive end. With DiVincenzo showing well at the combine and building off his late season buzz, one would believe that Donte would be in an NBA uniform next season. He is now listed as a first round pick in many mock drafts, and he has mentioned that distinction as the threshold he would base his decision on.
However, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer is reporting that the majority of NBA executives he spoke to in Chicago expect DiVincenzo to return to Villanova. O'Connor cites the possibility of a Mikal Bridges-esque rise into the the lottery as a potential reason for Donte to play another year of college ball.
It's not hard to imagine Donte making that kind of leap. Should he return to school, he would be the lead man on a team with Final Four potential. He would have every opportunity to have an excellent statistical season, and there would be no shortage of eyeballs paying attention to his exploits.
By the end of Friday's action at the combine, it was becoming increasingly difficult to imagine DiVincenzo in a Villanova uniform next season. His stock was at an all-time high, and he had just completed two stellar days solidifying his status with excellent on-court play and even better showings in the testing of measurables. The eye test and the words of scouts and analysts all pointed to him heading to the NBA. And then there was the fact that Donte himself has stated that being assured as a first round selection was the measuring stick he was using to make his decision.
However, the execs that told O'Connor that they expect DiVincenzo to return to Villanova are the same ones offering feedback to the players, and are among the few people outside of each player's inner circle with real insight into what the players are thinking.
I still find it hard to believe that Donte won't take advantage of being a first round pick and the security that comes with it. In addition to that security, DiVincenzo would likely find himself in an ideal situation. He would likely be joining a playoff team with an established core, where he could step in and play a clear and defined role from day one as he adjusts and grows. That being said, O'Connor's report casts some doubt on the situation and provides a glimmer of hope to Nova Nation that Donte will be back to help the Cats defend their title. It will be interesting to watch as we approach the deadline for players to remove themselves from the draft on May 30.
