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Villanova Basketball: How will Donte DiVincenzo fit with the Milwaukee Bucks?

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Donte DiVincenzo poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Donte DiVincenzo poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 7: DiVincenzo #10 of the Villanova Wildcats fouls. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 7: DiVincenzo #10 of the Villanova Wildcats fouls. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

What are DiVincenzo’s weaknesses?

Can he become a strong secondary playmaker?

Although DiVincenzo is growing as a playmaker, he still tends to commit too many turnovers. A true off-guard on the offensive end of the floor, DiVincenzo has shown flashes of being a solid secondary playmaker when on the floor. His 3.5 assists per game look great on paper for a two-guard but let’s not forget how having elite teammates can impact counting stats like assists. DiVincenzo made some spectacular passes at times during this past season but he also made several ill-advised ones. Of the core six players for Villanova (the only ones to average over 15 minutes per game), only Phil Booth exhibited a worse turnover rate than that of DiVincenzo (15.2%). He was also the leader on the team in turnovers per game at 2.0.

Clearly, there is room for development in this facet of his game. Considering the fact that he measures in at 6-foot-5, showing the ability to play point guard from time-to-time would be beneficial for his career. Thankfully, the Bucks already have four players on the roster who can play the role of primary ball handler on occasion: Matthew Dellavedova, Eric Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Malcolm Brogdon, and Khris Middleton. Because of this, DiVincenzo will not have to be the primary playmaker often. Yet, it would be nice to see this skill develop.

Where does he fit on defense?

DiVincenzo’s play on the defensive end of the floor is another concern as he progresses to the NBA. Although an average defender at the college level, the NBA is an entirely different challenge. He cannot simply make up for a bad read with his athleticism at the next level and will need to position himself better on the court. Furthermore, who is he going to guard in the NBA? At 6-foot-5, he does not elite size at the shooting guard position nor is he incredibly strong.

While he is extremely athletic, is he quick enough to defend point guards? And if that is solution, the Bucks will need to find a way to shift their rotation so that Brogdon and DiVincenzo are on the court together. This would allow DiVincenzo to guard the point and play off-ball while Brogdon covers twos and becomes the primary playmaker. There are several defensive questions regarding how DiVincenzo will fit but those cannot be answered until we see him on the court in the fall. I will stress, though, that DiVincenzo is not a poor defender and he actually has a ton of potential on this end of the floor. Quite honestly, this is a flaw now that could easily become a strength.

Can he make improvements at the free throw line?

Lastly, DiVincenzo needs to become a better free throw shooter. Given his quality form and proficiency as a 3-point shooter, he needs to shoot better than the 71.0% he shot from the line this past season. Free throw shooting is a valuable skill. In addition, it is one of the few percentages that should be expected to stay the same or increase for a player as they jump from college ball to the NBA. With an offseason of training ahead, DDV should get up to 75-80% from the line.