Bucks rookie happy to play for father’s favorite squad
MILWAUKEE — Donte Divincenzo’s dad can dust off the old Milwaukee Bucks jerseys he used wear as a fan while he was growing up.
Divincenzo will be able to hook his father up with some new gear soon, too.
The Villanova guard was formally introduced Monday in Milwaukee at the Bucks’ downtown training facility. The team drafted him last week in the first round with the 17th overall pick.
The 6-foot-5 Divincenzo gives the Bucks another 3-point shooter with size and toughness in the backcourt, skills that should fit well with All-star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game.
The No. 9 Bucks jersey with Divincenzo’s name on the back will soon become the prized piece in the jersey collection belonging to his father, John. An old Ricky Pierce jersey was a favorite.
“I was seen in a Bucks jersey in Philly in my later years. I had mustard all over me. I don’t know if you’re familiar with how they roll there,” the elder Divincenzo said with smile at the Bucks’ downtown training facility.
His son gets a clean start in the
NBA following a distinguished college career.
Divincenzo was a key member off the bench for Villanova’s national championship team, scoring 31 points and hitting 5 of 7 from 3-point territory in the title game against Michigan, along with five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The
Big East’s sixth man of the year also impressed at the combine with his 42-inch vertical leap.
A willingness to come off the bench and succeed in that role helped set him apart.
“It’s just something that’s pretty unique to have a young man who’s willing to do that and make those sacrifices,” Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I think Donte will learn, whatever role it is, however it plays out.”
Divincenzo said the adjustment to the pros should be easy after showing that he could thrive as a reserve in college.
“Just because I’m not coming in here with an ego. I’m not coming in here as the main guy on the national championship team,” he said. “I’m just coming in here wanting to work, I just want to fit in. That’s my goal.”
That goal also includes fitting in with Antetokounmpo.
“Just being able to knock down shots and him being able to look to his left and right and know I’m defending,” Divincenzo said.