Exploring the shared college past of Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart, as we delve into the history of the newly formed Knicks trio.

Donte DiVincenzo joins Knicks, reuniting with college teammates Brunson and Hart.

In a surprising move, Donte DiVincenzo has joined forces with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart to become a free agent for the New York Knicks. DiVincenzo, fresh off an impressive season with the Golden State Warriors, signed a lucrative four-year, $50 million contract with the Knicks. What makes this trio's arrival in New York so intriguing is the fact that they have a history of playing together.

DiVincenzo, Brunson, and Hart all played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, where they were teammates for two seasons from 2015 to 2017. During their time together, they achieved the ultimate success by winning the national championship in 2016.

After their college careers, DiVincenzo and Brunson both entered the NBA draft in 2018. DiVincenzo was selected 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, while Brunson was chosen as the 33rd pick. Hart, the oldest and most accomplished player among the three, played four seasons at Villanova before being drafted 30th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2017. He was later traded to the LA Lakers on draft night.

The New York Knicks have shifted their focus from pursuing star players to building a strong foundation with their available resources. Their decision to sign emerging talent like Jalen Brunson in the 2022 free agency and seasoned veteran Josh Hart at the 2023 trade deadline has proven to be a success. With this core, the Knicks not only returned to the playoffs but also advanced past the first round for the first time in a decade. It only made sense to maintain continuity and strengthen the roster around Brunson, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and now DiVincenzo.

DiVincenzo was a natural fit for the Knicks, and they wasted no time in offering him a lucrative contract. His high-intensity defensive play and ball-handling skills align perfectly with Tom Thibodeau's system. Additionally, he showcased his ability to perform in the playoffs during his time with the Golden State Warriors. With Evan Fournier's diminished role and Quentin Grimes' lack of postseason experience, DiVincenzo fills a crucial role for the Knicks. Furthermore, his 3-point shooting prowess adds to the team's offensive arsenal, as he shot an impressive 39.7% from deep last season.

The Knicks have recognized the need to increase their 3-point shooting efficiency, as they ranked 19th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage last season. By adding DiVincenzo to their roster, they aim to address this issue and bolster their offensive capabilities. With this new trio of former Villanova teammates, the Knicks are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

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