But DiVincenzo is the piece that could eliminate the need for a major move. “The thing I like about it — all the 50-50 decisions — he doesn’t hesitate,” Thibodeau said. “Very confident.

Donte DiVincenzo as a high school junior during the championship game. Courtesy of Brendan Haley “One day in practice, he says to me, ‘Coach, look at this,’ ” Haley recalls.

DiVincenzo, a high school star in Delaware, had already committed to Villanova. He tried to recruit Brunson, a five-star prospect out of Illinois who, at the time, had other plans.

Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo follows through on a three-point basket against the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Much like many Villanova recruits before him, DiVincenzo wasn’t a big-time high school prospect. According to 247Sports, he was a four-star guard and ranked just outside of the top-100 nationally.

Jalen Brunson opens up on losing Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo in Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns trade Jalen Brunson speaks at Knicks media day on Sept. 30, 2024.© Getty Images ...

They played high school baskeball together at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill talks with teammates during NFL football training camp ...

Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson are pictured during the Knicks’ game on May 14. Charles Wenzelberg DiVincenzo’s popularity rose quickly and was pretty constant from the Knicks fan base.