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Villanova's Donte DiVincenzo to Enter 2018 NBA Draft, Won't Hire Agent

Timothy Rapp

Villanova's Donte DiVincenzo, the hero of this year's national championship game, will enter the NBA draft without hiring an agent, according to the school's website

His decision to go without representation means the redshirt sophomore will be eligible to return to school depending on the feedback he receives in the draft process.

"Donte has consistently improved in his time at Villanova through dedication and a commitment to our core values," Wildcats head coach Jay Wright said. "His play this season has created a unique opportunity for him to receive feedback from NBA teams in the draft process. We support Donte fully and our staff will work together with him and his family to help him assess the next step in his basketball career."

DiVincenzo had a strong season, averaging 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three.

He saved his best for the NCAA tournament, however, posting 18 points and five assists against Alabama, 15 points and eight rebounds in the Final Four against Kansas and 31 points and five boards in the title game against Michigan.

Even LeBron James was impressed with that performance: 

As for DiVincenzo's draft stock, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com believes he could slide into the first round: 

Villanova could have a dramatically new look next season. Mikal Bridges is leaving and expected to be a lottery pick, while Jalen Brunson also declared for the draft. Phil Booth and Eric Paschall will return for their senior seasons, while Omari Spellman will enter the draft process like DiVincenzo but won't hire an agent.

The decisions from DiVincenzo and Spellman could have major implications in college basketball next season, as Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports indicated: 

Regardless of DiVincenzo's decision, his college legacy was forever cemented this year after leading the Wildcats to a second national title in the past three years.

   

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