Donte DiVincenzo: From Bucks Benchwarmer to NBA Champion

Donte DiVincenzo was once considered a throw-in in the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat. But in the 2021 NBA Finals, he became an unlikely hero for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them win their first championship in 50 years.
DiVincenzo’s journey to the NBA was far from ordinary. Growing up in Newark, Delaware, he was a talented baseball player who also enjoyed playing basketball. After redshirting his freshman year at Villanova University, he emerged as a star, leading the Wildcats to two NCAA National Championships.
In 2018, DiVincenzo was drafted 17th overall by the Bucks. But his NBA career got off to a rocky start. He struggled to find his footing on a team led by MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his playing time was limited.
However, DiVincenzo never gave up on his dream. He worked tirelessly in the gym, honing his skills and improving his game. And when the Bucks traded away Malcolm Brogdon in 2019, DiVincenzo seized the opportunity to become a more prominent part of the team.
In the 2021 NBA Finals, DiVincenzo made his mark on the series. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 50.3% from the field. In Game 4, he hit a critical three-pointer in the final seconds to give the Bucks a crucial victory.
After the Bucks won the championship, DiVincenzo was emotional in recalling his journey. "I remember sitting on my couch, watching the NBA Finals and thinking, ‘I want to be there.’ And now, here I am, a champion," he said. "It’s a dream come true."
DiVincenzo’s story is a reminder that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams. He went from being a benchwarmer to a champion, and he did it with hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude.

"Don’t count me out yet," DiVincenzo said. "I’m just getting started."