Ex-Warrior jokes about “almost” being Donte DiVincenzo’s jersey tribute
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo reunited with his former Villanova teammates this week for an entertaining quiz session that was organized by GQ Sports. The 27-year-old shared some insights into his life and career, including his favorite player of all time.
DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges were all present at the GQ Sports sit down, but none of his peers could guess that his favorite all-time player is Russell Westbrook. DiVincenzo hinted that he wore the No. 0 jersey as a tribute to the player, which led to Hart naming former Golden State Warriors guard Gilbert Arenas.
Arenas may have been disappointed to hear he wasn't DiVincenzo preferred choice, but was a good sport about it. He provided a comical response on Instagram.
"Damn I was almost it," Arenas responded with three laughing face with tears emojis.
During his heyday, Russell Westbrook was one of the league's most complete players. DiVincenzo pointed out that one of the reasons he respected the Denver Nuggets guard was because he averaged a triple-double in back-to-back seasons between 2017-2019.
DiVincenzo, Brunson, Hart and Bridges are all considered Villanova royalty. The NBA stars won national championships at the East Coast university before making the jump to the pros. Under former coach Jay Wright, the Wildcats won the NCAA national title in 2016 and then again in 2018 and those teams will go down as one of the most dominant in college basketball history.
DiVincenzo was Villanova's standout player in the 2018 finals. The sharpshooting guard came off the bench to deliver an incredible performance to overcome Michigan. He finished with 31 points on the night and shot 5 for 7 from behind the arc to guide Villanova to its third national championship.
Donte DiVincenzo reveals his pregame superstitions before every NBA game
During the GQ Sports friendship quiz, Donte DiVincenzo shared many of his likes and dislikes and even revealed the two pregame superstitions.
"I have two. One is in the locker room, one is right on the court. Do it every game no matter what," DiVincenzo said. "I pray and tie my shoes at the foul line during the opposing team's starting lineups." (9:05)
When asked by Mikal Bridges what the other superstition is, DiVincenzo said he Facetimes his wife and baby before every game.