NBA Combine notebook: DiVincenzo, Huerter impress in 5-on-5 play
May 18, 2018, 3:43 PM | Updated: 3:47 pm
(AP photos)
The NBA Combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmages wrapped up on Friday and two sharpshooters stood out that could both be available when the Phoenix Suns pick at Nos. 16 and 31.
Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo made a name for himself as the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, going nuclear in the national championship against Michigan for 31 points.
In the first scrimmage game of the combine, the 21-year-old sophomore played solid, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds with an additional two assists, two steals and a block.
Donte DiVincenzo is a killer. Scores with swagger and can shoot. Was my pick for the Suns at 31 in my latest mock. Quick trigger here. pic.twitter.com/7uaRCMj3o9
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 18, 2018
DiVincenzo is a poised shooter in several different situations and is a player teams must account for in transition.
A shooter like this for teams to worry about with Booker or Jackson leading the break would be fun. pic.twitter.com/M0HdrXdLug
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 18, 2018
He continued to make plays on Friday, making himself one of the top names from 5-on-5 play.
DiVincenzo, who measured in at just under 6-foot-5, was one of the big winners of the athletic testing. He had the highest standing vertical leap at 34.5 inches, tied for the max vertical leap at 42 inches and had the fifth-fastest lane agility time at 10.72 seconds.
ESPN currently has DiVincenzo ranked 33rd in their top-100, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see DiVincenzo firmly in the first-round discussion after his week in Chicago.
Maryland’s Kevin Huerter is far less heralded than DiVincenzo but boasts an even more impressive shooting stroke that could catch fire at any moment for the Terrapins.
@True_Rys my guy just turns and fiiiiiires whew pic.twitter.com/WqIU4WYZL3
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 18, 2018
Huerter, a 19-year-old sophomore, also does a lot of the little things, such as passing and defense that have caught some eyes.
Kevin Huerter also appears to be helping himself so far. Looks automatic from NBA range with his feet set. Passing it well. Putting in a good effort in defensively. He's grown over an inch since last year according to the measurements. Seems to have strong buzz among NBA folks.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 17, 2018
Huerter is ranked No. 54 by ESPN, but after deciding to sit out of the scrimmages on Friday, he perhaps received good enough feedback on his chances of going in the first round.
Both DiVincenzo and Huerter have not hired an agent yet, meaning they can return to school if they wish to.
Phoenix could surely use either of the two wings. They had a league-worst 33.4 percent from 3-point range this season and were at 33.2 percent the season before.
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