Milwaukee Bucks: Jon Horst explains Donte DiVincenzo pick

Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ selection of Donte DiVincenzo with the 17th pick, general manager Jon Horst addressed the media.

As is tradition, shortly after Donte DiVincenzo was officially announced as the Milwaukee Bucks’ selection with the 17th overall pick, general manager Jon Horst took some time to address the assembled media in Milwaukee.

DiVincenzo marks Horst’s second first round pick in his time as general manager, having selected D.J. Wilson with the 17th selection in last year’s draft.

In the days leading up to the draft, Horst had hinted at the team’s willingness to move in a slightly different direction this year, potentially targeting a player with more readiness to contribute. As such, that was a point that certainly got plenty of focus as he offered some insight into the selection at 17.

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Asked about what it was that tipped DiVincenzo over the edge to earn Milwaukee’s pick, Horst was quick to stress character and the intangibles he believes allow the 21-year-old contribute to winning basketball.

"“I wouldn’t say it was one thing from necessarily a basketball standpoint. When you get to spend time with these young men and go through this process with them, and learn about them in every facet of their lives — not just as athletes, but as people — Donte surfaced as an elite competitor. A really genuine high character person and someone who has a high intellect on the court and off the court.So I think a lot of the guys in that group have similar skill-sets and similar abilities, but his ability to compete and think the game, and he’s proven to be part of winning at a high level was really important to us. We think that gives him a chance to possibly help us this year, and more importantly going forward.”"

Another factor that seems to have played into making DiVincenzo an appealing prospect for the Bucks is his pedigree and experience with Villanova. Asked about potential similarities between the style of Jay Wright’s team and new Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer’s preferences, Horst was quick to point out how the new Buck’s experience playing “pro style” basketball should help him.

"“There’s no doubt Villanova plays a pro style of game, so I think things like that absolutely help a player acclimate quicker than guys that don’t. Not every college obviously plays a pro style.But no, it does, and I think because of that, you’ve seen guys in the past like Josh Hart and others who’ve been able to come in and plug and play sooner than others. That was a factor, for sure.”"

Lastly, Horst also expressed how impressive DiVincenzo’s attitude was in embracing a bench role at Villanova in spite of his ability.

"“In doing our homework and talking to people, not just in the Villanova organization, but people he played against and coaches he played against; a lot of people say that Donte, if not the best player on that team, was one of the top two or three best players on that team.And to watch him come off the bench for the majority of time and produce the way that he did shows that he really, not only says it, but wants to play a role in winning and do what it takes to win. He actually did it, and he did it at a high level. For a guy like that, again, to pick someone who will fit our style of play and fit our roster was key.”"

Next: Milwaukee Bucks draft Donte DiVincenzo with 17th pick

Now, the question is whether Horst will return to talk about a second round pick later in the night.

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