Former Villanova University Head Coach Jay Wright knows a thing or two about recruiting solid players.

16 different NBA players were drafted under Wright’s legacy at Villanova, according to ESPN WRUF. Players like Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, and Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry all produced solid NBA careers. Villanova players have created a notoriety of being a hard-nosed defender who was able to stretch the floor with their outside shooting.

So when the Golden State Warriors signed guard Donte DiVincenzo to a $2 year, 9.3 million dollar deal over the past summer, the Warriors got more than just another replacement.

They got a player who was fundamentally sound and made few mistakes, knows defensive principles and fits like a glove in their offensive system with his outside shooting. It was a no brainer.

“I have good plays, I have bad plays,” DiVincenzo said in an interview with The Inquirer. “But, as long as I can just keep building off of them, I hope to be here for a long time and get really, really comfortable with these guys.”

So far in the 2022-23 NBA season, DiVincenzo has shined in his role as the backup guard in Head Coach Steve Kerr’s offense. Averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 37.3% from 3-point range, the Villanova product has produced big games in recent memory as the Warriors go through this latest injury bug.

His impact on the game goes beyond the statistics, as he’s given the Warriors huge moments with his hustle play and his hounding defense.

Against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 28, DiVincenzo had a season-high of 19 points and splashed in five timely 3-pointers en route to a 112-107 victory.

Against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 30, DiVincenzo ripped the ball from Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard’s hand and sank the 27 foot dagger to put the Blazers to sleep.

Against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 2, DiVincenzo drilled an improbable 3-pointer to send the game into overtime, despite making only one 3-pointer the entire game. The Warriors would eventually pull off one of the most improbable wins of the season in double overtime.

These moments prove that DiVincenzo has excelled in more than just a replacement for Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II. While Payton II provided the Warriors with a consistent defensive presence and options for a smaller lineup, DiVincenzo provided consistent offense and a veteran presence in a roster that has a mix of the future and the legends.

As far as wing depth, the Warriors continue to find answers on this home stand dealing with limited production and bodies. DiVincenzo will be much needed as the glue guy.

DiVincenzo missed a stretch of games early in the season and it showed with the Warriors bench production.

Besides guard Jordan Poole, no one else on the bench would have the experience necessary to run the offense and provide stability until the starters returned, and Poole was reeling from his inconsistencies early in the season. Guard Moses Moody was buried in the rotation, and guard Ty Jerome was finding his rhythm in the NBA.

Now that many of the key rotational players like forward Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins and superstar Stephen Curry are missing longer stretches, it’s up to the bench mob and players like DiVincenzo to keep the Warriors afloat until the team gets healthy again.

(Photo credit: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)