Knicks News: Former coach praises Villanova connection, B/R offseason grade

Mar 25, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) and guard Jalen Brunson (1) celebrate after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship game of the East regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) and guard Jalen Brunson (1) celebrate after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship game of the East regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donte DiVincenzo downplayed the New York Knicks-Villanova connection at Media Day, but it’s a topic that will continue to be brought up throughout the 2023-24 season.

Larry Brown, a Brooklyn native who coached the Knicks in 2005-06, said he’s a “big fan” of New York and that he’s “excited” to see what the team will be able to accomplish. New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro wrote that when Brown lived in Philadelphia a few years ago, he was a frequent visitor on Villanova’s campus.

"“The DNA of the Villanova guys is remarkable,” Brown says over the telephone, “and I think when you have four guys who’ve been through all of that with Coach Wright, it bodes very well for the Knicks.”"

When Brown isn’t occupied with his role as an assistant coach for the Memphis Tigers this season, you can bet he’ll be tuning into Knicks games.

In other news, Bleacher Report put out its final offseason grades for all 30 teams, and New York received a modest B- grade. The Donte DiVincenzo signing has been underrated by many, but Grant Hughes thinks he’ll give the Knicks a bigger boost than expected.

"Take a deeper look, though, and DiVincenzo makes sense here. He shot 39.7 percent from three last season with the Warriors, a better clip than every rotation player but Brunson, and he posted an assist rate in the 89th percentile among wings. Those two qualities will help as the Knicks try to reprise last year’s No. 2 finish in offensive efficiency—a ranking that depended more on offensive rebounds and ball security than generating good looks."

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