New York Knicks Teammates Overcame 'Physical' Feud From Days At Villanova
New York Knicks teammates Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo truly hated each other at one point in their respective ball careers.
Their history even features a scene so dramatic and dang near violent that it is uniquely named "The Incident."
Villanova Teammates Turned Knicks Share A Tough Past
ESPN dropped an eye-opening timeline of Hart and DiVincenzo's ‘physical’ past as teammates for Villanova in the mid-2010s leading up to their shared days in the NBA.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Josh Hart #3 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks celebrate after Hart drew the foul in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Hart and Donte, now playing for the Knicks in the postseason with a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, had a hateful connection, mostly stemming from Hart's ability to occasionally be a pr*ck, or a ‘thick-skinned’ and ‘thick-skulled’ teammate.
Helped by Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who also attended Villanova with Hart and DiVincenzo, the contentious duo overcame their differences; now the three are recognized as a quality NBA trio.
In the ESPN feature by Ryan Hockensmith, NBA fans were treated to a glimpse of what built the Villanova-to-Knicks timeline that grouped up Hart, DiVincenzo and Brunson.
Brunson and DiVincenzo instantly hit it off upon arriving at Villanova in 2015.
Josh Hart played on Jay Wright's Villanova group and was recognized as the team veteran who knew no boundaries when testing his teammates.
Jalen Brunson caught onto the shtick and respected Hart's tenacity. On the flip side, DiVincenzo — already best friends with Brunson — started beefing with Hart over the vet's hazing.
The two have hashed things out, even discussing their past on Brunson and Hart's "Roommates" podcast. Donte told Hart to his face that he formerly hated his Nova teammate.
Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo's ‘Incident’
Back to "The Incident" — the story shared the account of an altercation between Hart and DiVincenzo where the latter swung a 10-lb. plate at Hart in a Villanova student fitness recreation center.
Even before "The Incident," Hart showcased his physical advantage over DiVincenzo, once putting Donte in a headlock. DiVincenzo admitted to Hart's sneaky strength.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 22, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Despite their past beef, Hart and DiVincenzo now bond over helping Jalen Brunson propel the Knicks into a perennial contender in the East.
Hart continues to play the role of Energizer Bunny, known as a hustle man on the Knicks. He was once acknowledged as a "Draymond Green" in the Nova locker room, which is an evolution in character worth celebrating.
Much like Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo contributes on the offensive side of the ball for NY, showcasing impressive and consistent range.
DiVincenzo boasts one more NCAA title (2) and an NBA championship (1) over Hart.
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