Villanova in the Pros: Donte DiVincenzo Suffers Achilles Tear

Villanova alumnus and 2018 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 112-96 playoff win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, April 25, per a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

DiVincenzo went down just 79 seconds into the game on a non-contact play, slumping to the ground after trying to charge after a loose ball from the three-point line. Achilles tendon tears take upwards of a year to rehab, so DiVincenzo’s 2026-27 season lands in immediate doubt. Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics made it back to the court in less than a year and the surgery has improved markedly in recent seasons, but Tatum is the exception, not the norm.

DiVincenzo averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists for Minnesota this season, starting all 82 games. The Timberwolves hold a 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. DiVincenzo went 11-for-22 beyond the arc in the first three games of the series; he missed his lone attempt in Game 4 but still managed to notch an assist.

Former Villanova head coach Jay Wright, who led DiVincenzo to a pair of national championships, tweeted “He’s a warrior ! He’ll be back as soon as possible . Our prayers are with Donte !” in response to the injury news. Selected 19th overall in 2018, DiVincenzo has an NBA Championship and 498 regular season games on his professional résumé.