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Villanova's NBA draft prospect update: Where the mock drafts have Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo going

As the Villanova guards try to raise their draft stock, the draft analysts weigh in on where they might get selected.

Villanova guard Jalen Brunson and guard Donte DiVincenzo celebrate their win over Kansas in the NCAA Basketball Championship semifinals game on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Villanova guard Jalen Brunson and guard Donte DiVincenzo celebrate their win over Kansas in the NCAA Basketball Championship semifinals game on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

Could Jalen Brunson be a Sixers rival next season? Could he become a role player on a championship team?

Depending on which mock draft you trust (if any), he could be one or both, as Brunson's late first-round draft status puts him in the reaches of teams like the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and other playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference (not to mention the Sixers).

Speaking of Villanova's title team, Donte DiVincenzo might still be unsure if he will stay in the draft, but he helped his stock on Thursday, according to the analysts.

In one of the NBA draft combine scrimmages, DiVincenzo showed off his shooting stroke and physical ability.

DiVincenzo finished the scrimmage with eight points, six rebounds, and three assists while shooting 2-for-3 from three-point range.

Here's where a few mock drafts have the two Villanova guards going in the draft:

» READ MORE: ESPN

Brunson:

The Warriors are way over the luxury tax and will want to find contributors on cheap rookie contracts.

Villanova's NCAA tournament run and the efficient play of their floor general might cause the Warriors to take a look at the versatility and shot-making prowess of the Wooden Award winner. His leadership, toughness and intangibles could be attractive on a roster that already has quite a bit of talent. The fact that he has shown the ability to operate off the ball certainly helps.

– Jonathan Givony

» READ MORE: Sports Illustrated

Brunson:

The Celtics can go any number of directions here thanks to their roster depth. They may be priced out of keeping Marcus Smart this summer and Terry Rozier the next, and adding a guy like Brunson would be a prudent move for long-term backcourt depth. Brunson's otherworldly feel for the game and shooting ability makes him one of the safest bets in the draft to have a long career. Boston has its stars in place and can focus on filling in the blanks.

– Jeremy Woo

» READ MORE: The Ringer:

[Brunson is] a classic point guard prospect that'll fall in the draft because of his age, but then play play 10-plus years in the NBA. … [DiVincenzo is] a fearless offensive wing who can score in a variety of ways and displays playmaking upside. 

– Ringer staff

» READ MORE: Bleacher Report:

DiVincenzo:

DiVincenzo could have played himself into the first round with his 31-point explosion in the national title game. But he built a case all year with playmaking (3.5 assists), shooting (40.1 percent on three-pointers) and exciting athleticism and energy. The Lakers could overpay to bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or they could promote Josh Hart and add his former Villanova teammate to their bench.

Brunson:

Will the Hawks have this pick by the end of the night? At this point, they've already drafted two players, and other teams will likely look to make an offer for No. 30. Brunson could ultimately be a target for Atlanta or another franchise looking to acquire a good decision-maker to run its second unit. 

– Jonathan Wasserman