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Langston Galloway: ‘I Still Have a lot More to Prove’

By William Lee

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Langston Galloway went undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft after an impressive four-year college career at St. Joseph’s University. Galloway averaged 15 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in his career as a Hawk.

Galloway had an astonishing career at St Josephs’ University, second All-Time in scoring for the Hawks with 1,991 points. Galloway is also the All-time leader in career three-pointers made with 343 three-pointers, owning the single-game record for most three-pointers made in a game. Galloway knocked down ten three-pointers against Fordham on February 22, 2014.

Galloway got his first chance with the New York Knicks when he was signed onto the 2014 Summer League team. Galloway then watched his dreams dangle like a carrot on a stick, as the Knicks signed him onto the actual team only to be waived before the season began, essentially just to be a warm body for training camp.

Galloway was then signed onto the D-League affiliate of the Knicks, where he averaged 16.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. New York with nothing to lose…being on a 12 game losing streak… decided to finally see what they had in their young prospects and decided to call up Galloway with a ten-day contract.

Galloway at that moment knew his dreams of an NBA career dangled in the balance, as per Howie Kussoy of the New York Post.

"“I knew it could be coming to the end at that point, so I was like, I don’t know what’s going to happen next,”“I was pretty much fighting for my life. That’s the mindset I take into every day now. I know that my job is on that line. I have to play hard, like I have one day at this.”"

And play hard he did, Galloway earned himself a second ten-day contract, and eventually signed a partially guaranteed contract with New York. Galloway’s contract is fully guaranteed now as the dates to waive him has since passed (7/1/15 and 9/15/15).

Galloway averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 45 games on his way to being named on the 2015 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Galloway though knows that the half a year success means nothing.

"“I have a lot more confidence, just having all those games under my belt, but I still have a lot more to prove,”“I felt it last year, being cut, and I don’t ever want to be cut again. I’m just going to continue to get better.”"

Galloway continue to improve his game, most notable he has improved his three-point shooting. Last season Galloway shot 35.2% from downtown. This preseason Galloway has been by far the most prolific New York three-point shooter, shooting 50% from beyond the arc, making the most three-point field goals (9) on the team so far.

Head coach Derek Fisher expects Galloway to be a major contributor to the 2015-2016 Knicks team.

"“I think it’s a combination of [experience and hard work] that has allowed him to come in and really be confident about who he is and what he’s trying to do,”“We think he’s going to be able to help us as a legitimate contributing player on the team.”"

With the return of Jose Calderon to the starting lineup, Galloway will now need to come off the bench after starting 41 games last season. In the preseason Galloway has often been paired up with rookie Jerian Grant in the backcourt to push the pace.

Galloway has been extremely impressive setting up his teammates in preseason, dishing out 20 assist with only one turnover committed in five games played!

Fisher likes the leadership that Galloway brings despite only being 23 years old.

"“As soon as Langston joined our team halfway through last season, he’s had almost a kind of veteran presence,”“He’s a young player and all of our guys respect Langston and how he works at his game. I think he does make us better because of his maturity as a young player. We’re thankful to have him. He’s gotten better. I think he’s going to have a good year.”"

With Galloway working hard on and off the court, there is no doubt that he is poised to have a successful sophomore year. Although coming off the bench this season, it may not necessary mean better stats but it could mean more wins.

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