Knicks Rumors: Five reasons to select Edmond Sumner in 2017 NBA Draft

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Jan 16, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) huddles with team mates during the second half against the Creighton Bluejays at the Cintas Center. Creighton won 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Work Ethic

When Edmond Sumner arrived at Xavier in 2014-15, analysts already had him on the NBA Draft radar. He appeared in just six games as a freshman, averaging 7.2 minutes per appearance, but his physical gifts were enough to garner considerable hype.

The best way to describe what transpired over the course of the next two seasons is that Sumner’s work ethic took over and intriguing success followed.

In 2015-16, Sumner averaged 17.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.2 turnovers per 40 minutes on 39.7 percent shooting from the field. In 22 appearances in 2016-17, he improved those per 40 numbers to 18.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.3 turnovers on 47.9 percent shooting.

More importantly, he shot 53.3 percent on 2-point field goals in 2016-17 after converting just 44.3 percent of his attempts in 2015-16.

Between his sophomore and junior seasons, Sumner became more confident with the ball in his hands. That resulted in his improvements in field goal percentage, 2-point field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and assist-to-turnover ratio.

The statistics may not jump off the page, but they display a steady stream of improvement in not only his abilities, but his feel for the game.

If coached right, that process would continue with the New York Knicks.

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