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New York Knicks: International prospects to consider in 2017 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American forward Terrance Ferguson dunks during the McDonalds All-American Powerade Jamfest at the Chicago Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American forward Terrance Ferguson dunks during the McDonalds All-American Powerade Jamfest at the Chicago Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg

Projection: Lottery
Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .485/.431/.621
2016-17 Per 36 Averages: 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 3-point field goals made

Frank Ntilikina, who was born in Belgium, has become one of the most promising young players on the deep French circuit. He led France to the gold medal at the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, as well as the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship.

On the more local end of the spectrum, Ntilikina has become one of the most decorated young players on the European scene.

Ntilikina won MVP at the U-18 championship in 2016, but that was just the beginning for him. He was named the LNB Pro A Rising Star Award winner in both 2016 and 2017, which puts him in rare territory amongst French League players.

Past winners of the award include NBA players Nicolas Batum, Clint Capela, Boris Diaw, Ian Mahinmi, and future Hall of Fame point guard Tony Parker.

As for what makes him special, it’s all about his unique combination of size, length, and skill.

Ntilikina is a 6’5″ point guard with a projected 7’0″ wingspan, a lethal jump shot, and improving court vision The general consensus amongst analysts is that he has the tools to become an elite defender in the NBA.

The New York Knicks have been tied to Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, and it would be easy to justify Phil Jackson taking a chance on this rising star.

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