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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Xavier Rathan-Mayes signing

By Maxwell Ogden

TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 28: Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play during their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 28, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 28: Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play during their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 28, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

4. Work Ethic

Perhaps the No. 1 reason to be intrigued by Xavier Rathan-Mayes is his work ethic. Many players have talent, but few are willing to put the necessary work in as they pursue a brighter future and a more well-rounded status as a player.

If Rathan-Mayes can carry that momentum over into the NBA, he could develop into a quality player with sixth man potential.

When Rathan-Mayes arrived at Florida State, he was viewed as a lethal slashing threat who could lead the Seminoles in scoring. He had a weak jump shot and a tendency to turn the ball over, however, which limited his effectiveness.

Over the course of his three years at Florida State, Rathan-Mayes made drastic improvements to his jump shot, decision making, and overall basketball IQ.

Rathan-Mayes has transformed from a score-first slasher into a pass-first player with well-rounded offensive skills. He shot 41.2 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from 3-point range between his first two seasons, and posted marks of 45.3 and 32.3 percent as a junior.

Rathan-Mayes also improved his assist-to-turnover ratio in each of his three seasons, and seems to be learning the smartest and safest ways to play at a high level.