New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 17

8 of 12

BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives to the basket during the second half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

During tournament season, Kentucky Wildcats point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has broken out as a superstar on the collegiate level. He was magnificent during the SEC Tournament and has been even better during the NCAA Tournament.

During the Round of 32, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Wildcats to a 95-75 victory over the Buffalo Bulls that was far more competitive than it may seem.

Gilgeous-Alexander posted 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 39 minutes of tremendous play. He was almost flawless in his scoring performance, shooting 10-of-12 from the field, 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-7 from the free throw line.

Whether he was driving the lane, setting his teammates up, spacing the floor, or defending multiple positions, Gilgeous-Alexander did it all—again.

Between the SEC and NCAA Tournaments, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 21.8 points, 6.6 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.2 three-point field goals made per game. He’s thrived in every phase of the game and has broken out now that isolation play has increased in importance.

Gilgeous-Alexander needs to bulk up in order to play in the Association, but he should be one of the top targets for the New York Knicks at the 2018 NBA Draft.

Home/Knicks Draft