New York Knicks interview No. 1 JUCO recruit Jay Scrubb

The New York Knicks appear to be looking for another diamond in the rough at the 2020 NBA Draft. The newest name to surface: JUCO star Jay Scrubb.

The New York Knicks have begun to prioritize the NBA Draft as a method for identifying talent. Said approach has enabled New York to select players such as RJ Barrett, Kristaps Porzingis, and second-round steal Mitchell Robinson.

While nothing is set in stone, it appears as though the new regime is going to continue the tradition of looking for diamonds in the rough.

The 2020 NBA Draft will be highlighted by players such as LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman. All three players opted against attending powerhouse programs, with Ball deciding to play professionally overseas.

According to Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com, the Knicks are one of 22 teams to recently interview another player who opted against the traditional path: Jay Scrubb.

The Knicks have also held interviews with Seton Hall big man Romaro Gill, Seton Hall guard Myles Powell, and Louisville forward Jordan Nwora. These are just the names that are known to the public; obviously, they are probably interviewing several young players in prep of the draft.

Jay Scrubb is an intriguing draft prospect that some fans might not know.

Scrubb may not be a household name, but there’s a growing belief in NBA circles that he should be near the top of big boards. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the country, per 247sports.com. He’s a 6’6″ and 220-pound shooting guard who previously committed to playing for the Louisville Cardinals, but has since entered the 2020 NBA Draft.

It could be a landscape-altering decision that furthers the commitment of top recruits to an avenue other than the NCAA for NBA consideration.

As far as how he would fit with the Knicks, Scrubb is projected to be the type of wing who could provide depth or even start for an NBA team.

Scrubb is an impressive athlete who utilizes his quick first step to get past defenders and either finish at the rim or draw contact. He finished the 2019-20 JUCO season with averages of 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game on a slash line of .549/.464/.791.

There are areas in which Scrubb will require fundamental polish, but at 19 years of age, he could be a project worth investing in.

New York has two first round picks, including the pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Marcus Morris trade. They also have an early second round pick from Charlotte.

Regardless of what transpires, the New York Knicks are doing their due diligence with the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the country.