NY Knicks: Gonzaga is loaded with prospects
Jalen Suggs, Guard
A moment that will be synonymous with March Madness forever – Jalen Suggs’ buzzer-beater to send Gonzaga to the championship was exhilarating. While Knicks’ fans can enjoy Suggs’ silky-smooth play in the championship game, the chances he’s playing his home games at Madison Square Garden next season are slim to none. One team will get lucky enough to draft Jalen Suggs – barring an unlikely trade, it won’t be the Knicks.
Corey Kispert, Forward
You don’t go undefeated throughout the regular season and the tournament without a surplus of talent – something Gonzaga has. Arguably the best shooter in the country, forward Corey Kispert, will be a welcome addition to any team in the NBA Draft. Kispert does a multitude of things well: He’s an unselfish offensive player, a good enough defender, and of course, the lights-out shooting.
If he’s available at the NY Knicks’ selection, their front office shouldn’t hesitate to turn in their pick. Kispert’s NBA ready – he’ll be a valuable piece in some team’s rotation next season. He’s been most commonly compared to a key player on the Brooklyn Nets – Joe Harris. Kispert’s play would give the Knicks a whole new gear – him raining threes down at The Mecca would be a sight to behold.
Joel Ayayi, Guard
He doesn’t draw the same amount of attention his teammates do, but if you forget about Joel Ayayi – he’ll quickly jog your memory. While he’s never had to be the star of the show, he’s stolen it on occasion – like his big games in wins against Kansas and West Virginia earlier in the season. An athletic play-maker who possesses the ability to shoot the ball, the French native could slot in as a solid rotational role player at the next level. He may not be a first-round draft pick, but if he’s there when the Knicks are on the clock in round two, he’s a solid option.
Drew Timme, Forward
I couldn’t make a scouting guide for the National Championship without including the man who possesses the most famous mustache in college basketball right now, Drew Timme. While his athleticism and shooting ability has come into question from scouts, Timme’s savviness and craftiness make him a prospect with just as many supporters as detractors. His quickness along with his passing and scoring ability make him an intriguing prospect – he’s somebody you’d have to take a hard look at in round two. He plays the game fearlessly – evident by him drawing a charge in the waning seconds of a tied semifinals game, while also one foul away from being sent to the bench for good.
The 2021 winner of the Karl Malone Award, which honors the best power forward in college hoops – he’s having a season to remember. Timme’s intelligence, hustle, and strong fundamentals could all score him big points with Thibodeau – a coach who places an emphasis on all three. If the Knicks take a chance on him in the draft, Timme could reward them by developing into a solid contributor for years to come – not bad for a second-round dart throw. Plus, not to mention – they could make a fortune selling fake mustaches.