3 Big 10 players Knicks fans must watch in March Madness

The New York Knicks‘ season is dwindling to an end and the focus has been shifted to the 2022 draft, which is in 99 days. March Madness officially kicked off on Tuesday night with the First Four, so the tournament is in full swing.

As a Knicks fan, it’s normal to be exceptionally excited about this time of year, and given that New York’s had yet another disappointing season, this year’s no different.

Fans would erupt if the Knicks drafted a point guard but then again if Tom Thibodeau is still at the helm next season, would he be willing to start a rookie? Even though this year’s gone south, we’ve seen how Thibodeau’s treated Miles McBride and the other young players.

New York is likely to have a busy offseason but before free agency begins on Jul. 1, the Knicks will add some new faces to the roster on Jun. 23. As of right now, New York will kick off the night with a lottery pick.

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, you know who fans want the Knicks to choose with that first pick. With that being said, let’s take a look at 3 Big 10 players that New York could choose in the draft.

3 Big 10 players for New York Knicks fans to watch during March Madness.

3: Johnny Davis – SG/PG

Wisconsin sophomore Johnny Davis was recently named first-team All-Big Ten and the consensus Big Ten Player of the Year. The guard is averaging 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the 29 games that he’s played in for the Badgers this year.

He’s shooting 43.4% from the field, 31.7% from the 3-point line, and 78.3% from the free-throw line.

In 2020-21, Davis averaged seven points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in the 31 contests that he played in. He started in one game last season and has started in all 29 contests this year.

Davis went from being a non-starter to being the best player in the conference, and he’ll soon be a lottery pick.

Johnny Davis could be an offensive threat for the New York Knicks.

In ESPN’s latest mock draft (subscription required) that came out on Mar. 15, Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have Davis going to San Antonio at No. 8.

The pick before that, ESPN has Duke’s AJ Griffin going to the Knicks so Davis may still be on the board when New York makes its decision.

At six-foot-five, Davis still needs to work on his 3-point shot but he’s averaging nearly 20+ points per game by driving to the basket or pulling up from mid-range.

He’s operated more as a shooting guard but if he’s drafted to New York, he’ll need to iron out his playmaking abilities. Davis is averaging 2.3 turnovers per game but that’s with a high usage rate.

If the Knicks draft Davis, the team will be getting a guard who can effectively score and rebound. As the 20-year-old continues to develop, he could be the answer that New York’s been searching for at point guard.

No. 3 Wisconsin will face No. 14 Colgate on Friday, Mar. 18 at 9:50 p.m. ET on TBS.