5 NCAA Prospects the New York Knicks should have their eyes on
5. Connor Vanover
Connor Vanover is a player that will be on all professional teams’ radars. Standing tall at 7-5, the senior at Oral Roberts University can be vital to many teams. He is an excellent shot-blocker, currently third in the nation with four blocks per game. The best thing about him is that he is not afraid to step out and take a three.
Vanover is a stretch five that will fit perfect in today’s NBA as he takes around six threes a game, shooting the ball at 38%. He can shoot over anyone and has the advantage on the defensive end as well.
Honorable mentions
Phil Jackson, Earl Monroe, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, along with a slew of other players Division II players, have made it in the NBA. Even a few Division III players such as Devean George and Duncan Robinson have worn an NBA jersey. Basketball is basketball if you ask me. Whether you play for Kansas University or Lasell College, if you can play the game and dominate your competition, you should be noticed. Here’s a few players the Knicks might want to peek at.
Shawn Anderson is a 6-6 Senior at Seattle Pacific University. He is averaging 30 points per game through two games, good for third in the country for Division II schools. He is perfect from the free throw stripe thus far, making 22 of 22, and is shooting over 40% from three-point range.
Cade Carroll is a 6-5 Senior, who plays for Crown (MN) University. The Division III star is lighting it up to start the season. Through three games, he is averaging a double-double with 31 points per game to go with 10 rebounds.
Another Division III standout, Ousmane Kourouma, is a force in the paint. The 6-6 junior plays for Rhode Island College and is leading Division III in rebounds with a whopping average of 17.3 rebounds per game through three games.
If things don’t go right, the Knicks should look at these players to build their team for next year.