The move to the NBA has been the deciding factor for many college standouts. The New York Knicks are hoping former All-Big 12 first-teamer Kevin McCullar Jr.’s work ethic and impressive college success will make him a solid second-round pick.
Drafted out of Phoenix, which traded his rights to New York, McCullar, a three-year Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist, just signed a two-way deal with the New York Knicks . Breaking into the rotation is unlikely, but the Knicks are a physical team, and if injuries affect any position, having insurance at forward is the most important thing.
At 6 feet, 6 inches, the agile McCullar is comfortable with the ball in his hands. His willingness to be a point guard combined with a sure shot allowed him to be one of two NCAA players to average more than 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.
A career-high 34 points in a win over Yale saw Kevin shoot 61 percent from the field and make four threes on seven attempts. A knee injury to McCullar made headlines when it was reported that he would be unable to make the NCAA tournament last season.