The New York Knicks made headlines during the 2024 NBA Draft by selecting Marquette’s standout point guard, Tyler Kolek, with the 34th overall pick, acquired via Portland. Kolek, a 6-foot-3 point guard, has shown immense promise throughout his college career, and his impressive Wonderlic score has further solidified his reputation as a cerebral and skilled player.
Tyler Kolek’s journey to the NBA began with a stellar high school career in Cumberland, Rhode Island. After an impressive freshman year at George Mason, Kolek transferred to Marquette, where he blossomed into one of the top point guards in college basketball. During his senior year, Kolek averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. He started all 31 games he played in, further proving his durability and consistency.
Kolek’s time at Marquette was marked by numerous accolades. He was named two-time All Big-East, earned the 2022-23 Big East Player of the Year award, and was named the Big East Tournament MVP in 2023. These achievements highlight his impact on the court and his ability to perform at a high level consistently.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Kolek excelled in other areas of the game. He recorded career-bests in assists (7.7), rebounds (4.9), and free throw percentage (85%) in 2023. His ability to distribute the ball and contribute in various facets of the game made him a valuable asset for Marquette.
Kolek’s impressive Wonderlic score has drawn attention from NBA scouts and executives. The Wonderlic test, often used to gauge a player’s cognitive abilities and decision-making skills, revealed Kolek’s strong mental acuity. This, combined with his on-court performance, makes him a promising prospect for the NBA.
The Knicks have been active this offseason, making significant moves to bolster their roster. In addition to selecting Tyler Kolek, the Knicks drafted 18-year-old French prospect Pacome Dadiet with the 25th overall pick. The franchise also made a blockbuster trade, acquiring Mikal Bridges and a 2026 second-round pick from the Nets in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, multiple unprotected first-round picks, and other draft assets.
Moreover, the Knicks signed O.G. Anunoby to a massive five-year, $212.5 million deal, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive team. These strategic moves, combined with the addition of Kolek, indicate the Knicks’ focus on creating a well-rounded and talented roster.
Tyler Kolek’s scouting report highlights his strengths and areas for improvement. Known for his exceptional pick-and-roll playmaking, Kolek has the ability to dissect opposing defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. His shooting has also improved significantly, with Kolek hitting 39% of his shots from beyond the arc and showing proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations and floaters.
While there is some debate about how much of his scoring will translate to the NBA, Kolek’s passing and basketball IQ are considered highly translatable. His performance at the 2024 NBA Combine, where he showcased his shooting skills, further boosted his draft stock. Kolek went 17-for-25 on a spot-up shooting exercise and recorded 12 consecutive threes on the star drill, demonstrating his potential as a reliable shooter at the next level.
Tyler Kolek’s selection by the New York Knicks at the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his basketball career. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and high Wonderlic score makes him a promising addition to the Knicks’ roster. As the Knicks continue to make strategic moves to build a competitive team, Kolek’s development and contributions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.