Tyler Kolek, born on March 27, 2001, in Providence, Rhode Island, is a professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for the New York Knicks in the NBA.
Early Life and Education
Kolek attended St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he earned the Rhode Island Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year honor as a junior by averaging 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He began his collegiate career at George Mason University, where he was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year in 2021 after averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
He later transferred to Marquette University, where he had a standout career, culminating in being named the Big East Player of the Year in 2023.
Professional Career
In the 2024 NBA Draft, Kolek was selected 34th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers but was traded to the New York Knicks on draft night. He signed with the Knicks on July 5, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, in a game against the Boston Celtics.
Throughout his rookie season, Kolek has also played for the Westchester Knicks in the NBA G League, notably recording a 36-point, 11-assist game on January 1, 2025.
Recent Performance
On March 22, 2025, in a game against the Washington Wizards, Kolek led the Knicks with a career-high eight assists and added three steals, contributing significantly to the team’s 122-103 victory.
Personal Life
Kolek’s father, Kevin, is a retired police officer who played college basketball at Southeastern Massachusetts University, earning Little East Conference Player of the Year honors twice. Tyler’s older brother, Brandon, also played basketball at Franklin Pierce University. Tyler identifies as Catholic.