Tyler Kolek is a 24-year-old American professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Born on March 27, 2001, in Providence, Rhode Island, he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds.
Early Life and Education
Kolek began his high school education at Cumberland High School in Rhode Island before transferring to St. George’s School in Middletown. He was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year during his junior year after averaging 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He committed to George Mason University, where he played for one season, earning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He then transferred to Marquette University, where he had a standout career, culminating in being named Big East Player of the Year in 2023.
Professional Career
Kolek was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but was traded to the New York Knicks on draft night. He signed with the Knicks in July 2024 and made his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, in a game against the Boston Celtics.
Throughout his rookie season, Kolek has had multiple assignments with the Westchester Knicks, the team’s G League affiliate. Notably, on January 1, 2025, he played in both a G League game and an NBA game on the same day, recording 36 points and 11 assists in the G League, followed by 2 points and 4 assists in the NBA game.
In recent games, with injuries affecting key players, Kolek has seized the opportunity to showcase his skills. In a game against the Washington Wizards, he delivered a career-high eight assists, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. His playmaking abilities and readiness have led to discussions about securing a more permanent role in the Knicks’ rotation.
Kolek’s journey from Rhode Island to the NBA highlights his dedication and adaptability, overcoming challenges to make a mark in professional basketball.