The New York Knicks could add to their cast of former Villanova players in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks have relied heavily on the Villanova Wildcats during their recent run of success. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Donte DiVincenzo all found success at the college level with the Wildcats and have gone on to play (and win) with the Knicks.
New York only has one draft pick in 2025 and will select 50th overall. While stars aren’t usually found that late in the draft, the Knicks could turn to Villanova and draft the college’s all-time leading scorer, Eric Dixon.
Dixon is a 24-year-old power forward who made the Big East team three times and led the country in scoring last season, and could be on the board when the Knicks make their pick.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty ImagesEric Dixon admires New York Knicks
As an elite private school, both academically and athletically, Villanova’s alumni network is strong. Former college players who have found stardom in the NBA frequently return to Villanova to lead workouts, speak to players, or just get shots up.
“The best part is seeing those guys come back,” Dixon said of his relationship with former Wildcats and current Knicks, speaking to Hoops Hype.
“I’ve had a pretty good relationship with Mikal and JB. It’s nice to see them succeed. They come back, they’re part of the brotherhood, and you want to see your brothers do well. Seeing them have success is a big boost for the brand and the program. That stuff is great, but it’s even better to see people I’ve watched work hard succeed.”
Before being traded to the Knicks last summer, Bridges worked on expanding his game on both ends of the court. Dixon, as a prospect, has some very real concerns about his game, and the blueprint laid out by former Wildcats is worth following.
“I remember being around Mikal last summer and seeing how much he worked on his game, and then watching him hit those shots in a game,” he finished. “It’s fun to see that hard work pay off. I remember being around JB after he signed with the Knicks, just seeing how excited he was and ready to prove people wrong. Watching him do it has been great.”
How Dixon could fit with New York Knicks
Dixon is not expected to be a lottery pick, and it would be surprising if he even went in the first round.
While he is not a guaranteed NBA talent, he is exactly the type of player the Knicks strive to add, and not just because of his college, and ESPN have him projected to go 50th to New York.
In his final college season, the burly 6-foot-8 forward averaged 23.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 45.1% from the floor and 40.7% from deep.
He can shoot from deep, but doesn’t mind using his frame to barrel towards the hoop, and with a full head of steam, is very hard to stop. He can play a multitude of positions and all over the floor, and could be a versatile bench player for the Knicks who surely need depth.
However, he is not a perfect player. His passing and pace will prevent him from being a facilitator, and he is very turnover prone. On top of that, his lack of athleticism could hold him back on the defensive end, although he has the strength to size up and guard centers.
The Knicks need to add as much depth as possible, and have limited avenues to do that. If Dixon is still on the board, expect New York to take him.