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New York Knicks: 5 prospects to watch in 2018 NCAA Tournament East Region

By Kenneth Teape

NORMAN, OK - FEBRUARY 05: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers waits to enter the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center on February 5, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. West Virginia defeated Oklahoma 75-73. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - FEBRUARY 05: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers waits to enter the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center on February 5, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. West Virginia defeated Oklahoma 75-73. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 prospects to watch in NCAA Tournament East Region
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

2. Collin Sexton, Alabama

If the Knicks are serious about adding another point guard to the rotation and want to use their first pick on one, you might as well aim high. There aren’t many better point guard prospects in this year’s class that Alabama’s Collin Sexton.

Sexton has been making a name for himself all season. The performance he had in a bizarre situation earlier in the season when Alabama had to play 5-on-3 against Minnesota made highlight reels everywhere. You’d have thought that may be the highlight of Sexton’s season, but you would have thought wrong.

Sexton was dominant in the SEC tournament, leading Alabama to victories over Texas A&M and No. 1 seed Auburn before falling to eventual champion Kentucky. Sexton put on a show in St. Louis, breaking the Alabama SEC tournament scoring record in the process.

When watching Sexton play, his athleticism is what jumps off the screen. He is explosive and extremely quick. If you blink, he will be by you finishing at the rim. Sexton can score from all over the court, evident from his 19 points per game. He is a little turnover-prone at times, as he averaged 2.6 per game compared to 3.5 assists. That is something that can be reeled in over time as he learns how to harness his skills.

There is a good chance that Sexton improves in the areas that he is currently weaker in. He brings it defensively, which is also a positive. His style of play may scare some teams, as it could lead to injury. However, you will not have to question his energy or effort. If you select Sexton, you are getting a player you know will give energy and effort night in and night out.

If the Knicks are intent on picking a point guard early, Sexton is the player they should target.