Immanuel Quickley to the Knicks @ 25

[robillionaire]

this came out a few weeks ago if you were trying to read the tea leaves

https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-draft-watch-john-calipari-warns-nba-teams-not-to-sleep-on-immanuel-quickley/

The New York Knicks have met Kentucky Wildcat Immanuel Quickley twice ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft.
Devin Booker and Tyler Herro were two of the most recent former University of Kentucky guards who got overlooked in the NBA Draft.

Immanuel Quickley is poised to be the next sleeper in the Draft from Hall of Fame coach John Calipari’s program.



“Immanuel Quickley was the Player of the Year in our league. He’s right up there with the hardest workers spending the most time in the gym, most committed players that I’ve ever had,” Calipari told Empire Sports Media via Zoom call. “You better give him a second, third, or fourth look before you pass on him because he’s another one.”

Booker and Herro were selected 13th overall in the 2015 and 2019 NBA Draft, respectively. And they have both outplayed their draft position.

With Herro’s rousing rookie season still fresh in league scouts and executives’ minds, the sweet-shooting Quickley has seen his draft stock rise with more and more teams showing strong interest recently.

According to his trainer and former AAU coach Jide Sodipo, Quickley has talked to almost all NBA teams except the Portland Trail Blazers.

And of the 29 teams, Quickley has already interviewed twice with the Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and the Miami Heat.

“They were trying to find out more about his character. Not only about basketball. What kind of a young man he is,” Sodipo told Empire Sports Media over the phone. “And as far as the Knicks are concerned, I think they know more about him more than anybody team in the NBA.”

Of course, the Knicks have former Kentucky lead assistant and chief recruiter Kenny Payne in their fold. Payne has the intel that might help persuade the Knicks front office to take a gamble on Quickley’s potential.

Quickley could be in play for the Knicks’ 27th or even 38th pick if he’s still on board. But Sodipo has a firm belief that his ward won’t last past the first round.

In most scouting reports, Quickly is a scoring guard with a knack for hitting the outside shot. It’s the same type of profile that has made Herro a riser in last year’s NBA Draft.

“He (Immanuel) spaces the court because he’s making threes. It’s what everybody knows. It’s where the league is going right now? You better be able to make threes. If you can’t, you better have some unbelievable talent; you better have ESP or something like that if you can’t shoot. The game has changed,” Calipari said.

Quickley further cemented his status as a reliable scorer when he ended his collegiate career with 20 consecutive double-digit scoring games — the longest streak by a Wildcat since Malik Monk (30) in 2016-17. On top of that, he has also hit at least one three-pointer in his last 11 games, including a career-high eight on his way to a 30-point performance in a 69-60 win against Texas A&M last February.

Quickley has the shooting skill to carve out a role in the modern NBA. But he is more than just a shooter, according to Sodipo.

“People don’t understand that he was a pass-first point guard all of his life. He loves to share the ball and bring out the best in his teammates. But you know, when you go to a school like Kentucky, you have to sacrifice,” Sodipo explained. “Sometimes, you have to play a role. That’s what’s asked of you. What he did was he made the most out of it.”

To better understand and appreciate Quickley, you have to look at the roster makeup of the Wildcats.

During Quickley’s freshman year, Kentucky had a crowded backcourt with Hagans, Herro, and Quade Green.

Then in his sophomore year, Tyrese Maxey came in. Both Maxey (29.2 percent) and Hagans (25.8 percent) didn’t shoot well from the outside, and Quickley quickly jumped into the opportunity.

“Last year we went to three guards. I wasn’t doing that early in the year, but as the year went on, I just said, ‘Immanuel Quickley, he needs to be starting.’ That means somebody else couldn’t start. [Quickley] ended up being Player of the Year in our league, but he trusted me to figure it out.” Calipari said.

After averaging just 5.2 points per game as a freshman, Quickley led the Wildcats in scoring (16.1 ppg), made 3-pointers (62), 3-point percentage (.428), free throws made (144), attempted (156), and free throw percentage (.923) during as a sophomore to become the fifth SEC Player of the Year under Calipari.

That’s part of the myth surrounding former Wildcats who have exploded in the NBA. Because Calipari’s program has been perennially loaded with talent, players like Booker, Herro, Bam Adebayo, and now Quickley have been victims of circumstances that, in a way, held their game back.

That’s one of the biggest reasons why Quickley has the “Sleeper” tag.

“He brings more to the game than just his shooting. You’ve only seen around 50 or 60 percent of his game [in college], I can tell you. And that’s gonna surprise a lot of people,” Sodipo said.


Quickley can get hot quickly on offense. He could find a role similar to what Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams have perfected in their respective long NBA careers — offensive spark off the bench.

Defensively, Quickley has the length (6’9 and 3/4″ wingspan from his Draft Combine measurement last week) and the quickness to be a disruptor.

If there’s anyone who knows Quickley’s game in and out, it’s Sodipo, who’s been coaching Quickley since 2015.

“He can handle the ball. He’s a true point guard that can score. He has a great basketball IQ. He’s great in pick and roll. He’s a great defender and can rebound, and that’s his game that people don’t know unless you really watch his game and go back to his freshman year, his high school years,” Sodipo said.

Quickley was a decorated high school player and was one of the nation’s top point guards. He was a McDonald’s All-American and the 10th best prospect by Rivals.com and 12th by ESPN coming out of high school in 2017.

In his sophomore year, he hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to lead The John Carroll School Patriots to a 51–50 win over Mount Saint Joseph High School in the Baltimore Catholic League championship. He earned All-Metro Player of the Year recognition.

In his junior year, he averaged 23.7 points and 7.2 assists per game and was named to the First Team All-Metro. As a senior, he normed 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game and led the team to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title.

He was a shotmaker and a playmaker in high school, but he had to adjust his game in college to fit within Kentucky’s system.

Throughout the years, Sodipo has come to know Quickley deeper than everybody else in the 21-year old’s basketball circle.

“He’s a special young man, very focused. He’s a young man that really loves the game,” Sodipo said.

Quickley comes from a family with a reputable background that speaks volumes of his character.

“His mother is a high school principal. His father is a church minister,” Sodipo said.

Quickley’s faith and a balanced lifestyle have helped him navigate a bumpy collegiate career where he understood that he had to earn his spot despite being a five-star recruit out of high school.

“He’s always in the gym, getting better at his craft. He’s somebody that he wants to get better,” Sodipo said.

“But when he was growing up, he’s played drums and other musical instruments. He’s been studious and religious. He’s a really fine, talented young man.”

Quickley checks all the boxes for teams looking for a high-character guy who has NBA skills to match.

Sodipo has been training him non-stop in a private gym just five minutes from the Quickley’s residence.

“We’ve been working on his game, getting stronger, working on his strength and conditioning, shooting, ball handling, passing drills and everything,” Sodipo said.

Quickley is determined to prove to everyone that he’s more than just a shooter and a sleeper in this unpredictable Draft class.

[FreeSpiritNY]

Daniel Oturu was a good pick but quickly does not look good. It looks like a lot of his shots went in because of pure luck. I would have preferred cassius winston. Someone who has proven year after year can play and has great court vision or Grant Riller with a bought pick.

[Juco24]

I watch every UK game, he was easily the team's best player last year and carried the team. Was a lot better than Maxey but Maxey had the higher ceiling. But for a team desperate for shooting he can deliver that

How's his handle?

[Strick]

Watch on YouTube

Intro was a bit wild with him ending up here. Wish him the best. Seems like a good kid and he can shoot it

[Clyde_Style]

this came out a few weeks ago if you were trying to read the tea leaves

https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-draft-watch-john-calipari-warns-nba-teams-not-to-sleep-on-immanuel-quickley/

Spoiler:

The New York Knicks have met Kentucky Wildcat Immanuel Quickley twice ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft.
Devin Booker and Tyler Herro were two of the most recent former University of Kentucky guards who got overlooked in the NBA Draft.

Immanuel Quickley is poised to be the next sleeper in the Draft from Hall of Fame coach John Calipari’s program.



“Immanuel Quickley was the Player of the Year in our league. He’s right up there with the hardest workers spending the most time in the gym, most committed players that I’ve ever had,” Calipari told Empire Sports Media via Zoom call. “You better give him a second, third, or fourth look before you pass on him because he’s another one.”

Booker and Herro were selected 13th overall in the 2015 and 2019 NBA Draft, respectively. And they have both outplayed their draft position.

With Herro’s rousing rookie season still fresh in league scouts and executives’ minds, the sweet-shooting Quickley has seen his draft stock rise with more and more teams showing strong interest recently.

According to his trainer and former AAU coach Jide Sodipo, Quickley has talked to almost all NBA teams except the Portland Trail Blazers.

And of the 29 teams, Quickley has already interviewed twice with the Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and the Miami Heat.

“They were trying to find out more about his character. Not only about basketball. What kind of a young man he is,” Sodipo told Empire Sports Media over the phone. “And as far as the Knicks are concerned, I think they know more about him more than anybody team in the NBA.”

Of course, the Knicks have former Kentucky lead assistant and chief recruiter Kenny Payne in their fold. Payne has the intel that might help persuade the Knicks front office to take a gamble on Quickley’s potential.

Quickley could be in play for the Knicks’ 27th or even 38th pick if he’s still on board. But Sodipo has a firm belief that his ward won’t last past the first round.

In most scouting reports, Quickly is a scoring guard with a knack for hitting the outside shot. It’s the same type of profile that has made Herro a riser in last year’s NBA Draft.

“He (Immanuel) spaces the court because he’s making threes. It’s what everybody knows. It’s where the league is going right now? You better be able to make threes. If you can’t, you better have some unbelievable talent; you better have ESP or something like that if you can’t shoot. The game has changed,” Calipari said.

Quickley further cemented his status as a reliable scorer when he ended his collegiate career with 20 consecutive double-digit scoring games — the longest streak by a Wildcat since Malik Monk (30) in 2016-17. On top of that, he has also hit at least one three-pointer in his last 11 games, including a career-high eight on his way to a 30-point performance in a 69-60 win against Texas A&M last February.

Quickley has the shooting skill to carve out a role in the modern NBA. But he is more than just a shooter, according to Sodipo.

“People don’t understand that he was a pass-first point guard all of his life. He loves to share the ball and bring out the best in his teammates. But you know, when you go to a school like Kentucky, you have to sacrifice,” Sodipo explained. “Sometimes, you have to play a role. That’s what’s asked of you. What he did was he made the most out of it.”

To better understand and appreciate Quickley, you have to look at the roster makeup of the Wildcats.

During Quickley’s freshman year, Kentucky had a crowded backcourt with Hagans, Herro, and Quade Green.

Then in his sophomore year, Tyrese Maxey came in. Both Maxey (29.2 percent) and Hagans (25.8 percent) didn’t shoot well from the outside, and Quickley quickly jumped into the opportunity.

“Last year we went to three guards. I wasn’t doing that early in the year, but as the year went on, I just said, ‘Immanuel Quickley, he needs to be starting.’ That means somebody else couldn’t start. [Quickley] ended up being Player of the Year in our league, but he trusted me to figure it out.” Calipari said.

After averaging just 5.2 points per game as a freshman, Quickley led the Wildcats in scoring (16.1 ppg), made 3-pointers (62), 3-point percentage (.428), free throws made (144), attempted (156), and free throw percentage (.923) during as a sophomore to become the fifth SEC Player of the Year under Calipari.

That’s part of the myth surrounding former Wildcats who have exploded in the NBA. Because Calipari’s program has been perennially loaded with talent, players like Booker, Herro, Bam Adebayo, and now Quickley have been victims of circumstances that, in a way, held their game back.

That’s one of the biggest reasons why Quickley has the “Sleeper” tag.

“He brings more to the game than just his shooting. You’ve only seen around 50 or 60 percent of his game [in college], I can tell you. And that’s gonna surprise a lot of people,” Sodipo said.


Quickley can get hot quickly on offense. He could find a role similar to what Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams have perfected in their respective long NBA careers — offensive spark off the bench.

Defensively, Quickley has the length (6’9 and 3/4″ wingspan from his Draft Combine measurement last week) and the quickness to be a disruptor.

If there’s anyone who knows Quickley’s game in and out, it’s Sodipo, who’s been coaching Quickley since 2015.

“He can handle the ball. He’s a true point guard that can score. He has a great basketball IQ. He’s great in pick and roll. He’s a great defender and can rebound, and that’s his game that people don’t know unless you really watch his game and go back to his freshman year, his high school years,” Sodipo said.

Quickley was a decorated high school player and was one of the nation’s top point guards. He was a McDonald’s All-American and the 10th best prospect by Rivals.com and 12th by ESPN coming out of high school in 2017.

In his sophomore year, he hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to lead The John Carroll School Patriots to a 51–50 win over Mount Saint Joseph High School in the Baltimore Catholic League championship. He earned All-Metro Player of the Year recognition.

In his junior year, he averaged 23.7 points and 7.2 assists per game and was named to the First Team All-Metro. As a senior, he normed 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game and led the team to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title.

He was a shotmaker and a playmaker in high school, but he had to adjust his game in college to fit within Kentucky’s system.

Throughout the years, Sodipo has come to know Quickley deeper than everybody else in the 21-year old’s basketball circle.

“He’s a special young man, very focused. He’s a young man that really loves the game,” Sodipo said.

Quickley comes from a family with a reputable background that speaks volumes of his character.

“His mother is a high school principal. His father is a church minister,” Sodipo said.

Quickley’s faith and a balanced lifestyle have helped him navigate a bumpy collegiate career where he understood that he had to earn his spot despite being a five-star recruit out of high school.

“He’s always in the gym, getting better at his craft. He’s somebody that he wants to get better,” Sodipo said.

“But when he was growing up, he’s played drums and other musical instruments. He’s been studious and religious. He’s a really fine, talented young man.”

Quickley checks all the boxes for teams looking for a high-character guy who has NBA skills to match.

Sodipo has been training him non-stop in a private gym just five minutes from the Quickley’s residence.

“We’ve been working on his game, getting stronger, working on his strength and conditioning, shooting, ball handling, passing drills and everything,” Sodipo said.

Quickley is determined to prove to everyone that he’s more than just a shooter and a sleeper in this unpredictable Draft class.

Very good read

If he is all that then I feel pretty good about this pick

[SelbyCobra]

Read on Twitter

[blanko]

In the modern nba combo guards/guards who can space the floor are in high demand. Him and obi (hopefully iggy alsl) will help open the floor for rj.

Sent from my SM-N960N using Tapatalk

[robillionaire]

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Triple C]

Read on Twitter

[CharlesOakley]

6’9 and 3/4″ wingspan! Shoots 92% from the line and 42% from 3. Has some potential to play the 1 at the next level. He has a handle and isn't just a shooter. Step backs, change of direction, floaters and head fakes.

He has high upside imo.

[Gravy]

Curry-lite with defense!

Read on Twitter

[iLLmatic860]

Im SOLD Quickley

Dude really seems to be strictly business with I'm sure Thibs will love

[HarthorneWingo]

Pre-Draft Analysis
Quickley emerged as one of the top guards in college basketball, winning SEC Player of the Year honors. He averaged 18.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in conference play, shooting 48% from 3 and 92% from the free throw line. Quickley was highly regarded entering Kentucky. He was a McDonald's All American and four-time participant at USA Basketball camps, gagnant a gold medaille at the FIBA U17 World Cup and bronze at the U19 World Cup.

After playing point guard early in his career, Quickley largely came off the bench as a freshman behind Ashton Hagans and Tyler Herro, and spent much of his time off the ball as a sophomore as part of a three-guard lineup with Hagans and projected lottery pick Tyrese Maxey.Quickley has good size for a guard at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan that helped him emerge as one of the best defenders in the college game. His ability to slow down guards, wings and forwards alike was a key part of the Wildcats' success this season, along with his excellent perimeter shooting. NBA teams will likely want to get a better feel for Quickley's playmaking and shot-creation ability operating on the ball, a role they didn't get to see enough of in his time at Kentucky. - Givony

Post-Draft Analysis
The Knicks traded down to No. 25 to select Immanuel Quickley here.

Few expected Kentucky guards Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley to be drafted to close together, a strong indication of the premium NBA teams put on perimeter shooting, which happens to be Quickley's biggest strength.

An excellent defender as well as an outstanding teammate, Quickley's IQ and versatility make him a strong candidate to play alongside the ball-dominant RJ Barrett. -- Jonathan Givony

He's not better than Frank or Dotson. Looks like a favor to Calipari draft pick. We didn't need help there. Smh

[Garbagelo]

He's a less athletic Malik Monk

[Clyde_Style]

Curry-lite with defense!

Read on Twitter

I like how he sprinted all the way cross court to get to his spot. A lot of guys NEVER do that, I mean NEVER

[Clyde_Style]

Jesus, the hot takes are already flying in

night

[HarthorneWingo]

6’9 and 3/4″ wingspan! Shoots 92% from the line and 42% from 3. Has some potential to play the 1 at the next level. He has a handle and isn't just a shooter. Step backs, change of direction, floaters and head fakes.

He has high upside imo.

what position does he play?

[MaseInYourFace]

Pre-Draft Analysis
Quickley emerged as one of the top guards in college basketball, winning SEC Player of the Year honors. He averaged 18.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in conference play, shooting 48% from 3 and 92% from the free throw line. Quickley was highly regarded entering Kentucky. He was a McDonald's All American and four-time participant at USA Basketball camps, gagnant a gold medaille at the FIBA U17 World Cup and bronze at the U19 World Cup.

After playing point guard early in his career, Quickley largely came off the bench as a freshman behind Ashton Hagans and Tyler Herro, and spent much of his time off the ball as a sophomore as part of a three-guard lineup with Hagans and projected lottery pick Tyrese Maxey.Quickley has good size for a guard at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan that helped him emerge as one of the best defenders in the college game. His ability to slow down guards, wings and forwards alike was a key part of the Wildcats' success this season, along with his excellent perimeter shooting. NBA teams will likely want to get a better feel for Quickley's playmaking and shot-creation ability operating on the ball, a role they didn't get to see enough of in his time at Kentucky. - Givony

Post-Draft Analysis
The Knicks traded down to No. 25 to select Immanuel Quickley here.

Few expected Kentucky guards Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley to be drafted to close together, a strong indication of the premium NBA teams put on perimeter shooting, which happens to be Quickley's biggest strength.

An excellent defender as well as an outstanding teammate, Quickley's IQ and versatility make him a strong candidate to play alongside the ball-dominant RJ Barrett. -- Jonathan Givony

He's not better than Frank or Dotson. Looks like a favor to Calipari draft pick. We didn't need help there. Smh

Lol I think he’s already better than Frank. Frank is in trouble knicks wise at least...

[blanko]

6’9 and 3/4″ wingspan! Shoots 92% from the line and 42% from 3. Has some potential to play the 1 at the next level. He has a handle and isn't just a shooter. Step backs, change of direction, floaters and head fakes.

He has high upside imo.

what position does he play?

Guard

Sent from my SM-N960N using Tapatalk

[HarthorneWingo]

He's not better than Frank or Dotson. Looks like a favor to Calipari draft pick. We didn't need help there. Smh

Lol I think he’s already better than Frank. Frank is in trouble knicks wise at least...

Yeah, okay Mase. According to you, your grandmother can play better than Frank. You're not a credible poster here when it comes to Frank bc you hate too much. Can't wait to see you eat your drawers.