The New York Knicks were able to add to the cast of former Villanova players in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks rely heavily on the Villanova Wildcats for their recent success. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Donte Divincenzo all achieved success at the college level along with the Wildcats, continuing to play (and win) with the Knicks.
New York has only one draft topic in 2025, and will select 50th overall. While no stars are usually found later in the draft, the Knicks were able to turn to Villanova and draft Eric Dixon, the college’s greatest scorer ever.
Dixon is a 24-year-old power forward who has won the Big East team three times, leading the country with scoring last season and managed to get on the board as the Knicks make a pick.
Academic and athletic, Villanova’s alumni network is strong as an elite private school. The former college player who found Stardom in the NBA frequently returns to Villanova to lead his training, talk to players and take shots.
“The best part is seeing those guys come back,” Dixon spoke about his relationship with the former Wildcats and the current Knicks, telling Hoops’ hype.
“I had a pretty good relationship with Mikal and JB. It’s great to see them succeed. They’re back and they’re part of the brotherhood and I want to see your brother do well. Seeing them succeed is a huge boost for the brand and the program.
Before he made a deal with the Knicks last summer, Bridge worked to expand his game on both ends of the courthouse. As a prospect, Dixon has very realistic concerns about his game, and the blueprint laid out by the former Wildcats is worth following.
“I remember being around Mikal last summer and seeing how much he worked in his game and seeing him hit those shots in the game,” he finished. “It’s fun to see the hard work pay off, I remember being around JB after he signed with the Knicks.
Dixon is not expected to be chosen for the lottery, and you’ll be surprised that he went to the first round.
He’s not a guaranteed NBA talent, but he’s the type of player the Knicks are striving to add, not just for his college, and ESPN predicts he’ll go to New York in 50th place.
In his final college season, the Burley 6-foot-8 forward averaged 23.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, shooting 45.1% from the floor and 40.7% from the deep.
He can shoot from deep, but he doesn’t mind using his frame on the barrel towards the hoop. It’s very difficult for the steam head to stop completely. He can play in numerous positions and across the floor, and could certainly be a versatile bench player for the Knicks who need depth.
But he’s not the perfect player. His passing and pace prevent him from becoming a facilitator, and he is very likely to leave the job. Plus, his lack of athleticism can prevent him from being on the defensive side, but he has the strength to size up the center and equip a guard center.
The Knicks need to add as much depth as possible and there is a limited path to doing that. If Dixon is still on the board, expect New York to take him.