"We just be calling anybody a steal": College fans react to 2x All-American guard Tyler Kolek getting selected in 2024 NBA draft
The New York Knicks wanted Tyler Kolek, and made multiple trades to move up in the second round of the NBA Draft to get him. In the end, Kolek was selected with the No. 34 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, a pick which has received widespread praise from the media.
Fans were quick to react to the the Knicks drafting Kolek.
"Knicks actually gonna be nasty bro," one fan said.
Other fans didn't agree with the idea that Tyler Kolek is a top pick who sneaked into the second round.
"We just be calling anybody a steal," a fan said.
Another fan echoed the idea that players were being hyped up too much this year.
"I swear there has been like 20 “steals” so far," the fan said.
The amount of playing time Kolek will receive remains uncertain, as he will likely have to fight for it with the Knicks' established starter Jalen Brunson.
"Lol Thibs lands another hard worker," one fan said.
Tyler Kolek's pick rating
In general, the press has responded positively to Tyler Kokek's secltion, with Bleacher Report giving it a B+ rating. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report said the following about the decision by the Knicks and Kolek's potential:
"Kolek looks like a plug-and-play backup point guard. There are some concerns about whether he'll grow into anything more than that, but at the 34th pick, it might be more beneficial to fill a role than to chase long-shot upside," Buckley wrote.
Some experts were surprised that Kolek slipped into the second round, as they expected him to be a first-round pick. Kolek spent four seasons in college level, one at George Mason (2020-21) and three with Marquette.
In 2024, Tyler Kolek led the NCAA in assists and was a Consensus All-American. He was named the Big East Player of the Year and a Second Team All-American in 2023, along with First Team All-Big East selections in 2023 and 2024. During his time with George Mason in 2021, he was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year.