Dink Pate, a guard for the Westchester Knicks, is actively exploring his collegiate options, according to his agent Sam Permut and reports from Jonathan Givony. This season, Pate has participated in 13 games, demonstrating his skills with an average of 33.5 minutes on the court, 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Since embarking on this transition, Pate has reportedly attracted interest from over 50 colleges. Notably, he has declined several two-way contracts from NBA teams to maintain his eligibility for college athletics. At just 19 years old, Pate has already amassed three seasons of professional basketball experience, having previously played for the G-League Ignite and the Mexico City Capitanes.
Pate’s decision follows a trend where several players from the G-League have been given the chance to compete at the collegiate level. This is further amplified by the ongoing legal case involving G-League player Charles Bediako, who is suing the NCAA for more eligibility. Pate, a four-star recruit in high school, caught the attention of several high-profile programs, including Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas.
As Pate navigates this significant decision, he stands at a crossroads that could shape his basketball career, with many opportunities ahead in the collegiate arena. The growing dialogue around collegiate eligibility for G-League players may pave the way for more athletes to pursue this route, fostering a nurturing environment for development and growth in the sport.