Fresh off a bronze medal finish at the FIBA World Cup, Frank Ntlikina is feeling confident entering year three with the New York Knicks.
New York Knicks fans can start to buy back some of the real estate on Frank Ntilikina Island. The 2017 lottery pick is the single most polarizing player on the roster, but he silenced some of his critics over the past two weeks.
Ntilikina played an integral role in France’s run to bronze at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. He took over in the fourth quarter against Team USA in what would be France’s best win of the tournament.
The young point guard feels like he has his swagger back. The Frenchman spoke with Marc Stein of the New York Times after France’s victory over Australia on Sunday.
Ntilikina declared that he’s finally healthy and he also mentioned that he has “that feeling back.” The 21-year-old played with supreme confidence and it showed in his play. He was assertive on offense and played his typical stifling perimeter defense.
After two rough seasons with the Knicks, this World Cup had to feel good for Ntilikina. He was able to showcase his worth on a winning team.
In regards to next season, Ntilikina already sounds excited about returning to Madison Square Garden. The guard told Stein that the “whole group is very hungry for next season.”
Most are counting out the Knicks after they missed out on the cream of the crop in free agency. This young team will likely enter the season with a gigantic chip on its shoulder.
As for the support from Knicks fans during the World Cup, Ntilikina appreciates the love he’s receiving.
“I feel their support every day.”
