New York Knicks: 14 NBA Draft Targets in the 2017 NCAA Tournament

Chip Murphy • 03/16/2017

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

12. Luke Kennard, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (06/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.0″, 187 pounds, 6’5.0″
2016-17 Slash Line: .500/.443/.849
2016-17 Averages: 35.9 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG

Luke Kennard went from a role player on last season’s Duke team to the best player on this year’s squad. After Kennard’s freshman season he wouldn’t have considered even leaving for the draft, but now he’s guaranteed to be a first round pick.

The 20-year-old looked like a spot up shooter with limited potential in other areas before exploding onto the scene.

https://youtu.be/1vCwZQ4iqhs

Kennard improved his ball handling, shot creation, footwork, and shooting off the dribble. After shooting just 31.8 percent on three-point attempts last season, his percentage has jumped to 44.3 percent on more attempts per game in 2016-17.

He’s also turned into a workhorse for Duke along with being one of the best offensive players in the country.

Kennard leads the ACC in points per game, win shares, points produced, and offensive rating. He’s second in the conference in minutes per game.

The former McDonald’s All-American will be one of the best shooters available in this draft.

[sc name=”Knicks Link Slideshow” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2017/03/16/new-york-knicks-10-2017-nba-draft-targets-ncaa-tournament/5″ text=”The Louisville Gunner” ]