To steal certainly one of Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s euphonious statements throughout New York Knicks broadcasts, rookie level guard Tyler Kolek is an “early neophyte”.
The previous Marquette star hasn’t made it into the sport rotation but, however getting the nod from the legendary Frazier means one thing.
Frazier It was the toast of New York Metropolis and the the epitome of cool when he helped the Knicks win NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. He has since develop into a beloved tv presence together with his flamboyant apparel and colourful phrasing. Stylize and profile, he mentioned.
Tyler Kolek studying to play for Tom Thibodeau
It is no shock that Frazier likes a little bit persona in his level guards.
Kolek, as MU followers knowhas loads of it. However he is nonetheless studying what it takes to play within the NBA and should not see the court docket when the Knicks host the Milwaukee Bucks Friday night time at Madison Sq. Backyard, though he appeared in New York’s earlier two video games with Cam Payne nursing a hamstring harm. .
“Tyler is an actual crew participant, a pass-first guard who I actually like,” Frazier advised the Journal Sentinel. “And he has a fantastic mentor in Jalen Brunson.”
The 6-foot-1 guard − Frazier would name him “Lilliputian” − confirmed his passing abilities within the NBA summer time league and preseason. However the Knicks are contenders within the Jap Convention, and head coach Tom Thibodeau tends to depend on veterans, so Kolek should bide his time.
“Apart from the truth that he went to Marquette, I actually like Tyler,” Brunson advised the New York Put up through the preseason. “That’s my man. I am not stunned by the way in which he performs. I have been watching him since he is been right here, engaged on his recreation day-after-day within the fitness center. You do the work, the outcomes will present.
Walt Frazier fondly remembers Dean Meminger
Frazier has some historical past with MU level guards.
The legendary Dean Meminger was chosen by the Knicks at No. 16 within the 1971 draft and have become Frazier’s alternative.
“Dean the Dream!” Frazier mentioned. “I keep in mind his enthusiasm and his tenacity. Dean was all the time in nice form. I keep in mind we needed to run 6 minutes in coaching camp, and Dean all the time completed first.
Meminger may very well be a historical past lesson for Kolek.
Meminger did not play a lot early in his rookie season, however confirmed flashes when known as upon. Meminger had 29 factors, 9 assists and 7 rebounds in his fifth NBA recreation whereas Frazier was injured.
“Dean Meminger was quicker than 11:15 a.m. mass at a seaside resort,” former MU coach Al McGuire appreciated to say.
Meminger additionally entered Knicks lore when he got here off the bench to spark the Knicks in Recreation 7 of the 1973 Jap Convention Finals in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
However drug issues derailed Meminger’s NBA profession, which ended after a second stint with the Knicks within the 1976-77 season. He died in 2013.
Walt Frazier defeated Al McGuire and Marquette within the 1967 NIT Closing
One of many early highlights of Frazier’s taking part in profession got here in opposition to MU within the finals of the 1967 Nationwide Invitation Event at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Frazier helped Southern Illinois recuperate from a 34-23 halftime deficit and upset the then-Warriors with 21 factors and 11 rebounds. He was named NIT MVP.
“We have been younger and underdogs, and all of the media highlight was on Marquette and Al McGuire,” Frazier mentioned. “Again then, the NIT event was simply as massive because the NCAA event…and had extra of the highlight in New York.”
“That event actually put me on the map and I used to be drafted shortly after by the Knicks.”
This text initially appeared within the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New York Knicks broadcaster Walt Frazier praises rookie Tyler Kolek
