For the second straight spring, the Knicks are dropping considered one of their assistant coaches to the NCAA.
Louisville is predicted to call alumnus Kenny Payne because the staff’s subsequent head coach on Friday, in accordance with a number of reviews. He got here to the Knicks to hitch Tom Thibodeau’s workers final yr after spending a decade as John Calipari’s assistant at Kentucky from 2010-20.
The Knicks additionally misplaced Mike Woodson to his alma mater, Indiana, final March, and he led the Hoosiers to a First 4 win Tuesday night time over Wyoming within the college’s first event look since 2016.
Louisville completed the common season with a 13-19 report and fired head coach Chris Mack in late January.
RJ Barrett performed one season for retiring coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, and Thibodeau coached alongside Coach Okay with USA Basketball. They each are keeping track of Krzyzewski’s remaining foray into the NCAA Event starting with the No. 2 seeded Blue Devils’ first-round recreation Friday in opposition to Cal State-Fullerton.
“Man, he’s been at it a very long time, a very long time. I’m completely happy for him; he’s had an amazing profession,” Barrett mentioned earlier than scoring 31 factors within the Knicks’ 128-98 win over the Path Blazers. “Hopefully they go on the market and find yourself with a win. Clearly that will be the very best factor ever. I’m completely happy for him; completely happy that I used to be in a position to be considered one of his guys.”
“I imply, his profession speaks for itself,” Thibodeau added. “He’s an amazing good friend. And so, simply happy that he’s pleased with every little thing that’s transpired. I feel when he will get an opportunity to step away and look again, he’s simply so distinctive and so particular.”
Quentin Grimes (dislocated kneecap), Derrick Rose (ankle), Nerlens Noel (foot) remained out for the Knicks.
Thibodeau mentioned Grimes is “very shut” to creating his first look since Feb. 16, probably Friday in opposition to the Wizards.
