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It’s been 11 long months since the Westchester Knicks last played. The 2019-20 season was suspended in March of 2020, while the 2019-20 season was pushed back to February. In the 11 month span, tons of news happened. Here’s a rundown on what happened during the offseason.
Players With New Teams
Westchester has shown to put the best resources in their organization where players are put in the best position to grow their game. Many players find great opportunities after leaving Westchester, which include the NBA or playing in leagues overseas. Seven alumni are on NBA rosters and 43 former WC Knicks are playing in leagues overseas. The list can be viewed here.
Ryan Borges Promoted To Assistant GM, Jaren Jackson Sr. Joins Coaching Staff
The Westchester Knicks announced Ryan Borges was promoted to Assistant General Manager in January. Borges started out in the New York Knicks organization as Basketball Operations Student Associate in 2014 then was elevated to Westchester Knicks Manager of Basketball Operations.
He had a huge role in Westchester where he worked with scouting, trading acquisitions, and logistical needs, including travel, of coaching staff, front office and players. Borges had also worked with housing and lodging of the players and visiting teams, along with off-court player development.
Jaren Jackson Sr. joins Derrick Alston’s staff as an assistant coach. Jackson Sr had a 13-year professional career, which saw him suit up for the San Antonio Spurs for four seasons and eight other NBA teams. After retiring in 2002, he was an assistant coach with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers’ affiliate) in 2007.
2019-20 G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award
Westchester Knicks forward Ivan Rabb received the 2019-20 G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded to the player who best represents the ideals of character and conduct on the court and in the community. Rabb was the second Westchester Knick to earn the NBA G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award. Keith Wright received the award during the 2016-17 season.
Mike Miller Heads To Oklahoma City
After an impressive stint as New York Knicks interim head coach, Mike Miller explored other coaching opportunities during the offseason. Miller joined first-year Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, bringing 31 years of coaching experience, including being head coach for 18 of those years. The former Knick head coach has shown to work well with developing young players and teaching X’s and O’s.
Alumni On USA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying Team
In the past two USA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying Teams, four alumni competed on the team. Tyler Hall, John Jenkins and Travis Trice were on November’s team, while Ra’Shad James will be on February’s team. Ivan Rabb (2020) Stephen Zimmerman (2019), along with the four who were previously mentioned, were apart of Team USA. Xavier Rathan-Mayes represented Team Canada in 2017.