Marc Berman writes about Frank Ntilikina’s FIBA adventures so far…
Frank Ntilikina is finally fulfilling his potential.
Of course, it’s just in China at the FIBA World Cup with the French national team against the likes of Germany, Jordan and the Dominican Republic. But it’s a start, at least, as the Knicks’ 2017 lottery pick attempts to create a long-term future in New York.
Three games into the tournament, the 21-year-old Ntilikina has grabbed France’s starting point-guard job from Andrew Albicy.
The 6-foot-6 guard has impressed his more accomplished teammates with his defense and ball sharing, getting credit for slowing down the Thunder’s Dennis Schröder, who is playing for Germany.
“He’s a very, very talented player and an excellent defender, and I see a bright future ahead for him,” said Jazz center/French teammate Rudy Gobert, according to the FIBA website.
The Knicks staff is scouting the World Cup and talking with Ntilikina, whom they shopped on draft night.
“He’s been very aggressive and confident,” one NBA scout in China told The Post.
It’d be swell if Frank really has improved. I doubt outdoing Andrew Albicy really means anything, but really, better than NOT outdoing Andrew Albicy, right?