The Westchester Knicks, official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, selected Mayan Kiir, as the 15th pick in round one selections, making him the first Basketball Africa League (BAL) selected in an NBA G League Draft. The power forward, 6’9 218, paced the Cobra Sport of the BAL with 18.8 points and led the BAL with 11.2 rebounds through five games last season in Kigali, Rwanda. Through 29.4 minutes per game, he also registered 2.2 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.8 steals. Kiir’s professional debut came on April 9 in double-double fashion with 18 points and 22 rebounds against Zamalek Basketball Club. His rebounding effort set a league record. Born January 1, 1998, Kiir is a South Sudan native who competed collegiately at LSU (2017-18), South Florida (2018-19), New Mexico State (2019-21) and Central Baptist College (2021-22). He is set to join the Westchester Knicks on Monday, October 24, in the opening of their training camp. The Knicks tip off on November 4 at Maine to open the 2022-23 season. The Knicks home opener at Total Mortgage Arena will be on Tuesday, November 22.
