Kevin McCullar Jr.

Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr., born on March 15, 2001, is an American-born basketball player, currently associated as a player with the New York Knicks, a prestigious team of the National Basketball Association (NBA). This association with the Knicks also involves a two-way contract with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League, highlighting McCullar’s dynamic skill set and adaptability.

McCullar hails from a sporting background, his early interest in basketball was nurtured in Karen Wagner High School, in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. It was in his sophomore year that he showcased his promising talent, helping his team make it to the Class 6A state title game.

His impact grew in the subsequent years as during his junior season he recorded an impressive average – 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. However, this shining trajectory met with a temporary setback when he fractured his tibia during the playoffs. Following this incident, McCullar made an early graduation to bypass his senior season but remained a highly coveted talent.

McCullar was a consensus four-star recruit and chose to commit his college basketball years to Texas Tech. This decision came about despite ample offers from renowned colleges such as Houston, Kansas State, and Louisville. However, his redshirt first season at Texas Tech was spent in rehab, recovering from his tibia fracture. His absence did not deter his team’s performance noticeably as it soared to the national championship game.

McCullar’s following years at Texas Tech were instrumental in establishing his promising career in basketball. His freshman year saw an average of six points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. As a sophomore, these stats increased to an average of 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. This exceptional performance earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention. McCullar’s skills shone bright during a remarkable game against Grambling State on November 12, 2021, where he scored a career-high 24 points contributing to an 88–62 win for his team.

During his junior year, McCullar maintained a steady performance with an average of 10.1 points, and his three-pointer record stood at a promising 31.1%. However, in April 2022, he made the crucial decision of entering the transfer portal while concurrently declaring for the 2022 NBA draft – a strategic decision that allowed him to maintain his college eligibility.

Subsequently, McCullar transferred to Kansas, continuing his tryst with college basketball while still standing a strong chance in the NBA draft. Removing himself from the NBA Draft selection pool in June 2022, he announced his resolve to play for the Jayhawks. This decision proved fruitful as he was named to the Third Team All-Big 12 and the All-Defensive Team in his senior year.

Landing a notable 56th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, McCullar was initially chosen by the Phoenix Suns. However, he was immediately traded off to the New York Knicks on draft night, itself, marking the beginning of a new phase in his basketball career. On August 5, 2024, he signed a two-way contract with the Knicks, establishing his reliable profile in the basketball industry.

McCullar’s flourishing career has its roots in his family’s sports lineage. His father, Kevin Sr., also showcased his athletic prowess in the field of football as a linebacker for Texas Tech, before professionally associating with the Frankfurt Galaxy and Chicago Enforcers. Young McCullar’s journey, while marked with its own unique triumphs and challenges, echoes and respects his paternal legacy.