As the New York Knicks secured a crucial late-season victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, a notable development within the organization largely went under the radar.
For much of the season, Dink Pate had been impressing at the G League level with the Westchester Knicks.
The young guard produced a series of standout performances that caught the attention of league observers, suggesting the Knicks may have had a future NBA contributor developing in-house.
However, following the signing of Dillon Jones to a two-way contract in late January, Pate’s future with the franchise became increasingly uncertain.
That uncertainty has now been resolved.
New York Knicks Exit Signals Shift in Dink Pate’s Development Path
At the time, the decision to sign Jones to a two-way deal raised questions, with many expecting that opportunity to go to Pate, who remained on an unsecured standard G League contract.
Shortly after, DraftExpress analyst Jonathan Givony reported that Pate’s agent, Sam Permut, had turned down multiple two-way contract offers from NBA teams in order to maintain his client’s NCAA eligibility.
That decision added another layer of uncertainty to Pate’s situation. With the Knicks opting for Jones, it became increasingly unclear what Pate’s immediate path to the NBA would look like.
On Thursday, that path shifted significantly, as Pate committed to play college basketball at Providence, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
He becomes the program’s second major addition, following San Diego State transfer Miles Byrd.
Pate’s move from a professional pathway to college basketball represents the latest example of an evolving landscape, following similar decisions such as former NBA Draft pick James Nnaji committing to Baylor.
As NCAA eligibility rules continue to evolve alongside the growth of NIL opportunities, more players are exploring unconventional career routes.
“The NCAA drew the line at Charles Bediako, who played two seasons at Alabama and three seasons in the G League before attempting to return to college basketball,” Borzello wrote. “He was ruled ineligible but sued the NCAA and was granted a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play five games for the Crimson Tide.”
“A judge then denied his motion for a preliminary injunction, ending his college career.”
Dink Pate Chooses College Route After Strong G League Development
Across 50 G League appearances this season, Pate averaged 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and just under a steal per game, while shooting 40.0% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
After turning professional at just 17-years-old, joining the G League Ignite program in 2023, this season marked a clear step forward in his development.
His production represented a significant jump from the 2024-25 campaign, when he averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists with the Mexico City Capitanes.
At 6-foot-8 while operating primarily as a guard, Pate offers a rare combination of size, versatility, and developing offensive confidence.
Since the 2023-24 season, he has appeared in 131 G League games, giving him valuable experience for a 20-year-old prospect.
After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Westchester quickly secured Pate’s returning player rights following his Summer League stint with the New York Knicks, signaling the organization’s long-term interest in his development.
That evaluation appeared to evolve throughout the season, as Pate continued to make strides at the G League level.
While several teams reportedly explored signing him to a two-way contract, Pate ultimately chose a different path, opting for the opportunity and financial incentives now available in college basketball.
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