Knicks Sign Farmingdale State Star

From Division III to the NBA, Farmingdale State center A.J. Matthews is a New York Knick, according to multiple reports.

The 7-foot Matthews went undrafted Thursday night, but the hometown Knicks signed him as an undrafted free agent, the New York Post’s Zach Braziller reports. 

Matthews, a Brooklyn native, told Braziller: “Not getting drafted makes me want to prove what I can do, show lot of GMs and owners they would’ve picked me.” 

Matthews, the Skyline Conference player of the year as a junior, was even slighted by his own conference in February when he was passed over for POY honors. 

He was named a Skyline Conference first-teamer after leading the conference in scoring (22 ppg), rebounding (14.1) and blocked shots (2.8). Then Matthews led the Rams to the conference title game. 

Matthews will get a chance to earn a roster spot by playing in the NBA Summer League, which kicks off July 12 in Las Vegas.

"We are so excited to hear the news and for A.J. to receive this opportunity from the Knicks," Farmingdale State Athletic Director Mike Harrington said. "He is a talented player and we enjoyed watching him the past two years. The entire athletic department wishes him the best of luck!"