Former G League Ignite standout Dink Pate is weighing his future options. Currently playing with the Westchester Knicks, Pate is exploring potential paths in the NCAA, according to his agent Sam Permut from Roc Nation. Graduating high school in 2023, he may be eligible for two seasons of NCAA basketball starting next year.
Dink Pate’s NCAA Eligibility Status
Pate’s eligibility for the NCAA remains uncertain. NCAA president Charlie Baker stated that players who have signed any NBA contract, including two-way deals, are barred from participation in college basketball. Pate recently signed an Exhibit 10 contract, a non-guaranteed agreement that allows players to earn a bonus if they spend at least 60 days with their G League affiliate.
Potential Impact of Recent Lawsuits
The landscape of NCAA eligibility is further complicated by ongoing legal challenges. Former Alabama player Charles Bediako has sued the NCAA, aiming to return to the Crimson Tide for the 2025/26 season after his eligibility was denied due to signing multiple Exhibit 10 contracts. The NCAA’s response to Bediako’s situation might influence Pate’s eligibility status.
- Exhibit 10 Contract: Non-guaranteed deal with potential bonuses.
- NCAA Statement: Players with signed NBA deals are ineligible.
- Bediako’s Lawsuit: Challenges legal precedent for players in similar situations.
Pate’s Performance with the Knicks
Throughout the current season, Pate has made a significant impact in the G League. He has participated in 27 games for the Knicks’ affiliate, averaging:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 18.0 |
| Rebounds | 6.8 |
| Assists | 4.3 |
| Minutes per Game | 34.3 |
| Shooting Percentage | .385 / .356 / .745 |
Having spent last season with the Mexico City Capitanes, Pate has shown promise as a swingman at 6’8″. As he evaluates his options, he has turned down several two-way contract offers from NBA teams, aiming to maintain his eligibility for NCAA competition. Should a guaranteed NBA deal arise, he could opt to bypass college altogether.
