October 2018 | Page 12 of 18

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Knicks coach David Fizdale has tabbed Kentucky product Kevin Knox to start at small forward when the season opens Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.

“He’s been up and down,” Fizdale said Friday following the Knicks 113-107 preseason loss to the rival Nets, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley. “I think he’s shown the ability to start in the first two games with the double-doubles. And the last three stunk. But for that position and what we’re trying to grow there, I think he’s what we want to put in that spot.”

The 6-foot-9 Knox shot 1-for-6 with three points and two rebounds against Brooklyn. Through five preseason games, the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft is averaging 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Knox said he needs the preseason to adjust to the NBA speed and talent.

St. John's

St. John’s adds Auburn transfer Mustapha Heron on NCAA hardship waiver

October 13, 2018

author: Adam Zagoria

By ADAM ZAGORIA

After learning he had been granted a legislative relief waiver by the NCAA on Friday, Mustapha Heron let out a big sigh of relief.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Auburn transfer will be eligible to play the 2018-19 season with the waiver, as first reported late Friday by ZAGSBLOG. He will take the floor with his teammates when St. John’s faces Rhode Island next week in a closed scrimmage.

“It feels good, it definitely feels like a weight has been released,” Heron said Saturday by phone. “I’ve been practicing with the team as if I was cleared to play since the summertime, so I’m glad to finally know that I’m practicing and I’ll be able to play in competition and compete with the guys. We’re excited to have a good season this year.”