Exciting Matchup at the G League ‘Next Up Game’
On February 16, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, the G League ‘Next Up Game’ featured an exciting matchup where Jahmir Young, a guard for Team Braxton and affiliated with the Grand Rapids Gold, faced off against Dink Pate, a guard representing Team Swish Cultures and currently with the Mexico City Capitanes. In a groundbreaking moment for young athletes, both players showcased their talents on this prominent stage.
Potential Recruitment by Kentucky Wildcats
Now, as the Kentucky Wildcats’ coaching team seeks to bolster their roster, they have set their sights on Dink Pate as a promising candidate. The coaching staff plans to engage him in a virtual meeting via Zoom in the upcoming week, as reported by Jacob Polacheck of KSR. This decision follows a recent in-person visit to Philadelphia by head coach Mark Pope, who aimed to assess Pate’s performance live as he competes with the Westchester Knicks.
Dink Pate’s Aspirations and Performance
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, Pate has already expressed a desire to join college basketball by the 2026 season. In a January interview with KSR+, he revealed,
“I’m going to college, but I’m not set in stone on any school. If UK likes me, that’s where I want to go.”
His connection to Kentucky is reinforced by assistant coach Jason Hart, who trained Pate during his stint with the NBA G League Ignite in the 2023–24 season. Notably, Pate made headlines in 2023 when he became the youngest professional basketball player in the history of the U.S.
Current Performance with Westchester Knicks
Currently, during his time with the Westchester Knicks, Pate has played in 27 games, demonstrating his skills with averages of 16.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, along with a 37.7% shooting rate from beyond the arc. As Pate continues to develop, he remains a player to watch closely in the coming months.
