Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. Bio
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. Selected 56th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, McCullar played college basketball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks, where he developed into one of the Big 12 Conference’s premier two-way players. His defensive intensity and versatility have enabled him to carve out a role in the Knicks’ rotation.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. was born on March 15, 2001, in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Karen Wagner High School in his hometown, where he emerged as a highly decorated high school player. McCullar helped lead Wagner to the Class 6A state championship game during his sophomore season. As a junior, he posted impressive averages of 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game before suffering a fractured tibia during the playoffs that forced him to miss his senior year. He opted to graduate early and bypass his final high school season. A consensus four-star recruit, McCullar received interest from multiple major programs before choosing to continue his basketball career at Texas Tech.
Path to Professional Basketball
McCullar’s journey to professional basketball featured significant obstacles and steady development. He redshirted his freshman season at Texas Tech to fully rehabilitate from the tibia injury sustained in high school. Despite his absence, the Red Raiders made an improbable run to the NCAA Tournament national championship game. McCullar gradually worked his way into the rotation, averaging six points per game as a freshman and then breaking out with 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore, which earned him All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition. His continued improvement positioned him for a leadership role in his junior season.
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. Career
College Career at Texas Tech (2019–2022)
During his sophomore season at Texas Tech, McCullar established himself as a reliable contributor for the Red Raiders. He averaged 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting efficiently from the field. On November 12, 2021, McCullar scored a career-high 24 points in an 88-62 victory over Grambling State, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His defensive instincts and motor made him a valuable two-way player within Texas Tech’s system. Following his junior season in which he averaged 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, McCullar entered the transfer portal while also declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft.
College Career at Kansas (2022–2024)
After entering the transfer portal in April 2022, McCullar announced his decision to transfer to Kansas in May 2022, though he initially maintained his draft eligibility. He ultimately withdrew from the draft on June 1, 2022, and joined the Jayhawks for his senior season. At Kansas, McCullar elevated his performance significantly, averaging 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while demonstrating improved three-point shooting and playmaking ability. His all-around excellence earned him Third-team All-Big 12 honors and a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, establishing him as one of the conference’s top two-way players and a legitimate NBA prospect.
New York Knicks (2024–Present)
Following his standout senior season at Kansas, McCullar declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. He was selected 56th overall by the Phoenix Suns on June 27, 2024, before his draft rights were immediately traded to the New York Knicks. McCullar signed a two-way contract with the Knicks on August 5, 2024, allowing him to develop with the Westchester Knicks while remaining attached to the NBA roster. He made his NBA debut on March 25, 2025, scoring his first two career points in a 128-113 Knicks victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCullar has built his game around two-way versatility and high-energy play. His defensive instincts, footwork, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset in Coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system. He combines solid rebounding ability from the guard position with active hands that generate deflections and steals. Offensively, he has shown improvement as a spot-up shooter and cutter, continuously expanding his offensive toolkit at each level. His basketball IQ and willingness to embrace his role have enabled smooth transitions throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
On December 27, 2025, McCullar recorded career highs of 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals while hitting three of six three-point attempts in 23 minutes during a 128-125 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau praised McCullar’s defensive intensity, effort, and readiness to step up when called upon. He earned Defensive Player of the Game honors from his teammates and coaches for his performance. The Knicks later won the 2026 NBA Finals, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1, with McCullar contributing throughout the championship run.
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. Career Highlights
McCullar has accumulated notable accomplishments throughout his basketball career at both the collegiate and professional levels, highlighted by team championships and individual recognition.
College Honors
During his college career, McCullar earned Third-team All-American honors from the NABC in 2024, representing the top echelon of collegiate players. At Kansas during the 2023-24 season, he received First-team All-Big 12 recognition after leading the Jayhawks in scoring and showcasing his two-way ability. His previous season at Texas Tech earned him Third-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023, as well as a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, validating his impact as one of the conference’s best defenders at his position.
Professional Achievements
In his brief professional career, McCullar has already claimed championship honors. He was part of the Knicks team that won the NBA Cup championship in 2025, contributing valuable minutes off the bench during the tournament. The Knicks’ subsequent 2026 NBA Finals victory provided McCullar with his first NBA championship ring, a significant milestone early in his professional career as he continues to develop his game at the highest level.
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. Family
Family Background
Kevin Dewayne McCullar Jr. comes from a family with deep athletic roots. His father, Kevin McCullar Sr., was a standout football player who competed at the collegiate level for Texas Tech as a linebacker. Kevin Sr. went on to play professionally in both the NFL Europe league with the Frankfurt Galaxy and the XFL with the Chicago Enforcers, providing his son with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to compete at elite levels of professional sports.
Personal Life
McCullar grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where his athletic abilities were apparent from an early age. He shares a close relationship with his father, Kevin Sr., whose football career provided inspiration and guidance throughout McCullar’s basketball journey. McCullar continues to represent his Texas roots while pursuing his professional basketball career with the Knicks organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season marked McCullar’s rookie campaign with the Knicks organization. Splitting time between the Westchester Knicks and the NBA roster, he focused on adjusting to the professional game’s speed and physicality while showcasing the defensive intensity that defined his college career. His March debut against Dallas provided an initial taste of NBA competition, though McCullar understood the learning curve involved in transitioning from college to the professional ranks.
Throughout the season, McCullar embraced his role as a defensive specialist, drawing praise from coaching staff for his effort and mindset. His December performance against Atlanta represented a breakthrough moment, demonstrating his ability to impact winning at the NBA level with career-best statistics across multiple categories. Earning Defensive Player of the Game honors from his own team validated his standing as a reliable two-way player.
Looking ahead, McCullar enters the 2025-26 season with momentum and clear objectives. With his two-way contract continuing, he aims to solidify his place in the Knicks’ rotation by maintaining his defensive intensity while expanding his offensive contributions. Playing for a Knicks franchise with championship aspirations provides McCullar with an opportunity to contribute to winning basketball while continuing his development as a professional.