G League Star Dink Pate Eyes College Hoops Return

Dink Pate, who holds the distinction of being the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history, is exploring the possibility of playing college basketball. Pate, now 19, opted for the G League out of high school in 2023 but now feels he has an opportunity to pursue a college experience he previously bypassed. He intends to complete his current season with the Westchester Knicks before making any definitive choices about his collegiate future. The Knicks organization is reportedly supportive of his situation. Pate is in communication with Kentucky Wildcats assistant coach Jason Hart, who previously coached him with G League Ignite and maintains contact with him. This connection makes Kentucky a potential destination, though Pate's agent is handling outreach from numerous other schools. Pate expressed encouragement regarding comments from Kentucky coach Mark Pope about G League players entering college, viewing them as positive for athletes in his position. Kentucky is actively seeking its first commitment for the upcoming season, with no high school recruits or transfer portal additions secured yet.