Knicks sign first-round picks

New York, NY (Basketball News) - The New York Knicks signed both of their first-round draft picks, forward Renaldo Balkman and guard Mardy Collins, on Wednesday. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Balkman, who was chosen 20th overall, averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.08 blocks in 104 career games at South Carolina. Last season, he scored 9.6 points and also had 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.7 steals.

The 6-8, 208-pound Staten Island, NY native was named the MVP of the NIT Tournament after the Gamecocks defeated Michigan, 76-74.

Collins, who was chosen with the 29th pick, averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 125 career games at Temple.

He led the Owls to four NIT appearances and ended his college career as the school’s fourth all-time leading scorer (1,919) and ranks second all-time in steals (290).

The 6-6 Philadelphia native led the Owls in scoring (16.8), assists (4.0) and steals (2.8) for the second straight season.