When it comes to Knicks rookies, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson -- their 2018 draft picks -- have gotten the most attention. But another name was added after Allonzo Trier erupted in the preseason and had a similar explosion during the Knicks' opening night win over the Hawks, which included this ferocious dunk:

ALLONZO. TRIER. WITH. AUTHORITY! 🛫💥😱#NewYorkForever #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/n75TFDbi7N
- NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2018

Trier, the 6-foot-5 guard who went undrafted out of Arizona and who David Fizdale calls "Iso Zo," finished the night with 15 points, ripped down four rebounds and added two blocks.

With Trier generating his own spotlight in the Big Apple, here are five things you didn't know about the Knicks' budding rookie...

1) New York Times prodigy

The national spotlight is something Trier experienced from an early age. At 13, Trier was featured in The New York Times Magazine after becoming a standout with Seattle Rotary teams, according to Arizona Daily Star's Drew McCullough.

Trier's article was a whopping 8,000 words that touched on his work ethic and passion for the game as well as the increased competition in youth sports. It was because of this national attention that Trier is used to having the spotlight draped on him, which is always a good quality for an athlete in New York.

2) Trouble in the classroom didn't slow him down

Basketball came naturally to Trier, but school didn't see the same result. As a child, Trier was diagnosed with dyslexia and it was because of his learning disability that he was held back in school for a year.

It was a challenge for Trier at first, but his mother, Marcie, was determined to do whatever it took to get her son through school and keep him on the court in the process. After moving to Oklahoma to play with Nike's EYBL team, Marcie home-schooled Zo as he transitioned.

3) Every high school wanted Trier's talent

When I said Marcie would do anything for Trier to reach his highest abilities in the sport, it was because of her commitment to travel state to state during his high school years.

The Trier family moved from Oklahoma to Maryland so Zo could play at Montrose Christian high school for his junior season. He would lead them to a national Christian Schools Athletic Association Division I championship after averaging 24.9 points per game. Trier was also named the 2014 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year.

But that wasn't all. They, then, moved to Henderson, Nevada to play at Findlay Prep -- a top-tier high school that bred DI athletes. He was even better against the tougher competition with 26.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his senior year.

View this post on Instagram

Dropped heeeem off wit that step back. Giiiiiiii slim.

A post shared by Allonzo Trier (@iso_zo) on Apr 10, 2015 at 12:38pm PDT

4) The 6104 deadly Arizona duo

Trier decided to stay on the West Coast and attend the University of Arizona for his college ball. And one of the teammates he found chemistry with early was the Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen.

Markkanen was heralded as Arizona's top player, with the ability to score from anywhere on the court at 7-foot. Trier and Markkanen were roommates as well as teammates, with Trier constantly referencing the #6104DUO on his Instagram.

If Trier makes the Knicks roster for the regular season, they have a date set to face the Bulls at MSG on Nov. 5. Trier likely has that one circled on his calendar.

View this post on Instagram

#6104DUO

A post shared by Allonzo Trier (@iso_zo) on Feb 14, 2017 at 2:21pm PST

5) Trier already owns a Gold Medal

After showing out in high school, Trier was invited to the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 team, which was coached by Arizona's Sean Miller (hence his choice to play for the Wildcats).

He won a gold medal in 2014, and one year later with the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship team.

View this post on Instagram

Semi final game vs Greece tonight. 2 wins away from our goal of winning a Gold Medal. #USAB lets goooooo. 🙏🙏🙏🇺🏀

A post shared by Allonzo Trier (@iso_zo) on Jul 4, 2015 at 7:53am PDT

Popular in the Community