Tyler Kolek Claims NBA Title With New York Knicks

Former Marquette University guard Tyler Kolek became the seventh player in program history to claim a National Basketball Association (NBA) title on Saturday when the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, on the road to claim the seven-game series (4-1).

The second-year guard is the second Marquette alum to claim a title with the Knicks, joining Dean "The Dream" Meminger in 1972-73.

Kolek appeared in 70 games this season for the Knicks between regular and postseason action in 2025-26, netting a career-high 20 points at Minnesota on Dec. 23 to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Prior to Kolek, the most recent former Marquette player to earn a championship was Juan Toscano-Anderson with the Golden State Warriors in 2021-22. Doc Rivers led the Boston Celtics to the world title as head coach in 2007-08.

Dean Meminger (Knicks, 1972-73)
Maurice Lucas (Trail Blazers, 1976-77) – 50^th anniversary in 2026-27
Jim Chones (Lakers, 1979-80)
Butch Lee (Lakers, 1979-80) – also claimed NCAA title in 1976-77
Dwyane Wade (Heat, 2005-06, 2011-12, 2012-13)
Doc Rivers – head coach (Celtics, 2007-08)
Juan Toscano-Anderson (Warriors, 2021-22)
Tyler Kolek (Knicks, 2025-26)

Marquette University Athletics

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