Manny Obaseki
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Manny Obaseki during his time with Texas A&M in December 2024
The New York Knicks have quietly added a familiar name to their development pipeline, with their NBA G League affiliate bringing in former top prospect Manny Obaseki via the available player pool.
The Westchester Knicks acquired Obaseki on Thursday under a Hardship Exception, a move that highlights New York’s continued willingness to mine the G League for developmental value.
While the transaction drew little attention, it adds a versatile young guard to an organization that has increasingly emphasized internal growth and depth.
New York Knicks Add Versatile Guard to G League Ranks
Obaseki, 23, arrives in Westchester after spending the early portion of the 2025-26 G League season with the Oklahoma City Blue. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he has flashed two-way versatility during his rookie campaign.
Across 16 appearances with the Blue, including six starts, Obaseki averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 21.3 minutes per game.
His production climbed when entrusted with a larger role. Over an eight-game stretch in which he started six times, he posted averages of 11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists while logging nearly 32 minutes per contest.
That uptick culminated in a career-best performance on December 22, when Obaseki recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals against the Long Island Nets.
The stretch of increased minutes showcased his ability to contribute across the box score rather than relying solely on scoring, a profile that often earns extended looks at the developmental level.
Obaseki made his Westchester debut over a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday against the Stockton Kings.
In his first appearance, he went scoreless in seven minutes while adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. In the second game, he finished with four points, three rebounds, one steal and one block in 14 minutes.
For Westchester, the acquisition provides immediate flexibility. Hardship Exception signings are often short-term, but they can open doors for players who fit a team’s style and needs.
Developmental Bet on Former High-End Prospect
Obaseki’s path to the professional ranks has been unconventional for a player who once carried significant recruiting hype.
He entered college as a four-star prospect out of John Paul II High School before joining Texas A&M as a highly-regarded addition to the program.
“Arguably the best athlete in the senior class, Obaseki makes the type of highlight-reel plays that would immediately change the momentum of a game,” wrote Brandon Jenkins, a recruiting analyst for 247Sports. “His elite athleticism is the foundation for his tremendous upside as an offensive threat and lockdown defender.”
Obaseki spent four seasons at Texas A&M, appearing in 127 games and making 40 starts. While his collegiate production was modest at 5.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, he grew into a dependable bench contributor.
He entered the 2025 NBA Draft but went undrafted.
“Manny Obaseki isn’t considered a blue-chip NBA prospect but still possesses the skillset to make it to the next level,” wrote Cameron Ohnysty, a Texas A&M reporter. “If he can develop a reliable jump shot and sharpen his defensive skills, he has a legitimate chance to earn a 10-day contract in the coming seasons.”
For the Knicks organization, Obaseki represents a low-risk developmental addition with some pedigree attached. The G League has become a key evaluation space for New York in recent years, offering a competitive environment to assess players without committing NBA roster spots.
Whether Obaseki’s stint in Westchester proves brief or develops into something more substantial remains to be seen, but the move reflects the Knicks’ continued belief that defined roles, consistent minutes and internal structure can unlock overlooked value.