Rokas The Rising Star And the 5th Installment "The Top 75 Knicks"

Over his past 25 games (including the postseason), Jokubaitis is shooting a blistering 64.7% from three-point territory (22-of-34).

Point guard Rokas Jokubaitis, whom the Knicks nabbed in the second round of last year's draft, was named the EuroLeague's Rising Star Trophy winner for the 2021-22 season on Wednesday. 

Voted by EuroLeague head coaches, Jokubaitis is the first Lithuanian player to win the award. As I noted back in January, taking home the Rising Star award is a significant achievement. Prior to Rokas, each of the last seven players to win the award have been selected in the first round of the NBA draft, with several of them being taken in the top half of the lottery.  

Past EuroLeague Rising Star award winners include:
Danilo Gallinari (2007-08)
Ricky Rubio (2009–10)
Nikola Mirotić (2011–12 and 2012-13)
Bogdan Bogdanović (2013–14 and 2014–15)
Luka Dončić (2017–18 and 2018–19)
Usman Garuba (2020-21)

Jokubaitis, who turned 21 in November, led all Rising Stars-eligible players by averaging 7.2 points and 2.8 assists in 35 appearances. While those numbers aren't overly impressive, it's important to note that he logged just 17 minutes a night, coming off the bench in all but two contests. The most remarkable aspect of Jokubaitis' play was his exceptional efficiency on the offensive end. 

Rokas converted 57.5% of his field-goal attempts (92-of-160) for FC Barcelona during the regular season. Over his past 25 games (including the postseason), Jokubaitis is shooting a blistering 64.7% from three-point territory (22-of-34). Depending on how he finishes out the season, he has a chance to record the highest percentage from behind the arc in EuroLeague history. Only one player has ever finished a season shooting above 60% from downtown.

Barcelona will take on Real Madrid (who finished the regular season in second place behind Barca) in the Final Four next Thursday. 

Looking ahead, it remains unknown if Rokas will join the Knicks next season. That could depend on who the Knicks draft next month and/or who they bring in via free agency.