He's us -- except he's very good at basketball': How Jalen Brunson became the king of NYC

Brunson's rise embodies a late-blooming arc: a 6-foot-2 point guard once questioned by scouts, now the Knicks' centerpiece as they chase their first championship since 1973. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018 after Villanova captured back-to-back titles and Brunson earned national Player of the Year, he faced doubts about translating college dominance to the NBA. Then-Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson praised Brunson's heart, brains and courage, noting those traits often escape analytics. Early in his career, he wrestled with imposter syndrome until he trained with the Mavericks and proved he could handle the pace and pressure. Playing alongside Luka Dončić exposed Brunson to higher-level competition and tougher finishes while sharpening his own efficiency. His growth comes from relentless work, precise footwork and a measured, team-first approach that teammates describe as rare for a player his age. A network of Villanova ties, including college roommate Josh Hart, frames Brunson as someone who prioritizes winning over headlines, a mindset Knicks fans hope will anchor a championship run. With the Finals at Madison Square Garden tonight, New York sits two wins from its first title since 1973, and Brunson's evolution underpins that pursuit.