A.J. Matthews, the 7-foot center out of Division III Farmingdale State on Long Island, is fast becoming the underdog story of the NBA Draft. He will be heading up to Westchester to work out for the Knicks next week, according to a league source.
Matthews, the Brooklyn product who was not even invited to the Chicago pre-draft camp, impressed at the combine hosted at Nets headquarters in New Jersey last week.
According to a source, Matthews has lined up about a half-dozen team workouts as clubs are intrigued by his 7-foot-3 wingspan and gaudy numbers. Matthews averaged 22.4 points, 16.3 rebounds and 3.75 blocks his senior year. The Knicks are in dire need of a rebounder and he has caught the eye of assistant general manager Allan Houston. Though the Knicks don’t have a second-round pick, they are expected to trade for one.
Matthews has signed up with the powerhouse Arn Tellem agency. Yesterday, he was in a Southern California gym for a workout with Tellem’s other clients, with most of the league represented.
Because of academic issues at Van Arsdale High, Matthew wound up at Broward Community College. Because he didn’t land the required Associate’s Degree, he transferred to Division III Farmingdale.
“Rebounding is will and he has a knack for the ball,’’ said his Farmingdale coach, Erik Smiles, who accepted a new position with C.W. Post last week. “He’s long, active and rebounds well out of his area. He was a major Division I talent.’’
Matthews grew up 10 minutes from Barclays Center, but has not yet landed a workout with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks pick at No. 24 and are looking at point guards.