clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Former Cincinnati Star Sean Kilpatrick Named NBA D-League Player of the Week

Times have been tough for Cincinnati. Cheer up with Sean Kilpatrick doing Sean Kilpatrick things against the NBA D-League.

By Blaine Huber
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In the last week, Cincinnati basketball has fallen to Xavier in the Crosstown Shootout, Cincinnati football has lost four recruits to decommitments (they did receive commitments from two more though!) and quarterback Gunner Kiel isn't with his team right now as he deals with a personal matter that may keep him from playing in the Hawaii Bowl in just over a week. And that doesn't even consider everything that has occurred lately with the Bengals and the Reds.

It hasn't been a good couple days for Cincinnati fans.

Well, here's your remedy.

In case you weren't aware, former Bearcats great Sean Kilpatrick is playing basketball in the NBA D-League and doing so at a very high level. Like a "why isn't he on an NBA team" level.

The former All-American is playing for the Delaware 87ers and has had a remarkable run of success over the last week, resulting in his second NBA Development League Performer of the Week honor of the season. From Dec. 7 to Dec. 13, Kilpatrick led the 87ers to a 2-1 record and averaged 32.7 points on an impressive 62.5 percent field goal percentage. He also added 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists to his impressive scoring numbers.

During that time, Kilpatrick led the 87ers to a 128-124 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, setting the NBA D-League season-high for points scored in the process with 45 points. In the contest, he hit 6-of-8 three-pointers and went 12-of-18 from the field. Kilpatrick, four days later, would lead the 87ers to another victory as he recorded 32 points in the 118-106 win over the Erie Bayhawks to close out the week.

This week began with more of the same from Kilpatrick with efficient and prolific scoring. In Tuesday's game against the Iowa Energy, Kilpatrick not only led all scorers with 27 points, but also contributed four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the 110-108 win.

Oh yeah, and he knocked down the game-winner.

Kilpatrick has played in 12 games (started 11) for the 87ers and is averaging 26 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. His points per game number currently ranks third in the D-League. Kilpatrick is also knocking down 46.5 percent of his attempted three-pointers and hitting 84 percent of his free throws.

Stop me if you've heard this before; Sean Kilpatrick is really good at basketball.

How the former Bearcat hasn't received more NBA attention is hard to grasp. Kilpatrick's ability as a scorer isn't a new development for Cincinnati fans (man, we could use him now), but he seems to be playing even more efficiently offensively and continues to play tough defense. There has to be a role for Kilpatrick somewhere, but in the meantime we are left to wonder what is going through the heads of NBA executives.

If you'd like to check in on Kilpatrick, you can watch the NBA D-League games on YouTube. Delaware next plays Dec. 19.

More From Down The Drive