Ryan Curran Arcidiacono, born on March 26, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American professional basketball player currently donning jersey No. 51 for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Arcidiacono plays as a point guard and shooting guard.
Growing up, Arcidiacono earned the moniker “The Arch of Dimes.” He began his basketball journey at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, where he showcased his skills by averaging an impressive 20.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as a junior, leading Neshaminy to the PIAA playoffs.
Arcidiacono’s journey through the basketball ranks continued at Villanova from 2012 to 2016. In his freshman season, he earned a spot on the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team, setting the stage for a remarkable college career. As a junior, he co-won the conference’s Player of the Year award, and his pivotal role in Villanova’s 2016 national championship victory earned him the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.
His exceptional performance on the court garnered several accolades, including being part of the NCAA champion team, receiving the Big East co-Player of the Year (2015), First-team All-Big East (2015), and having his No. 15 jersey retired by the Villanova Wildcats.
Born into a sports-oriented family, with three older siblings and younger twin siblings, Arcidiacono’s father, Joe, played football at Villanova University. Growing up, he idolized Allen Iverson and Brian Dawkins, and his father’s installation of a 6-foot plastic hoop at home fueled his early passion for the game.
Arcidiacono’s high school career at Neshaminy showcased his scoring prowess, achieving a triple-double in a playoff game and earning recognition as the Bucks County Courier Times player of the year. Despite facing a setback with a herniated disk in his back during his senior year, he concluded his high school journey as the program’s all-time leading scorer.
Entering college, Arcidiacono’s freshman season at Villanova demonstrated his resilience, recovering from a back injury to become a key player. His sophomore season saw improvements in footwork and shooting mechanics, with notable performances such as a game-winning three-pointer against Kansas.
In his junior season, Arcidiacono shared the Big East Player of the Year honors and continued to excel despite battling a right wrist injury. His senior year proved to be a pinnacle, contributing significantly to Villanova’s 2016 NCAA championship, culminating in a game-winning assist to Kris Jenkins.
After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, Arcidiacono embarked on his professional career. He joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2016 NBA Summer League and later played for the Austin Spurs in the NBA Development League. His journey continued with the Chicago Bulls, where he signed a two-way contract and eventually secured a standard contract.
Subsequent stops included the Maine Celtics and a return to the New York Knicks, showcasing his versatility on the court. A brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 preceded another return to the Knicks, solidifying his place in the league.
Arcidiacono’s commitment to the game also extended to the national stage, representing the United States in the under-18 team and being a candidate for the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship. Despite being selected for the Italian “experimental” national team in 2015, he couldn’t participate in the official competition due to citizenship-related issues.
With a comprehensive statistical record in both college and NBA, Arcidiacono’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a passion for the game. As he continues to make an impact on the court, his story is one of perseverance and success in the world of professional basketball.
