Former Marquette Golden Eagles basketball star Tyler Kolek is finally a champion in the NBA — NBA Cup champion, that is.
Kolek played an integral role in the New York Knicks’ 124-113 victory in Las Vegas over the San Antonio Spurs in the championship game of the NBA’s in-season tournament. Not many expected Kolek to play as effectively as he did, but the Knicks are certainly thrilled over his showing. Kolek provided a huge boost off the bench for the New York, as he scored 14 points on 5/9 shooting from the field with two 3-pointers, five assists and five rebounds in 20 minutes. He also had a plus-14 in the contest.
How hard did Kolek play?
Let’s just say that his sock had a hole in it when it was all said and done, as noticed by NBA on Prime host and former Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem.
“You played so hard you got a hole in your sock,” Haslem quipped.
"You played so hard you got a hole in your sock."
Tyler Kolek has proof of his incredible efforts in the @emirates NBA Cup Championship game 😭 https://t.co/0srhaIRMdX pic.twitter.com/J8Owa0yiod
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2025
Fans reack to ex-Marquette star Kolek’s sock
Of course, the fans had a good time reacting to his poor sock – and Kolek’s performance.
“That’s real hustle 😭 playing until your socks tap out is crazy work. Respect the effort.,” said a fan on X.
Another one said: “Sock MVP confirmed.”
From a commenter: “Come on man not in front of Taylor Rooks 😭”
“Hole in the sock, full heart that’s love for the game.,” a social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “I guess we know what he’s using that prize money on…..”
Said another: “sock tells the story 🏀”
Kolek surely has the money to buy a new pair of socks. He could even start a sock factory with the $530,000 in prize money that the NBA rewarded each player on the winning team in the NBA Cup finals.
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