'Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals,' LI man's senior year book prediction goes viral as Knicks reach NBA Finals
A Long Island Knicks fan is gaining attention after a bold prediction he wrote in his 2020 high school yearbook — "Knicks in 6 in 2026" — is coming to a possible reality as New York reached the 2026 NBA Finals.
The New York Knicks' run to the 2026 NBA Finals has fans across the city dreaming of a championship. But one Long Islander made a prediction the Knicks would be here. And he has the yearbook to prove it.
Back in 2020, while most high school seniors were using their yearbook space to share accomplishments and memories or leave inspirational messages, Smithtown High School West senior Evan Pfeufer made a bold prediction: "Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals."
"I was at a good buddy's house," Pfeufer recalled. "I said, 'Knicks in 6 in 2026.' His mom said that rhymes really well. So I said, 'OK, done.'"
At the time, the prediction seemed far-fetched. The Knicks were coming off a 21-win season and were far from championship contention. But Pfeufer said he knew the team would turn the corner in two years.
Now, with the Knicks making their deepest playoff run since 1999, Pfeufer is enjoying the impact his favorite NBA team is having on all of New York.
"We're in the Finals. We have Jalen Brunson, KAT, we have superstars," Pfeufer said. "We have some of the best role players in the league who care so much. It means more than anything. It represents New York as a whole."
Despite the attention his prediction has received, Pfeufer says the quote itself isn't the most important thing.
For him, bringing an NBA championship back to New York is what truly matters.
As for whether his "Knicks in 6" prophecy will be exactly right?
"If we win in five or seven, I couldn't spoil it all for you," he joked.
