Any rookie wants to make an impact for their team in their first professional season, no matter the league. For Knicks first-rounder Kevin Knox, he wants his impact next season to receive the highest recognition possible.

"Rookie of the Year. That's gonna be on my wall in my room," Knox told The Post's Steve Serby. "That's what I want, that's what I'm gonna work for. I don't got it like painted on my wall, it's just a piece of paper with Rookie of the Year on it, every time I wake up, look at it, just know what I'm going to work for."

It will be a long road for Knox to achieve his goal, but if there was ever a place to showcase such talent, Madison Square Garden is the perfect stage. Knox is used to the spotlight shining on his every shot and dribble having played at the University of Kentucky.

The Wildcats are televised nationally on a weekly basis, and with Final Four expectations coming their way every season, Knox knows the kind of pressure he is about to walk into in New York City.

He's ready to take it on.

"I love the big stage. That's why I went to Kentucky," he said. "...I love New York, it's a great city, great atmosphere to be in, big stage, mecca of basketball. ...Why [would anyone] not want to play in Madison Square Garden?"

Knox has already gotten the best New York City welcome possible, as Knicks fans booed him left and right after hearing his name called at the NBA Draft this past Thursday. With Missouri's Michael Porter Jr. still on the draft board, fans were chanting his name hoping to hear it called. Instead, Knox donned the Knicks snapback and walked up to shake commissioner Adam Silver's hand.

It isn't the welcome Knox -- or any player for that matter -- wants on the biggest night of their lives. But Kristaps Porzingis saw the same treatment from the Knicks' faithful when he was drafted, and he gave Knox advice over the weekend on how to handle it.

But, having played at Kentucky and traveled to opposing arenas, Knox had heard his share of boos. He admittedly loves those moments.

"Yeah, that just gives me motivation," Knox said. "I love hitting a shot, and the crowd goes silent."

Knox's college career can be highlighted by his ability to score -- both on the outside with a crisp jumper or working his way to the rim. However, there were some that questioned his toughness, which he called his most unfair critique of his game.

Knox says you can't play in Kentucky if you don't have a thick skin.

"Just my toughness," Knox said. "People say that I gotta work on that, but playing at Kentucky, you gotta have toughness -- going on the road all the time playing in front of packed crowds and not be able to compete."

The 18-year-old won't be the only new face in Madison Square Garden next season, as head coach David Fizdale will enter his first season leading his young corps. Fizdale and Knox have already connected, and Knox feels comfortable with his new head coach who he says he can talk to about virtually anything.

"He gave me so much life tips -- how to manage your money, how to manage people around your circle and stuff like that. There's just so much that he can teach you, and that's something I love about him, you don't have to go in his office and talk about basketball, you can go talk about anything you want."

Knox has already been booed by Knicks fans, so there is only going up from there. How high does he see himself going? He has his sights set on seeing his number in the rafters one day.

"Yes. That's why I love this game, that's why I play this game, that's the goal," Knox said when asked if he wants to be great. "I want to be great. I want to have my name up in the rafters one day. You want to be a Hall of Famer."

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