Knicks rookie Willy Hernangomez, the 22-year-old, 6-foot-11 bundle of potential, has heard the comparison before — many times before, in fact. But it still gets him excited and makes him proud when he is linked to one of his idols, Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies’ two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year.

“When I heard that, I felt great because it means they see what I can do,” said Hernangomez, a second-round, No. 35-overall pick of the 76ers in 2015 whose rights were traded to the Knicks on draft night. “I try to work hard every day, and when I have the chance to be on the court, I do my best. For me, I feel very happy when they compare me to Marc Gasol.”

The two bigs were teammates for several years with the Spanish National Team, and Hernangomez readily admits the Grizzlies star “is one of my idols” in style.

“I think we are similar. We do similar things but different things, too,” Hernangomez said. “I try to learn from him. I feel great when they told me that.”

Though the Gasol and Hernangomez comparison is obvious — two products of Spain who are low-post bigs with wingspans equal to a 757 — point guard teammate Brandon Jennings, who works with Hernangomez on the Knicks’ second unit, has a more succinct description.

“He’s pretty damn good for a rookie,” Jennings said.

Don’t overlook the rookie part. Hernangomez still is a basketball baby for the Knicks, who faced the Suns on Saturday at the Garden. For a quick reminder he has a lot of growth ahead, simply look at this past week.

On Wednesday in Boston, Hernangomez was big in the Knicks’ 117-106 upset of the Celtics, producing 17 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes as part of the Knicks’ center solution to the absence of Joakim Noah (ankle sprain). The next night, with Noah still out, Hernangomez did not play against Washington as smaller lineups were employed.

“Bill has had some good games during the year,” coach Jeff Hornacek said. “Young player, learning the league, he’s physical, doesn’t mind contact, got good touch, can pass the ball. For a big guy, he is pretty light on his feet and can move.

“We were able to go to the post with that second group [in Boston]. They threw him the ball in the post two, three times, and he scored. That is probably something we don’t have a whole lot, beside Carmelo, is a guy we can go into the post and feel pretty confident you are going to get a good shot.”

Hernangomez comes from a good basketball pedigree. His parents were professional players in Europe, and brother Juan is a rookie with the Nuggets. Hernangomez, averaging 5.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 13.4 minutes during his 36 games with the Knicks, feels the post-up game is the best part of his makeup. It’s the area where he has made the biggest strides as a rookie.

“This year, the best thing I think I do is play in the low post,” Hernangomez said. “The other teams, they don’t know me yet, so I think I have some different moves. I can go left, I can go right, but I think my low post is the best thing I can do.”

Jennings sees a bit more than left-right moves in Hernangomez.

“Billy’s the next Marc Gasol to me,” Jennings said. “I keep telling him he has so many similarities of Marc Gasol — his touch, the way he rebounds, his footwork, his moves.”

Hernangomez has heard that and knows what he needs to do to keep hearing it.

“Before games, I prepare and work hard because you never know when you’re needed,” Hernangomez said. “Whenever I get a chance to be on the court, I try to be more focused on things. I try to make an impact, expend my energy.”

Just like Marc Gasol.