The NBA Draft is always an unpredictable event. But amongst all the uncertainty, the majority of players who have worked out for the Knicks have expressed a great desire to suit up for the Orange and Blue. Here is a sampling of what some prospects had to say about the opportunity to play in New York.
Craig Brackins
“Growing up, everybody knew the New York Knicks with Allan Houston and Patrick Ewing. I mean, you had to watch them and Chicago whenever they were on. I met (Houston) at the combine when I had my interview with New York. When I walked in there and he was in there it was crazy because he was one of my favorite players growing up. Now, to call New York home would be nice. It motivates me (to player harder here) because this is a team I want to play for. It is a style that fits me, so it motivates me to just show them and give them a chance to like me and on draft day hopefully this could be a spot for me.”
Sherron Collins
“It would be great to play here. A lot of greats played here. Madison Square Garden, it is like a field trip coming in here. I played there at the McDonald’s All-American Game. It was my first time in the building and I still remember it in the back of my head. So it would be great to play here. It’s a great, great city. The fans here are great. And all the legends that come through here, I would like to play for the Knicks.”
Landry Fields
“It’s kind of like a dream come true. Organizations like the Lakers and New York, they are big time throughout history. Just having a chance for them to bring me in was something special and something I am truly thankful for.”
Armon Johnson
“I know Coach D’Antoni is an up-tempo kind of coach and that is the type of game I love to play. I tried to show them the best I can that I can do that. I love New York. I just got here yesterday and it is my first time coming here, and it is an amazing city. There is a lot of history with this team. I watched Patrick Ewing and John Starks. I like how John Starks used to play defense. He used to get after it. This is an amazing place. There is a lot of history around here. To call The Garden my home would be amazing.”
Dominique Jones
“I have some buckets to give to The Garden. In the Big East, I couldn’t hit a shot. I was getting layups and getting in the lane, but I couldn’t hit a shot. So that’s a chip on my shoulder. I’ve got some buckets to give to The Garden and it would be nice if I was with the Knicks when I do it. I love transition. I want to get up and down and play defense.”
Andy Rautins
“Oh man, I can’t even tell you. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in The Garden. To play in front of my home state would just be an unbelievable experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I absolutely watched the Knicks growing up. I mean, I don’t know who didn’t. John Starks. Patrick Ewing. There was always a heated rivalry with the Bulls and Pacers too, those games were classics. To get the opportunity to play here would be unbelievable."
Scottie Reynolds
“The Garden is amazing. It is one of a kind like everybody knows. Playing there so many times over my career, it’s been special. I’ve spilled blood there and there’s been tears, but at the end of the day when you look back on it, it is a special place. To call it my home, that would be amazing. I always watched the Knicks when they played (the Bulls). I was at another workout previously and Allan Houston was there and I was like, “Wow, Allan Houston!” It brought back a lot of memories. I saw John Starks, and just knowing what the Knicks stand for, and the old Heat rivalries and things, you can’t ever forget that.”
Ryan Richards
“I know a lot about the Knicks and The Garden and how it is a great, great organization. When I was 14 years old, I had an ankle injury at the Jordan Classic in Brixton. The MVP of the tournament got to play at Madison Square Garden. I had a good game and I thought I should have been the MVP but I wasn’t and I never got the chance. But I’d love to play here, especially as they are rebuilding this year. It’s going to be real exciting getting to see what happens.”
Jarvis Varnado
“Patrick Ewing! I remember watching him. He was the best at it - scoring and his defensive presence – it was great watching him play. It would be an honor (to follow in the footsteps of) all the greats that played here at MSG. It is the Mecca of all Basketball. I kind of compare myself to (former Knick Marcus) Camby also with his defensive presence and blocking shots and running the floor.”
Greivis Vasquez
“I am the type of point guard that loves pushing it and running. That is (D’Antoni’s system) and it is a good fit for me. And to play in The Garden, it would be unbelievable for me…I know they have Toney Douglas here, but I don’t worry about anybody else. I worry about winning games, and if I’m with Toney Douglas then we will team up and try to win games and help the whole organization look good.”
Willie Warren
“Oh that would be a great experience (to play in) the Mecca of Basketball. It would be like…I can’t even say it. To have that opportunity would be a great feeling.”
