April 2011 | Page 3 of 23

Chauncey Billups will return as the Knicks point guard next season.

The team picked up his $14.2 million option on Wednesday, two days before the deadline to either pick up the option or buy him out for $3.7 million.

“We have made a decision to keep Chauncey Billups for the upcoming 2011-12 season,” Knicks president Donnie Walsh said in a statement. “Chauncey, Amar’e and Carmelo are a great nucleus, as we continue to look our team going into the off-season. Chauncey is an extremely talented and experienced point guard — we are very happy to have him back.”

Transfers, West Virginia

Murray to Visit West Virginia (UPDATED)

April 27, 2011

author: Adam Zagoria

Former La Salle big man Aaric Murray will take an official to West Virginia this weekend.

“He’s coming in Friday,” a source with knowledge said.

The visit was first reported by the Philly Daily News.

The 6-foot-10 Murray has also been to Oklahoma State, which is also involved with 6-8 forward Jamari Traylor of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academies.

Articles, Kansas, Oklahoma State

Kansas, Oklahoma State Leading for Jamari Traylor

April 27, 2011

author: Adam Zagoria

Jamari Traylor is back from his Kansas visit and says he likely won’t decide on a college until sometime in May.

Kansas and Oklahoma State are his top two options at this point, although Indiana and Texas Tech are expressing interest.

Asked if Kansas and Oklahoma State were equal at this point, he said,”Yes, I would say so.”

He took his latest official to Kansas this past weekend.

Articles, Old Knicks, Video

Shocking Danilo Gallinari Interview

April 27, 2011

author: Adam Zagoria

Classic video here of Danilo Gallinari. Watch the interviewer’s face. And see more NBA video below of Kenny Smith talking about the Knicks and their point guard situation on SNY.

Articles, Hofstra

Hofstra’s Jenkins Motivated to Provide for Niece

April 27, 2011

author: Adam Zagoria

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Looking out into a banquet room full of people Tuesday night at the Westchester Marriott, Charles Jenkins asked that his 11-year-old niece, Kemoni Albritton, stand and be recognized.

“I want her to stand up so everybody can see the pretty dress she’s wearing tonight,” Jenkins, honored as only the third three-time winner of the Haggerty Award, told the crowd in what was perhaps the most touching moment of the night.

Kareem Albritton, Jenkins’ older brother and Kemoni’s father, was shot and killed in Brooklyn in 2001. Ever since, Jenkins’ parents, Charles and Patricia, have helped raise the girl.

Articles, Rutgers

Rutgers’ Rice Excited About Carter, Young Guard Mix

April 27, 2011

author: Adam Zagoria

**This story was updated on April 28 once Eli Carter signed his NLI**

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Mike Rice and the Rutgers basketball program were dealt not one, but two harsh blows when they lost both Tyree Graham and Mike Taylor in recent weeks.

Graham suffered an Achilles’ injury and Taylor is headed to prep school. It remains an open question whether either will ever suit up for Rutgers.

“I’ve lost two guards in the lost month,” Rice said Tuesday night at the Haggerty Awards dinner at the Westchester Marriott.

The good news for Rutgers — which finished 15-17, 5-13 in the Big East last season — is that Eli Carter signed his Letter of Intent Tuesday and the Scarlet Knights have a nice mix of talented young guards coming in.