Madison Square Garden – “The Garden,” as it’s referred to in the Big Apple – has been deemed in a catchy advertising campaign, “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”
That’s not an exaggeration, says Kansas University sophomore guard and Bronx native Russell Robinson, who estimates he has seen between 10 and 20 New York Knicks games in the building that seats 19,763 fans.
“There’s so much history – a lot of tradition there. To get to play on that court where so many great players have played is an honor,” said Robinson, eager for Tuesday’s 6 p.m. (CST) nonconference clash against St. Joseph’s in the hallowed building on Seventh Ave. and 32nd St., that through the years has also played host to :
¢ sporting events like the New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup run in 1994;
¢ the Ali-Frazier championship fight in 1971;
¢ several Joe Lewis title bouts;
¢ John McEnroe v. Jimmy Connors tennis matches;
¢ plus hundreds of college basketball thrillers, not only involving local school St. John’s, but also teams all over America competing in the preseason and postseason NIT.
Outside of sports, in the building there have been appearances by Pope John Paul II, the Rolling Stones, John Lennon, Frank Sinatra and Madonna, not to mention three Democratic and one Republican national conventions.
“I think so,” Bronx native Robinson said, asked if the building was the No. 1 all-time venue for hoops. “I’ve seen a lot of St. John’s games there and the Big East Tournaments. I’ve played on the court, but I haven’t really played a game there. I’ve seen the court before.”
Robinson shot hoops in the Garden in the spring of 2002 after his New York City Rice High team won the state championship.
“We were the ‘Daily News High School Team of the Year,’ and that team gets to go there every year,” Robinson said proudly. “We got there early and kind of played around there awhile. I know the rims.”
Robinson is enthused about the one-day Jimmy V. Classic – Michigan State and Boston College play 30 minutes after the conclusion of KU-St. John’s – and simply returning to his hometown.
“I’m really excited to see my family,” said Robinson, who estimates about 25 relatives will be on hand for the game “including parents, aunts, uncles, grandmothers. I’ll be trying to spend as much time with my family as I can. Unfortunately, most of my friends are away at college, so they won’t be able to see me play, but at least I’ll have my family. Any time you get back in the city, it’s a good thing, even if it’s for just two days.”
Robinson – KU’s first scholarship player from New York since Terry Brown, who played at KU from 1990-91 – grows homesick from time to time.
“Sometimes I feel it,” said Robinson, one of just seven New Yorkers to play for KU since 1946. “After the games, I wish I had my mom to talk to, to cheer me on. It’s part of me growing up. I’m fine now.”
He grinned when asked what he missed most about the Big Apple.
CAPACITY
Basketball: 19,763
Hockey: 18,200
FAMOUS DATES IN GARDEN HISTORY
May 31, 1879, first MSG opens, 5th Ave and 23rd Street.
June 16, 1890, second MSG opens, same locale as first.
Dec. 15, 1925, third MSG opens, 50th St. and Eighth Avenue.
Feb. 14, 1968, fourth MSG opens, 33rd St. and Seventh Avenue.
Winter, 1934: First college basketball game is played at the Garden, between Notre Dame and New York University.
Feb. 28, 1940: Basketball is televised for first time, Fordham v. Pittsburgh.
May 8, 1970, New York Knicks win first championship thanks in large part to Willis Reed, who played in the NBA Finals despite a leg injury.
March 8, 1971, first Ali-Frazier fight, Frazier winning by knockout.
August 1971: Ex-Beatle George Harrison hosts benefit for the people of Bangladesh, bringing in Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Bob Dylan.
March 28, 1976: Gymnast Nadia Comaneci scores her first perfect 10 at the American Cup.
Sept. 1991: Finishing touches completed on a $200 million renovation.
June 14, 1994: New York Rangers win first Stanley Cup in 54 years.
Winter, 1995: Michael Jordan scores 55 on the Knicks.
Oct. 20, 2001: Concert to benefit the World Trade Center victims.
“Probably some of the greasy food, Chinese food, how convenient it was. It was right across the street,” he said of dozens of restaurants. “People are way nicer here, way nicer. I like that. They are friendly, they talk to you, create conversation. In New York, they are kind of rude.”
Robinson, who has started KU’s first six games this season – he has averaged 6.5 points and 24.2 minutes per contest – said reduced playing time late last season put thoughts of transferring, perhaps closer to home, in his mind.
“It got kind of close,” said Robinson, who chose KU over Syracuse, Georgia Tech, UConn, Florida State, Kentucky, St. John’s and others in recruiting. “I made the decision to come here for many reasons. I knew I’d be going away from home when I made my decision. I had to deal with it. I am not one to back off on a commitment. I learned growing up that being loyal is one of the keys to success. I feel real good now. I’m not playing as well as I could be playing, but I feel it will get better.”
His high school coach, Rice’s Maurice Hicks, believes Robinson will have a solid college career.
“Russell has a refuse-to-lose attitude,” Hicks said, making comments similar to those of KU coach Bill Self, who has called Robinson a “machine” for his consistently strong work habits. “He is a tough guy who leaves everything on the floor. He finds a way to win.”
Robinson would like nothing better than to win in front of his friends and relatives in such a special building Tuesday.
“He hasn’t said anything about going home,” said freshman Julian Wright, also eager for the short trip – KU will leave this afternoon via charter flight and return after the game Tuesday night – “but I’m sure he’s excited about it. New York is a great city. The thing about Russell is, he’d play hard no matter where the game is. Once the game starts, I don’t think he’ll even know where he’s playing. He’ll play hard, the way he always does.”
