It’s hard — almost impossible — to imagine the Knicks without thinking about Madison Square Garden, and vice versa. But 75 years ago, in their first year of existence, the Knicks weren’t only stuck behind such Garden staples as the Rangers, the circus, wrestling and bicycle races — they were also a distinct No. 2 basketball attraction.
Ned Irish understood. The Knicks president had earned his reputation by making college basketball at the Garden a thrice-weekly staple during the winter, selling out almost every night. Even he could squeeze only six dates at the Garden out of 30 Knicks home games.
But he worked hard trying to build the franchise’s credibility. Part of this was by scheduling regular scrimmages against the city’s college teams, figuring that playing the likes of LIU, NYU and CCNY was the best way to show that the Knicks were a worthy alternative.
And those games that did land at the Garden …
