By Mike Patton

NABJ Black News & Views

Bernard King, Willis Reed and Patrick Ewing are some of the names New York Knicks fans know that are synonymous with the team.

Another well-known Knicks personality is Walt Frazier, the color commentator for Knicks games telecast on the MSG Network.

But before Frazier was a commentator, he was known for his skills as a player with the New York Knicks.

After playing at Southern Illinois University and being named the MVP of the SIU National Invitational Tournament in 1967, Frazier caught the eye of the Knicks and was selected fifth overall by the team. Frazier suited up for the first time with the Knicks on
October 28, 1967, when New York took on the Detroit Pistons and won 111-98. He would go on to lead the Knicks to their last title in 1973, along with being named an all-star multiple times in his career.