Knicks Alumni, Fans Crowd Mulcahy's for Viewing Party

The New York Knicks may have lost Tuesday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks but came out a winner with the Wantagh venue filled with blue and orange pride.

Former Knick players John Wallace and Anthony Mason hosted a special viewing party at Mulcahy's to support their former team where they greeted fans, auctioned off tickets and held a question and answer portion between commercial breaks.

Wallace was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1996 after starring at Syracause University and leading the Orange to the 1996 national title game. As a Rochester native, playing for an NBA team in his home state was something special.

"Being a part of the mecca of basketball, where the fans are the greatest fans and you're playing in the greatest arena, was amazing for me," said Wallace, who hung his jersey up in 2004 with the Miami Heat. "The Knicks have always been a world class organization and still are today."

As a retired ball player, Wallace said he enjoys appearances like Tuesday night's to meet fans and share his knowledge on the game.

"It's amazing to see fans who still hold you in such high regards," he explained. "I haven't played for the team in 12 years but I get treated like I just played a game yesterday. It's a great feeling."

Mason signed with the Knicks in 1991 after three years in the NBA. He helped lead the Knicks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1973 during the 1993/94 season. 

"As a Knicks player, the competitiveness and the will to win that our team possessed back then was the best time I've ever had on a team," Mason said.

With an exciting season underway, both Mason and Wallace hold confidence in the current Knicks lineup and their performance on the court.

"I think they're doing great," Wallace said. "This whole 'Linsanity' deal is really good for the crowd and the team. They just need to get back to being the best team they can before the playoffs start."

"They've gotten real exciting this season and they just have a few steps to go if they want to win the championship," said Mason.