MEMPHIS -John Calipari, preparing his University of Memphis team for the NIT, got a surprise phone call yesterday from one of his prized former pupils: Marcus Camby.
With the Knicks in town for their match tonight vs. the Grizzlies, the injured Camby and Calipari were trying to get together last night and reminisce about their UMass days. Calipari said yesterday he tried to reuinte with Camby when he coached the Nets for three seasons.
“I tried to trade for him every year I was in the NBA,” Calipari told The Post. “I thought we gave Toronto a better offer than the Knicks. Then I spoke to the Knicks. They laughed at me.
“I think teams were afraid that I’d be the guy to get him to play,” Calipari added with his usual modesty.
It is why James Dolan should always keep Calipari’s name in the back of his mind as a coaching candidate if Camby stays. Calipari’s a marquee name who coaches defense well. What better way for him to get back at the Nets than lifting the Knicks back into prominence?
Calipari is indeed looking to go from Beale Street to the Garden next week – for the NIT Final Four. Memphis hosts Brigham Young tomorrow in a second-rounder. “We’re two wins from New York,” Calipari said.
When asked about the NBA, Calipari said: “My desire is not for money. Financially I’m fine. Nor is it based on me proving something. If you’re going to a good organization and you’re going to win, there’s nothing like it. I will not go to another organization where you’re going to win 25 games. Some clubs are small businesses, 30 days from bankruptcy. The Nets were one of them.
“Historically the Knicks have a strong organization, willing to do what it takes to win. But the Knicks haven’t crossed my mind. They have a good coach now.”
Calipari’s view on Camby is important, because the Knicks are ready to shop the center again this summer because of his lack of durability. But with Kurt Thomas possibly hitting the turning point of his career, transforming into a potential All-Star power forward in the weak East, a Camby-Thomas frontline doesn’t sound so bad.
“If I was in the league, I’d hope they’d trade him to me.” Calipari said. “I told Jeff [Van Gundy], because we’re friends, let [Camby] do what he does and what he doesn’t do, let other guys do.
“He’s a guy who can take a team with 43-to-46 wins and be the guy to get you to 50, 52,” Calipari added. “He’s 7-foot and runs like a guard. But he’s not the guy to take 25 wins and get you to 44. He’s a piece of the puzzle, he can’t carry you.”
One of Calipari’s Memphis kids could help the Knicks immediately as a lottery pick. Scoring point guard Dajuan Wagner of Camden may come out. Knicks assistant GM Jeff Nix scouted him in the NIT opener and sat down with Calipari.
“If he’s pegged six or seven, he’s got to come out,” Calipari said. “He’s an Isiah-type scoring point guard.”
