http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/signed_060705.html

NEW YORK, July 5, 2006 –

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach

Isiah Thomas announced today that forward Renaldo Balkman and guard Mardy

Collins have been signed to contracts.

Balkman, 6-8, 208-pounds, was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2006

NBA Draft after three years at the University of South Carolina. He averaged

7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.08 in 104 career games. The Staten Island,

NY-native was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2006 National Invitation

Tournament at Madison Square Garden after a 76-64 Championship-win over

Michigan on Mar. 30, and was also named to the 2006 SEC All-Tournament Team.

Collins, 6-6, 220-pounds, was selected as the 29th overall pick in the 2006

NBA Draft after four years at Temple University. He averaged 15.4 points,

4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 125 career games. The Philadelphia-native

led the Owls to four NIT appearances and finished his college career as the

school’s fourth all-time leading scorer and second all-time leader in steals.

Both rookies are practicing with the team’s entry in the 2006 Vegas Summer

League. The Knicks’ team starts a five-game schedule on July 7.