Former Knick John Starks had an interesting historical observation on the recent episode of MSG Network’s “Four Courses with J.B. Smoove.” The host was joined by dinner guests Starks, Ralph Macchio, Wyatt Cenac and Jim Norton to talked about the 1990’s Knicks teams Starks starred on, when he faced arch enemies such as Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan.
Starks recollected how “The Dunk” on Jordan unfolded. “B.J. Armstrong jumped, and I saw that lane open up and I was like ‘Oh, you gonna get it,’ Starks said. “As soon as I saw Horace Grant, I thought, ‘You gotta go hard,’ and that’s exactly what I did.”
He also admitted he didn’t realize who else was involved in the play until the following day.
“It wasn’t until the next day in the newspaper that I saw who was in the backside of that play. It was Michael Jordan. And I was like, ‘Gotcha!’ ”
Queens could become Youngs’ town for opener
Eric Young Jr. and Chris Young hope to make Mets history on March 31 when the Mets host the Nationals at Citi Field to open the 2014 season.
Not since 1978 have two Mets with the same last surname started on Opening Day together. That year, Ken Henderson hit third and was the starting left fielder with Steve Henderson in right field and batting fifth.
“I know Young is a pretty common name,” Eric said. “But I think it would be a pretty cool thing to have two of us in the lineup.”
“I just have to make sure I write ‘C.Y.’ instead of ‘Young’ on all my equipment to make sure I get it back in my locker,” Chris said with a laugh.
Mets 10-game plans, which include tickets for Opening Day and one Subway Series game, offer savings off individual game prices, starting as low as $25 per game. They are available at Mets.com/plans.
Olympian tapped for Harlem skating venture
As part of the Citi Every Step of the Way program, Olympic gold medal winner and figure skating legend Evan Lysacek appeared at Avery Fisher Hall in Manhattan on Friday, to provide awareness and financial support to Figure Skating In Harlem. The not-for-profit organization provides more than 200 girls ages 6-18 with educational and skating opportunities, aiming to build self-worth and promote physical well-being and academic achievement. For more information, visit citi.com/everystep.
“Through my work with Figure Skating in Harlem, I’ve witnessed firsthand as the trajectory of these girls’ lives have changed,” Lysacek said. “I attribute that to both the valuable life lessons they learn through skating and the emphasis on academics. Because of Figure Skating in Harlem, their lives are shaped by opportunities and experiences that they may never have had otherwise.”
Every chance our girls get to meet Evan, they are so inspired by his dedication, excited to see his gold medal and thankful for his generous support of their skating and educational goals,” said Sharon Cohen, founder and executive director of the organization.
Rangers out to support NYC hockey league
The Rangers and Chase will host the Rangers Assist celebration for the Greater NYC Ice Hockey League at the Abe Stark Skating Arena in Coney Island on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Rangers Brian Boyle and Kevin Klein — along with alumni Ron Duguay, Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Dave Maloney, Brian Mullen and Jay Wells — will be participating in events throughout the evening, including a “Try Hockey for Free” clinic and youth skills clinics, as well as an exhibition game featuring the Rangers alumni. The game will cost $15 a ticket, with all proceeds going to the Greater NYC Ice Hockey League. All other activities are free and open to the public.