nba 06-07

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NEW YORK (Ticker) - Isiah Thomas has shown he will stop at nothing to overhaul the New York Knicks' roster, even if it means dipping into the college ranks.

Thomas, the Knicks' coach and president of basketball operations, announced Friday the signing of Kentucky forward-center Randolph Morris. Terms were not disclosed.

Morris, an All-Southeastern Conference selection this season, had earned free agent status through a unique set of circumstances. He declared himself eligible for the 2005 NBA draft following his freshman year but did not sign with an agent.

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After he went undrafted, Morris returned to Kentucky for his sophomore season, whereupon he was forced to sit the first 14 games for receiving improper benefits.

Due to a provision in the collective bargaining agreement, Morris was prohibited from re-entering the draft. That meant he was available as a free agent for his entire 2006-07 junior season at Kentucky.

A 6-11, 260-pounder, Morris averaged 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks - all career highs - in leading the Wildcats to a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the second round to Kansas.

The addition of Morris provides another big body behind Knicks starting center Eddy Curry.

The pivot has been a position of need for New York because Jerome James, signed by Thomas to a five-year, $30 million contract in 2005, has been a monumental bust, averaging fewer than seven minutes per game.

its like having an extra first round pick...i like it in the long term