UNC’s Ty Lawson, the 2009 Bob Cousy Award winner as the top point guard in college basketball, was among five prospects showcasing their skills in front of Knicks President Donnie Walsh and his coaching staff at the team’s training facility on Monday. The Knicks own the eighth pick in the draft.

Other players at the workout included Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn, Villanova forward Dante Cunningham, Florida State guard Toney Douglas and Missouri forward Leo Lyons.

For Lawson, working out for NBA teams is nothing new. He had declared for the 2008 NBA Draft before opting to return for his junior year of college. Now, after leading the Tar Heels to the NCAA Championship, he gave up his final year of eligibility for another shot at the NBA.

Lawson had worked out for Philadelphia, Phoenix and Detroit prior to spending the afternoon in New York. He was pleased with his shooting and pick-and-roll game during his session with the Knicks, which he says has been his favorite so far, particularly because of Head Coach Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced style of play.

“There were more sets and I know what type of offenses this team run,” Lawson said. “We did more 3-on-3 and 1-on-1, so this workout was probably the best.”

Lawson saw what kind of influence D’Antoni had on two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash in Phoenix and feels he could have similar success playing New York’s up-tempo system. If the Knicks are looking to add another speedy point guard who can excel in both the halfcourt set and on the break, Lawson sees himself as that guy.

“He’s the type of coach I want to play for – energetic, loves to run and loves to win,” Lawson said. “It’s a perfect fit.”

Winning is also something Lawson has shown he can do throughout his career, helping to lead UNC to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, an NCAA Championship and a pair of ACC Championships.

He averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 assists and 2.1 steals in 35 games last season for the Tar Heels. But perhaps his best all-around performance of the year came in the championship game against Michigan State when he tallied a game-high 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and set a championship-game record with eight steals.

“That’s what I love to do, I love to win,” said Lawson. “At North Carolina I think we won like 80 percent of our games while I was there, so that’s the attitude I’m bringing to the NBA.”

The only blows to the 5-foot-11 Lawson’s game is his injury-riddled past and lack of NBA size, which have many experts unsure about his place in the draft. Some see him as a lottery pick, while others consider him a mid-to-late first rounder.

“People say I’m injury-prone and I’m too short, but we’re just going to have to see what happens on draft day,” said Lawson, who, along with Patrick Mills, measured as the smallest player in the draft. “After the draft I’m going to have to prove everybody wrong.”

For the doubters who think undersized point guards can’t make it in the league, Lawson pointed out Aaron Brooks’ recent breakout playoff performance and the outstanding play from New Orleans’ Chris Paul over the past few seasons.

“I think the whole perceptions about little guards is getting a lot better because of how quick we are getting in the lane and getting everybody involved,” Lawson said.

Flynn, who stands 6-feet, doesn’t think Lawson will have any problem playing in the NBA.

“He’s a great player,” Flynn said. “A guy that can push the ball like that, he’s one of the fastest guys I’ve seen going coast to coast with the basketball. He is so strong and finishes well with contact. Just look at him and his leadership. He led the North Carolina team full of pros, and he was the clear-cut leader.

“I think there’s no question he can come in and be a player.”