Toney Douglas turned plenty of heads against the Grizzlies to kick off Summer League. NBAE/Getty Images

That above all else is what resounded with Knicks Head Coach Mike D’Antoni regarding first-round draft choice Toney Douglas following New York’s narrow 90-86 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies to open their 2009 NBA Summer League slate.

“He’s going to be a good addition, that’s for sure,” he said. “We don’t want to peg him into a two or a one. He just needs to be a player, and he did pretty well today. 11 assists and no turnovers, and I thought he showed some real leadership … It’s a learning process, but I think he showed real flashes of what he can do. He will get better, and I am really happy with him.”

The 29th overall selection by the Los Angeles Lakers last month, the Knicks acquired Douglas on draft night with hopes he would be an all-around player who could help the team both immediately and in the future. If his first game as a pro is any indication, they certainly have a steal on their hands, which is exactly what they expected.

In addition to his 11 dimes, Douglas recorded eight points, three boards and two eye-opening steals. Zig-zagging through the opposition before dishing to the open man, he could have even had around 20 assists if the Knicks found the knack from downtown, where they struggled on the night.

Douglas was admittedly nervous during the first quarter, when he recorded just one point and one assist. However, after sinking a straight away three-pointer just under three minutes into the second quarter, he gained his confidence and never looked back.

“I felt comfortable out there,” he said. “I know in my heart, and I know Mike D’Antoni knows, that I can play this game. And they gave me the green light to run the show today and make decisions. It was a little nerve-wracking at first. Looking around, this is the highest level of basketball and it was my first Summer League game, but after the first couple minutes and my first basket, I really settled in.”

Just seconds after draining the three, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard made a nifty steal followed by a driving lay-up that had brought his teammates to their feet – especially a certain Italian forward who is destined to play alongside Douglas for years to come.

“I think along with Jordan (Hill), Toney played aggressive and got better as the game went along,” said Danilo Gallinari, who was clearly impressed by the young guard. “This is a group that got together three days ago, and (Toney) has taken charge. It is fun to watch him. I can’t wait to get out there and go with him. I think we will have great chemistry.”

Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh was also wowed by Douglas performance, which he said was a combination of what he expected out of him as well as what he called just the tip of what the former Florida he State star can accomplish.

“Toney, who has been known as a scorer, I think he did a lot of things that make him stand out as a point guard,” he said. “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but I know he can do that… He had 11 assists and no turnovers, and that was very impressive. He went up against NBA type guys and proved that he belongs here. He will get better and better, because like Hill, he isn’t used to the speed of what goes on in the NBA. Everybody can play, and they aren’t used to that. Everyone is quick, and they aren’t used to that. The players are stronger, and they aren’t used to that. But this is what it is going to be like in the NBA, and he did very well and will continue to get better and better.”

Like Walsh, Douglas isn’t worried about scoring just eight points, and is encouraged about the way the game played out.

“I am not worried about my scoring,” he said. “I know how to score and that that will come. But finding my teammates and getting the ball and putting the effort out on defense, that is what it’s about. Whatever it takes to do to win, that is what I am going to do. In this league, with all the great guards they have, that is what you have to do.”

Walsh was impressed by Douglas’ leadership qualities, which he attributes to spending four-years at college.

“I think coming out as a senior helps him be a natural leader,” he said. “He also played in some big time games in college in the ACC and the ACC Tournament, so he’s been there. He knows what his team needs out of him.”

After making his professional debut in front of coaches, veterans from around the league and a boatload of prestigious NBA figures, there were two special people who Douglas most wanted to speak to right away, which speaks volumes about the young man’s character – his parents.

“They never miss a game,” he said as he went to find them in the stands with a big grin, excited to see them. “It’s nice to see them always in the stands. They came to I think every one of my college games, and they are going to do that in New York too. My brother plays football (with the Atlanta Falcons), so they are going to be travelling back and forth a lot, but that is how they are and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Certainly the Knicks wouldn’t want it any other way than to have Douglas perform like he did against Memphis Tuesday night come October.