GREENBURGH, NY, June 1, 2005 -- In today’s youth-oriented basketball universe, even all NBA early entries are not created equal. Take North Carolina junior Raymond Felton, reigning national Champion, winner of the Bob Cousy Award for best college quarterback, basically a fully mature point guard. “It was the best time to come out of school,” he says following his Knicks workout at the team’s Madison Square Garden Training Center. “After last season, what else was there left for me to accomplish?” At the same time, high school phenom Monta Ellis claims “I felt that I was ready for the NBA challenge,” as well. “But, just by working out here, going up against Raymond, opened my eyes. I know I have to get physically stronger,” he says.

Felton, the college junior, is a sturdy 6-1, 200 pounds of experienced muscle. Ellis, the kid, is a willowy 6-2 and 175 after a large meal.

Where they do finally meet is in their terrific talents and the things they have to offer the team that might pick them on June 28th. “I am a tremendous admirer of Steve Nash and Jason Kidd,” says Felton. “I think Nash’s MVP Award was more than deserved. Look at all the things those two guys do for their teams, whether or not they score a lot on a given night. I’ve seen Nash score two points and be the best player out there. I’m a great believer that a team benefits the most from a pass-first point guard. That’s the type of player I aim to be.”

Monta Ellis from Lanier High School in Mississippi is an early entry candidate to the NBA. MSG Photos

The explosive Ellis, who’s averaged an immensely immodest 42.0 points per game for Mississippi state champion Lanier High School, quickly adds “and 7.6 assists per game, too! I was a point guard my freshman and sophomore years. They only moved me to the ‘two’ because I was the best shooter. I know how to run a team.”

Ellis doesn’t pattern his game after anybody else’s. “I’m my own man,” he smiles as only an 18 year-old on the verge of something really great can. “But one guy I really admire is Chauncey Billups. He’s a true leader on the floor. He knows what it takes to be a champion.” Felton claims, “I don’t watch enough games to have a NBA role-model. I play ball all the time.”

The national champion quarterback feels he’s actually benefited from the fact that his outside shot -- average at best until last season -- arrived as the very last addition to his game. “I’m all about breaking down the defense and making things happen for my teammates,” he says. “Shooting is a good skill to have – it will stretch the defense -- but it should be the last thing a point guard thinks about.”

Ellis, nothing less than an electric shooter at the high school level, knows there is a lot more to winning basketball than that. “I’ve got tons to learn -- I just think I’ll learn more in the NBA than I would in college,” he says. “I’m sure in training camp they’ll break it all down for you. And I’m all ears. I’m ready to listen.”

And, apparently, just as ready to play in The Big Apple as well. “To be in New York, that would mean a lot, man,” he glows from the mere anticipation. “The big city, to play for famous team such as the Knicks… it would be awesome. I know the crowds really get into it here, whether it’s the WNBA, the Yankees, or whatever. They support their teams – and those are the kind of people I’d like to play for. In Mississippi, I’m telling you we’ve got some crazy high school basketball fans out there. But from what I hear, they can’t hold a candle to the New York fans.”