On Wednesday, all four players that worked out had at least one year of college eligibility remaining. Thursday’s session at the Madison Square Garden Training Center included only one such early-entry candidate. And only one day after watching stellar small guards like North Carolina’s Raymond Felton and high school phenom Monta Ellis showcase their skills, the Knicks brought in a quartet of big men who together tip the scales at more than half a ton and average 6-foot-9 in height.

Headlining the fearsome foursome was Wooden Award finalist Wayne Simien of Kansas University, who hopes to turn a standout senior campaign into a first round selection on draft day. The powerful forward tallied 16 double-doubles in 26 games in 2004-05, including 11 games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. His regular season averages of 20.2 points (25th in the nation) and 11.1 rebounds (7th) made Simien one of only seven players to finish in the top 25 in both categories.

“I was able to win at that level. I played against a great group of players and was successful,” he said. “That’s definitely prepared me, both on and off the court, for the NBA game and lifestyle.”

Simien scored 30 or more points twice in splitting the season series against fellow Big 12 power and eventual Elite Eight participant Oklahoma State. The senior was one of few bright spots for the Jayhawks in their NCAA opening-round loss to Bucknell, notching 24 points and 10 boards in his final collegiate game. Simien’s scoring, rebounding and assist averages all increased each season he remained at Kansas, and he credits staying in college for all four years as a major factor in his possible success in the NBA.

“Having a solid foundation will help me at the next level,” he said. “Obviously, everyone [in the NBA] can run and jump, so it comes down to skill level and knowing the game mentally, and I think I can do that.”

Mississippi State senior forward Lawrence Roberts. MSG Photos

Joining Simien for the workout were Mississippi State senior forward Lawrence Roberts, Wake Forest junior center Eric Williams, and Louisville senior forward/center Otis George.

Roberts spent his first two collegiate seasons at Baylor before transferring to MSU for his junior campaign. That season, he averaged almost 17 points and just over 10 rebounds, was named the SEC Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. He believes that his immediate success with Mississippi State translates directly to his budding NBA career.

“I’m the type of guy where I go to a team, fit in, work hard, and do what I can to help the team win,” Roberts said.

Carrying the momentum from his spectacular junior season, Roberts returned for one last time around and tallied a rare collegiate triple-double when he dished out 12 assists to go with his typical 18 points and 11 rebounds in a November victory. For the season, he notched 20 double-doubles, including one in each of his team’s NCAA tournament games, on his way to averaging 11 boards to go with almost 17 points.

“I really take pride in going after rebounds,” he said. “Things like that translate in the NBA game and will help me in the long run as I continue to improve as a player.”

Roberts and Simien are two tough, experienced post players who will both likely get the chance to contribute to NBA teams in the fall.

“I’m a tenured college player, so I think I’d be able to come in and play right away,” Simien said. “I think I’m ready physically and mentally, and ready to play for a great organization like the Knicks.”