Former Knicks great Willie Naulls didn’t even know he had any Knick records still left to break. Now thanks to Amar’e Stoudemire, Naulls is left with just one.
Stoudemire smashed Naulls’ 1962 record Sunday as he posted his eighth straight 30-point outing – a streak Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Bernard King and Earl Monroe never came close to achieving.
“God bless him,” Naulls told The Post Monday from Laguna Beach, Calif. where he is a minister. “He’s a great athlete. I was shocked. I was surprised it wasn’t broken before with all the great Knicks they’ve had. I’m surprised it stayed so long.”
Naulls, 76, still has a share of another franchise mark – tied with Richie Guerin for most field goals in a game with 23 – which he is unaware of. Naulls admits he’s far removed from pro basketball, but in recent days he got calls from friends in New York that Stoudemire was on the verge of passing his 30-point record streak. He was thrilled to be associated with Stoudemire, whom he has admired from afar.
“My impression of him is he’s a mild-mannered gentleman and that’s how his public image comes across,” Naulls said. “He’s a great role model for the youth. I appreciate basketball still, watch it periodically and I loved watching him and (Steve) Nash work together in Phoenix. Great athlete, with quickness, strength. One of the great talents in the league and world.”
Naulls was with the Knicks from 1956 to 1963 during a down period. In fact, the Knicks were just 2-5 during his seven-game 30-point streak.
Naulls, who played for John Wooden at UCLA, retired from the NBA in 1966 and left the game completely, not wanting to coach. He’s written five books – a memoir and on religion.
“I went from a boy to a man in New York,” Naulls said. “I have very fond memories of New York and the Garden. I met Jackie Robinson there one night, sitting at the end of our bench. We didn’t win very much but we had great fans. I’m delighted they’re winning. I follow them every year.”
Naulls will get to meet Stoudemire next month. Naulls has been invited by the Knicks to their game in L.A. against the Lakers on Jan. 9. Naulls still has one record from UCLA – single-game rebounding mark of 28 that even the former Lew Alcinder and Bill Walton did not touch.
“I can’t believe that’s still there either,” Naulls said.