Zeke Press Conferences are Must-See TV

You know how sometimes you’ll have those friends who are always watching that hot new TV series on Showtime or HBO and tell you: “just watch one episode…trust me?” And most of the time, because you respect their opinion, you take their word and give it a try. Usually, you’re glad you did. It’s in this general manner that I’ve been drawn into Entourage, Californication, Rescue Me and the like. Word-of-mouth is a powerful thing.

That’s why we want to take this moment to provide our readers in the New York metropolitan area with a quick TV tip (our apologies to those from elsewhere around this fine nation who don’t have regular access to our regional cable networks). If you have any interest in sports (and we assume you do if you’re reading this), schedule some time to check out an upcoming post-game press conference with Isiah Thomas, head coach of the New York Knickerbockers.

Frankly, we think MSG Network is missing a blinding opportunity to market the hell out of these things – on their own. Forget the game. They should have stand-alone promos…”tune in at 9:30 p.m. for the next episode of ‘Conversations with Zeke: A Journey into the Unknown.’” All we can say to the uninitiated…trust us. Pick a night when the Knicks are playing. If so inclined, check out the final few minutes of the on-court action. Then, as T.O. would say, get the popcorn ready.

Without fail, Isiah will mesmerize you with his soft, feminine almost-whispering voice…a strange and somewhat frightening permagrin…and at least one to 12 references that will leave you in complete jaw-dropping awe. Following Monday’s loss to the Celtics, it was Thomas’s reply to a reporter who asked why Eddy Curry’s play so lacked in the first half compared to his effort in the second half. After a long, and extremely awkward pause (permagrin unaffected during this time), Zeke gave the following logical answer:

“He’s a nice man, he’s a gentleman,” Coach Isiah Thomas said. “In his mind, he’s got to find the balance between his physicality and being a gentleman.”

Like so many other occasions with Zeke, I was left both perpelexed and highly amused. Conversations with Zeke frequently bring about bouts of laughter. We highly recommend giving the show a try. The Knicks play again on Friday versus the Sixers. Do yourself a favor. Make an appointment to sit down with Zeke post-game. You will not be disappointed. Trust us.