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Phil Jackson cuts silent, steely presence in pre-draft interviews

USA Today Sports

The New York Knicks are the classic example of a franchise in shambles, but you wouldn't know it from president Phil Jackson's steely figure.

Jackson was unnervingly calm while conducting interviews at the draft combine this week - perhaps too calm. Two prospects told Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News that Jackson mostly remained silent.

"I think that's just his personality," Kansas guard Frank Mason III said of Jackson. "It was a cool experience to meet him finally."

Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox, a lock to be picked in the top 10, was also given the silent treatment.

"I was cool (meeting Jackson)," Fox said. "He was more staring at me, trying to feel me out, but I enjoyed all my interviews."

As always, the Zen Master had his reasons for his apparent good cop, bad cop interview tactic. Jackson wanted to observe each player's personality while Knicks adviser Clarence Gaines did most of the interrogating.

"We're pretty good. I have a master interview in Clarence Gaines," Jackson said. "He even has his dashiki on."

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