James becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2010 and New Yorkers hope he will one day lead his own parade as a member of the Knicks. But on this night he simply brought an assassin’s touch.

LeBron put up 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as the Cavaliers throttled the Knicks 100-91 before a capacity crowd of 19,763 at Madison Square Garden that included Yankees Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira.

“The atmosphere was great,” said James, who sported Mars Blackmon-like glasses before and after the game. “[There were] a lot of stars in the building. It’s humbling to know that you have guys like the Yankees come out and Jay-Z. It’s really, really humbling. You see some of the Giants out here, I saw John Legend, Chris Rock.

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NEW YORK -

Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Joba Chamberlain, Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano are among the Bombers expected to be on hand when LeBron James and the Cavaliers meet the Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Grandmaster Flash and Reggie Jackson are also supposed to be in the house, and former Yankee centerfielder Bernie Williams will play the national anthem.

“The fact that they would take time out of their schedule, especially what they just accomplished, to come see a basketball game, to come see us play, to come see the Knicks play, it’s humbling for me as an individual,” James, a big Yankees fan, said before tipoff. “It’s humbling for our team that people come out and support us. So the most we can say is thank you and congratulations to them once again.”

Sporting Mars Blackmon-style sunglasses, James addressed a room full of reporters anxious to hear about his future plans. He can become a free agent next summer and the Knicks have cleared cap space to make a run at him and other big fish.

James is friendly with Sabathia, who knows LeBron from his time with the Cleveland Indians, but he said the burly pitcher hasn’t made any recruiting pitch for him to come to the Knicks.

“I’ll give him a call after the game. He’s seen both sides of the fences, being in Cleveland and now New York so it was great to see him get one [world championship],” James said.

James dropped 52 points in his last appearance at MSG and said he’s disappointed that the Cavs play here only once this season.

“I don’t know who made the schedule for the Cleveland Cavaliers to only be here once,” he said. “I’m kind of disappointed in that. But it’s our one and only time so we’ve got to make it good.”

James has never been a villain here the way Reggie Miller and Michael  Jordan were in the ’90s. The crowd cheers for him when he’s in town almost as if the Knicks were irrelevant.

Asked what it would be like if the home team were good, James said: “It would be great. I think the NBA is missing out on the fact that the Knicks haven’t been great in a few years now. We all know the history of the Knicks. We all know what has happened in this building and what the Knicks’ franchise has done for this league, so as a fan I think it would be great some day, or one day, when this franchise can be particularly good.

“I’m not saying they’re not good now. They’ve got a really good team, a really young team. Coach [Mike] D’Antoni’s a great coach. I think we all know the teams that they had in the ’90s and early 2000s.”

James continues to keep his options open for next summer, but says he’s focused on trying to win a title in Cleveland this year.

“I feel like our team is set to where we can play really deep into the playoffs and possibly contend for an NBA championship,” he said. “That’s the main thing I’m focusing on now.

“When those dates come upon me next summer, I’ll be able to look at all my options.”

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On Sunday, Nov. 8, New York City legends Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and a host of others NYC basketball personalities will participate in the Sharette Dixon Classic, a showcase of the top talent from New York and New Jersey.

Duke commit Kyrie Irving and uncommitted standouts Jayvaughn Pinkston and Tobias Harris are expected to participate. Harris is visiting West Virginia this weekend and may or may not return in time for the event.

“Sharette was a wonderful mother and a talented professor,” said Smith, who etched his name in New York City basketball lore before going on to a successful career as both an NBA player and television analyst. “This event is really a celebration of her life and the values that she stood for.”

Anderson will serve a host for the event, which will feature some of New York and New Jersey’s most promising players. The event will take place at Bishop Ford HS in Brooklyn and will begin with a Girls’ showcase at 4 pm, followed by a Boys’ showcase at 6 pm.

Anderson, who is still considered one of the finest point guards ever to come out of New York City, said that participating in the event was an easy choice.

“When you have hard times, the first place you look for support is your family,” said Anderson. “Kimani and I have been friends for more than 20 years.  Here in New York, the basketball community is like one giant family and we look out for each other.  Anything I can do for Kimani and his kids I will do.”

True to Dixon’s nature, the event will recognize players who have excelled academically as well. One player from each participating team will receive the Sharette Dixon Academic Excellence Award, which is given to players who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better throughout their high school career.

The Sharette Dixon Memorial Classic will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn (500 19^th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11215). The girls game is at 4 and the boys game at 6.

Proceeds from the event will support a family education and child care fund being established in Mrs. Dixon’s memory for her three children.

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Featured participants in the Sharette Dixon Classic include:

Boys Game

Kyrie Irving (#6 rated Senior in the nation; committed to Duke)

JayVaughn Pinkston (#1 Senior in NYC; uncommitted)

Tobias Harris (#7 Senior in the nation; uncommitted)

Myck Kabongo (Top 25 Junior in the nation; committed to Texas)

Sterling Gibbs (member of USA Basketball 16/U team)

Kyle Anderson (member of USA Basketball 16/U team)

Girls Game

Jennifer O’Neal (#30 Senior in the nation; committed to Kentucky)

Bria Hartley (#14 Senior in the nation; committed to UConn)

Jaleah Sidney (#? Senior in the nation; committed to Syracuse)

Dasia Simmons (#42 Senior in the nation; committed to Rutgers)

Lauren Mincy (#23 Senior in the nation; committed to Maryland)

Briyona Canty (#9 Junior in the nation; uncommitted)

Bria Smith (#5 Junior in the nation; uncommitted)

Academic Excellence Awards:

Tobias Harris, Half Hollow Hills West

Kyrie Irving, St. Patrick’s

Hakeem Harris, Blair Academy

Omar Calhoun, Christ the King

Bria Hartley, North Babylon

Korin Robinson, Mary Louis

Ciarra Calhoun, JHS 51

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LeBron James

“No, my parade starts at 8 [o'clock] at night,” James, a big Yankee fan, told reporters in Cleveland Thursday before the Cavs lost to the Chicago Bulls, 86-85.

The Cavs on Friday visit the Knicks for their only appearance of this season — a circus-like atmosphere that will be broadcast on ESPN.

James becomes a free agent after this season and the Knicks are targeting him to join their franchise next summer.

James isn’t closing the door to that possibility. He’s keeping his options open.

The Cavs can offer James a six-year deal worth $126 million, while the Knicks or another suitor could only offer $96.3 million over five years, according to The New York Times.

“I don’t tease, I’ve never teased the New York media by saying I was coming to New York or playing for the Knicks,” he said. “I say the same thing every time. When July 1 gets here, I’m going to approach it like a businessman and approach it for the best fit for LeBron and his family.

“I’ve been a Cav for seven years now and I’ve never given any indication I was leaving. For me to say I’m not going to be a Knick, I’m going to be a Cav or I’m going to be a Knick, I’m not going to be a Cav, I’m not going to do that. I did the three-year contract for a reason, I’m going to leave my options open.”

Still, James did say it would be better for the NBA if the Knicks, along with the Lakers and the Celtics, were good.

“I think the league is doing just fine, but with the Knicks being good, the Celtics being good, the Lakers being good, it makes the league that much better,” he said. “I’m talking as a fan now, please understand that.”

Sure thing, LeBron. We understand.

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Devon Collier,

“He called [head coach] Craig Robinson and committed,” said New Heights director Kimani Young. “That’s where he felt most comfortable.”

Collier, a Bronx native ranked No. 134 in the Class of 2010 and No. 25 among power forwards by Rivals, chose Oregon State over Big East schools St. John’s, Seton Hall and Providence.

“I think Devon really liked the players, the coaching staff and I think at the end of the day he wants to create his own legacy for himself,” Young said.

“He’s very comfortable with Craig Robinson,” added St. Anthony coach Bob Hurley. “He seemed very sure that it’s the right move for him and I feel good for him because he was very comfortable that he had made the right decision.”

Robinson and his staff flew East to watch Collier several times during open gyms and Collier then took an official to campus in mid-October.

“Oregon State would be my top [school] because the official visit was great,” Collier said last month. “Since I officially visited Oregon State, they’re on top. I have to visit the other schools. Then I’ll decide.”

Asked if he could imagine going there, he said. “I could imagine it. Just because the area itself is nice. They’re making me feel welcome.”

He added: “[Robinson] is a cool person. He’s fun to talk to. He has a  good sense of humor. He’s smart. It’s not because he’s the President’s brother-in-law. He’s a good person in general. The staff that’s around him, they’re good, too.”

Hurley said Collier liked Oregon State’s style of play, which emphasizes the play of the forwards.

“They play with the forwards handling the ball,” Hurley said. “If he works he can become a better shooter. They like him as a kid that can move in the zone, rebound, get deflections.”

SMITH LIKES LOUISVILLE

South Kent (Conn.) shooting guard Russ Smith says he plans on signing with Louisville during his Nov. 15 visit.

“I’m going to sign on my visit,” the 6-foot-2, 160-pound Smith said Friday. “We’re still working on everything officially but I did give coach Pitino my verbal.

“I liked his resume and everything overall, the program. It’s a big-time basketball program.”

Sources said Louisville has yet to officially offer him a scholarship, but the coaches want to sit down with him during the visit and explain what his role would be.

“[He] is going on his official visit to Louisville Nov. 15. Coach [Rick] Pitino and Coach [Ralph] Willard were out here a couple weeks ago and really liked him a lot,” South Kent coach coach Kelvin Jefferson said. “I think Russ wants to sign early and I’m sure Louisville’s at the top of his list.”

Smith dropped 27 points in the Jordan Brand Regional Game back in April at Madison Square Garden and was named co-MVP of that event.

He also holds offers from Houston and Baylor and may visit Baylor Nov. 23.

“Baylor wants him to come in on the 23rd,” Jefferson said.

MORGAN WITHDRAWS FROM SOUTH KENT

Seton Hall commit Jesse Morgan has withdrawn from South Kent (Conn.).

“Unfortunately, this was not the right situation for Jesse and I wish him luck at his next stop,” South Kent coach Kelvin Jefferson said.

PANKEY VISITING MARYLAND

Ashton Pankey, another 6-8 forward from St. Anthony, is currently visiting Maryland.

“He and his mom took the train down today and it wouldn’t surprise me if he really liked the visit, he might just take one more to compare apples to oranges,” Hurley said.

(Photo courtesy Daily News)

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“Clear,” Cincinnati coach  Mick Cronin said by text.

Cincinnati was informed early Thursday evening and Stephenson then scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in Cincinnati’s 86-58 victory over Saginaw Valley State. He played 18 minutes off the bench.

“I am happy to be able to put this behind me,” Stephenson said in a statement. “Since I committed to the Bearcats back in the summer, all I have wanted to do was get here and start playing ball with my teammates. I want to thank everyone that has given me encouragement and support during this, especially my family, coaches and teammates. They have been with me every step.”

The 6-foot-5 Stephenson was being looked at by the NCAA for amateurism issues. He was involved in the “Born Ready” Internet series and a film called “Gunnin’ For That No. 1 Spot.”

Fellow freshman John Wall of Kentucky must sit two games, including an exhibition, because of his association with an agent, Brian Clifton, who served as Wall’s AAU coach. Wall will also have to repay about $800 related to college visits he took during the time Clifton coached him.

The all-time leading scorer in New York State history during his career at Brooklyn Lincoln High School, Stephenson was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year. He averaged 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season at Lincoln.

He scored 22 points in 25 minutes in a scrimmage Oct. 24, impressing observers.

“The guy can play offense,” Cronin told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He’s got a lot of natural, God-given ability. I think our style of play will help Lance.”

Stephenson chose Cincinnati in June, a story first reported by SNY.tv.

The Bearcats were picked to finish seventh in the Big East and open regular-season action on Nov. 16 against. Prairie View A&M.

Stephenson and his teammates will play Vanderbilt Nov. 23 in the Maui Invitational on ESPN.

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Brandon Knight

“Looks that way,” Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Pine Crest coach Dave Beckerman wrote in a text.

The early signing period runs Nov. 11-18.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Knight took an official to Kansas last weekend and Beckerman confirmed that Knight will visit Florida Nov. 13-15.

“It is my understanding that he will visit Florida,” he said.

Knight has previously visited Kentucky and UConn and has also considered Miami and Syracuse.

UCONN AWAITING WORD ON PLAYERS

UConn sophomore point guard Kemba Walker of the Bronx scored 28 points and senior forward Stanley Robinson added 25 points as undermanned UConn defeated American International College, 106-67, Wednesday.

Freshman big man Alex Oriakhi added 16 points and 16 boards.

The No. 12 Huskies played without senior Jerome Dyson, junior Donnell Beverly and freshman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel due to pending evaluation of recently submitted paperwork pertaining to their eligibility certification.

FREE THROWS

6-8 forward Gil Biruta of Lithuania and St. Benedict’s Prep visits Rutgers Saturday after taking the SAT. Speaking of Rutgers, see the men’s basketball preview in the Video Player in the right corner of the blog...Latavious Williams has made himself eligible for tonight’s NBDL Draft. Williams initially committed to Memphis and then opted to play overseas…Neumann-Goretti guard Mustafaa Jones committed to Hartford. The 5-foot-11 guard chose Hartford over Hampton, New Hampshire, Columbia and Brown, according to Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer. Jones is the fourth Neumann-Goretti senior to commit, following Tony Chennault (Wake Forest), Daniel Stewart (Rider) and Tyreek Duren (La Salle).

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GREENBURGH, N.Y. — LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers come to New York on Friday, the same day the Yankees will enjoy a parade through the Canyon of Heroes to celebrate their 27th world championship.

James and new teammate Shaquille O’Neal make their only Garden appearance in a game that will be televised on ESPN, and is sure to have a circus atmosphere surrounding it. James is expected to address a large media contingent about an hour before tipoff.

A big Bombers fan, James is happy that order has been restored to the Yankees’ universe.

“The Yankees are back on top where they belong,” read a text message James sent to Knicks guard Larry Hughes, James’ friend and former teammate with the Cavaliers.

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NEW YORK (NBA.com exclusive) –  The biggest ovations at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night were for a team playing in another borough.

Yes, there were lots of empty seats at the Garden for the game between Indiana and New York, and the fans who were there cheered louder for the video updates of the Yankees’ exploits in Game 6 of the World Series than they did for the building’s basketball team.

The Garden figures to be abuzz Friday when LeBron James and the Cavaliers come to town, but on this night the Knicks were a big fat dud as they lost to the previously winless Pacers, 101-89, before an announced crowd of 19,273.

“We’ve got to win Friday,” said Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, whose team dropped to 1-4. “That’s the only thing we can think about now. We’ve already screwed this up. We’ll be positive, try to get this thing straight and let’s get a win Friday.”

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“We’re still working out the details,” Judge Johnston, the Ames (Iowa) High School activities director, said Thursday morning by phone. “There’s a lot of stuff going on out there in the Internet world.”

Barnes is considering defending NCAA champion North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, UCLA, Oklahoma and Iowa State.

Various reports have had the 6-foot-6 Barnes announcing Nov. 12 or 13, and Johnston said Nov. 13 was the target date.

“We’re shooting for that date [Nov. 13] but still that’s not even confirmed,” Johnston said.

“He’s going to take his last unofficial visit to Iowa State [this weekend] and then we’re going to finalize the details after that,” he added. “There’s still some moving parts working into the decision of the exact announcement and timing and ESPN all that.”

ESPNU has hosted announcements for various high school stars.

Johnston said he hopes to know when the announcement will take place by Monday.

“I’m hoping the first thing Monday morning we’ve got a final decision,” he said.

(Photo courtesy Justin Hayworth/Des Moines Register)

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