Along with reporting New York C Jerome James faces season-ending Achilles surgery, the Daily News’ Frank Isola writes that rookie F Danilo Gallinari’s MSG debut against Chicago yesterday was marred by some unfortunate choices on the part of the Knicks’ in-game entertainment department
After each of his four baskets, the Knicks’ long-time public address announcer Mike Walczewski, using a thick Italian accent, said “Daneeelo Gal-lin-ar-ay” and then the Italian songs “Volare” or “That’s Amore” were played.
When asked about hearing his name, Gallinari said: “I need to talk a little bit with them about that. Because it’s not so good, the pronunciation. I will talk about that. As for the music, no, not so good.”
Mike D’Antoni was somewhat surprised by the music selection himself and looked at the scorer’s table after Gallinari’s first basket.
Apparently, Gallinari would prefer to hear a more updated, age-appropriate song. Also, the Italian journalists who attend Gallinari’s home games said the song stereotypes Italians.
Age appropriate, eh? Assuming no one can find a copy of Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas’ “Smooth”, perhaps this best-selling CD would do the trick.