07 Feb GETTING TO KNOW…WALT “CLYDE” FRAZIER – NEW YORK KNICKS, NBA HALL OF FAMER AND CURRENT KNICKS ANNOUNCER

How did you get the nickname “Clyde”? – I picked up the nickname “Clyde” because I wore

a similar hat to Clyde Barrow in the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde. I was known for my

flamboyant sense of style off of the court as well. I would arrive at games in a Rolls Royce,

dressed in designer suits, broad-brimmed Borsalino hats, and full-length mink coats. Favorite

thing to do on an off day – Sleep Athlete you would pay to watch perform today – Lebron

James Hobbies and Interests – Sailing, gardening, jogging, yoga, horseback riding and learning new words and phrases for

my broadcasts. I tend to do most of these things during the off season, way too busy working for the Knicks in the winter

months. You are known for your vocabulary when announcing. What are some of the ways you improve your vocabulary?

The Sunday Times Arts and Leisure section, when they critiqued the Broadway plays using words such as: riveting,

mesmerizing, provocative, profound, intoxicating. So I liked the way the words sound. I have books and books of words and

phrases that I write down and study them over and over and over. Favorite Actors – Al Pacino Favorite Team While

Growing Up- NY Yankees and Baltimore Colts Boyhood Idols – Fellow Hall of Famers, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlin

First Job – I was a curb boy. We used to take orders from people from their cars while waiting at the curb. Favorite Non

Basketball Team – San Francisco 49ers If You Can Trade Places With Anyone, It Would Be – I really can’t think of anyone

I would want to trade places with. I’m all about peace & tranquility. I don’t enjoy stress or pressure, so I’m happy right here.

Biggest Influence On Your Career – My family and all the coaches I had throughout grade and high school. On Playing In

Madison Square Garden – It’s intimidating and invigorating all at the same time. It was a dream come true to play in the

world’s most famous arena. Your rookie season was in 1967. What was it like being in New York? I didn’t like New York.

The hustle, the bustle. I didn’t know where to go. I’d be walking by people on the street—you don’t know if they’re dead or alive,

man! And nobody seems to care. It was overwhelming. It took me a couple years. How did you start being known for the

clothing you wear? – Well, see, it started out early. My dad was a good dresser. So I remember as a kid admiring his

clothes, trying to wear them when he wasn’t around. Most Embarrassing Pro Moment – One year we lost to the Washington

Bullets and Earl Monroe had a huge game against me. A good friend who made me look silly that one night Biggest Thrill

As An Athlete – Winning the world championship in Game 7 in the 1969-1970 season. It was the first championship for the

Knicks. In that game 7, I had a huge game. The Garden crowd wanted it bad and we delivered. I loved those fans back in the

1970’s. Those fans were so much more knowledgeable. Fans today are younger and are looking for entertainment. They like

the dunks and the 3 point shot rather than understanding the fundamentals of the game.