The Knicks haven't named their D-League coach yet.

But when they do, the final candidate will be familiar with the way Derek Fisher wants to play.

In other words, he will be well versed in the triangle offense.

So says the Westchester Knicks' GM, Allan Houston.

"We've talked to a few candidates, very good candidates. We're not there yet, we're very close. But this is a very unique position because you want to have someone who is familiar with the way Derek wants to play and the system. But also [someone who is] familiar with the future and the landscape of the D-League and its process," Houston said on Saturday.

"When you have players that you identify as development prospects or maybe even players that will be on the Knicks' roster, you want it to be as seamless as possible for when they play on the Westchester team."

The Westchester Knicks held an open tryout on Saturday at the House of Sports in Ardsley. Houston was on hand to look at the participants. He also talked about the new D-League team and the role that Mills and Knicks president Phil Jackson have played in building the operation.

"They've really been great. We literally meet every day and talk about components of the staff ... and some of the development guys that will be in training camp. So they're very committed to it, which is very exciting for us because let's be honest: [Knicks owner] Mr. [James] Dolan put a big investment into the process and he's very serious about it and he's committed to it or else he wouldn't have done it. So our job is to just make it as fruitful as possible."

The Westchester Knicks acquired players in the D-League's expansion draft and will draft first-year players in the league-wide draft.

Houston says Phil is "compassionate" boss: We don't have much insight into Phil Jackson's approach as a boss. Houston shed some light on that Saturday when he talked about his experience working with Jackson thus far.

"It's been great. The first thing that was great was seeing how he managed, his personality, his presence, just talking [to him]. He doesn't talk about basketball all the time. Phil talks about life," Houston said. "He's compassionate when he's talking about a player. It's about how he is as a person, about his family and his makeup and what makes him who he is. And I think to develop [players] you have to understand who the players are and what motivates them. And that's going to create a path to succeed. He's very serious about that and that's what I think is a great foundation for us."

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