Harrellson

Matta called Harrellson the most underrated player in the country.

The Seattle Times 2011

After his senior season, but before the NBA draft, Harrellson criss-crossed Kentucky to meet fans at elementary schools, coal mines and Wendy's restaurants.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

And on Tuesday, Harrellson tweeted: "Take your favorite pair of jeans and cut them at the knee and do the JORTS walk do the JORTS walk!"

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

Harrellson's sartorial peculiarity became a point of pride for Kentucky fans during his senior year, when the team advanced to the final four.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

"There were quite a few people wearing their jean shorts," said Doug Harrellson, Josh's father, who has always relied on jean shorts in warm weather.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

"When I first meet him, I'll ask about it," Harrellson said.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

The Knicks also purchased the 45th overall pick from the New Orleans Hornets and selected Kentucky senior center Josh Harrellson, a 6-foot-10 Missouri native who averaged 7.6 points and 8.7 rebounds last year.

Knicks Pull a First-Round Surprise Kevin Clark 2011

This won't stop Harrellson from talking up jean shorts.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

Before the NCAA tournament's final weekend, Harrellson stopped by Bourbon 'n Toulouse, a local restaurant that was offering free meals for customers who sheared their jeans into jean shorts.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011

Still, Harrellson fills an obvious need for the Knicks, whose toothless stable of big men last season included Ronny Turiaf and Jared Jeffries.

Knicks Fans: Get Ready to Meet 'Jorts' Ben Cohen 2011