Big Apple NIT : No. 5 Kansas Plays No. 9 Louisville

NEW YORK —  Kansas Coach Larry Brown said Thursday that sophomore Danny Manning “could be a treat for a lot of people” at Madison Square Garden tonight when his fifth-ranked Jayhawks take on ninth-ranked Louisville in the Big Apple National Invitation Tournament semifinals.

Manning, a 6-11 forward who has been compared to Magic Johnson because of his ability to play anywhere on the court, has not played well this season, according to Brown, who hopes the Garden atmosphere will bring out the best in him.

“But it’s not fair for anybody to be compared to Magic Johnson,” Brown said. “Danny can handle the ball, but I’d rather see him finish it off than pass off in the paint.”

Sixth-ranked Duke will face 18th-ranked St. John’s in the first game of the college basketball doubleheader. The final is set for Sunday night.