this week.

And yesterday Mr. Al Marchfeld, who has been with the New York Knicks for the past 45 years, told The Royal Gazette he hoped to return next year with the star-studded NBA team.

Mr. Marchfeld is visiting the Island for the second time with his wife, Annette, and friends Evelyn and Harold Rabinowitz. They arrived on Monday on the cruise ship Horizon .

While the main purpose of the visit is rest and relaxation, Mr. Marchfeld said he was also looking for a possible venue for the team who normally visit the Bahamas during the basketball off-season.

"Every year I've been taking them to the Bahamas where the number one sport is basketball,'' he said. "And although they get rest, they must do at least one cocktail party and visit a hospital or school.

"I always make it my business to bring Knicks' souvenirs to hospitals and schools that we visit. It's promotional for the team, but it's also about giving something back.'' "Next year,'' Mr. Marchfeld said, "I want to take them to a new island.

Bermuda is known for its golf courses and many of the players enjoy the game.

"People are also so friendly here. We have not heard one negative word about the Island.'' With the help of Tourism's assistant director of activities Mr. Randy Horton, Mr. Marchfeld said he planned to visit hotels in the hope of securing accommodation for the NBA team.

The team, which includes top players such as Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and Charles Oakley, is most likely to visit next summer after the NBA championship game in June.

Mr. Marchfeld said he also planned to visit some schools while here and he had brought along Knicks' hats, pins, and key rings to distribute. "After I visit children at hospitals or schools I walk away feeling 10-feet tall, because it usually brings a smile to their faces and that makes me feel good,'' he said.

FAN-TASTIC -- That's how New York Knicks' official Mr. Al Marchfeld describes the Island. Mr. Marchfeld, who is visiting with his wife, Annette, hopes to bring the Knicks to Bermuda next year.