John Shurna is frequently compared to Steve Novak because of his height, shooting prowess and appearance.

At one point during Knicks practice yesterday, in fact, the two marksmen basically matched one another shot for shot at each end of the practice facility.

Yet Knicks head coach Mike Woodson has been more impressed with the all-around game of Shurna — the former Northwestern star — than merely his long-distance accuracy.

“I just like his makeup,” Woodson said. “He can make shots, that’s what he does, but he’s a basketball player. He can put the ball down, he rebounds for his position, I like him so far.”

Assuming recently signed power forward Rasheed Wallace makes the team, Shurna is one of five players competing for the 15th roster spot on the club.

via Zach Braziller of the New York Post