Madison Square Garden isn't known to be pro Kansas State, but it will likely have a few sections dotted in purple Wednesday night when the Wildcats face Delaware in the Preseason NIT semifinals.
That's the result of local duo Shane Southwell and Omari Lawrence of Kansas State. They are expected to have upwards of 75 friends and family in attendance as they play together at the Garden as teammates for the first time.
"It's going to be big," Southwell, a 6-foot-6 Harlem product, said. "A lot of people we know will be there to watch us play. We're looking to play good and win two games."
The former high school rivals, childhood friends and AAU teammates with the Gauchos, who are complimentary pieces for head coach Bruce Weber's 4-0 club, are thrilled to be together again.
"We look to push each other every day in practice and be each other's little crutch," Southwell said.
Lawrence, a 6-foot-4 wing from The Bronx, began his career at St. John's under Norm Roberts, but opted to transfer shortly after Roberts was let go and Steve Lavin was hired. Southwell made sure his friend knew the opportunity awaiting him in Manhattan, Kansas, calling him as soon as he heard the news.
"They have each other's backs, which is very positive for us building our team chemistry," Weber said.
Pittsburgh and Michigan meet in the nightcap. The four teams play against Friday in the championship and consolation games.
The two New York City products, both lanky junior small forwards, have seen plenty of playing time this year. A junior with point guard skills, Southwell is averaging seven points, four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes per game. After a tough first season for Kansas State last year, Lawrence has filled an important role off the bench, as a lockdown defender who provides energy and scoring in transition.
"They can be very valuable for us," Weber said. "They give us a different look from some of the other guys we have."
Lawrence is reveling in the opportunity Weber has given him after a rocky few years. Last year, in which he saw limited playing time, Weber was his third coach in as many seasons, but he got into tip-top shape over the summer and has impressed coaches and teammates.
The two still reminisce about their high schools days, when Southwell's Rice seemingly always overcame Lawrence's St. Raymond in what was arguably the city's top basketball rivalry before Rice closes its doors last year for financial reasons.
"He used to play well, but they never used to beat us," Southwell said of Lawrence with a broad smile.
The two hope to leave the city with bragging rights they can share.
zbraziller@nypost.com
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