Overland Park ? Luring fans to minor-league basketball games isn’t easy. The game, in fact, hardly is the thing.

Last week, for example, Jim Clark, owner of the Kansas City Knights, challenged patrons to a game of knockout prior to the Knights’ contest against the Kentucky Colonels in the Johnson County Community College gym.

Clad in a black Knights’ pullover and jeans, Clark announced that anyone who beat him would receive season tickets for 2005-2006. Within moments, a long line formed on the court with rapper LL Cool J’s song “Mama Said Knock You Out” playing in the background.

“You go with the flow,” Clark said of a league where scheduling and tip-off changes are common. “When you’re new, this is what new is all about.”

The Knights are part of the American Basketball Association, a league that, after closing its doors in 2003, is trying to re-establish itself.

On this night, the tipoff had to be delayed from 7:05 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. when the Colonels were late to arrive. Those dedicated souls who stuck around were promised free tickets to the next night’s game.

“How do you gain credibility with your fans if your visiting teams aren’t showing up on time? That’s what we’re fighting now,” Knights coach Bob Sundvold said.

While the Knights are trying to build a fan base, the roster is in a state of flux. Players come and go. For example, two Knights recently left to play in Europe for more money. One was former KU guard Jeff Boschee, who now plays in Iceland.

When Boschee left, one of the players who replaced him on the roster was Robbie Graves, brother of former Jayhawk Jeff Graves, who has been with the Knights all season.

NBA on Graves’ brain (02-25-05)

After playing mostly in Hale Arena, Clark has moved the Knights’ to JCCC.

“It’s going to help us get a niche in Overland Park,” Sundvold said. “It’s one those things if you have any business — location, location, location. It’s a great spot.”