The New York Knicks will begin preparation for the 2008-09 season with training camp at Skidmore Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

The team will hold two practices each day at the Sports and Recreation Center main gym. The practices will be closed to the public.

The move to Skidmore is one of many "fresh starts" for the Knicks under new president Donnie Walsh. The Knicks had held their training camp in Charleston, S.C., for the last 17 years, but decided to seek another location this spring.

"It's going to be terrific," said Skidmore athletic director Gail Cummings-Danson. "The Knicks are excited about this, and so are we. I think it's going to be a great relationship for both sides."

First-year coach Mike D'Antoni's team will play its inaugural preseason game Oct. 8 at Toronto and open the team's 63rd National Basketball Association season Oct. 29 at Madison Square Garden.