Marc Berman reports that Knicks GM Scott Layden picked up the check for coffee when he met with unrestricted free agent center Michael Doleac Saturday at a Salt Lake City coffeehouse.

Whether Layden's willing to pick up the tab on a new multi-million dollar contract - or chase the more talented Keon Clark - could be decided by week's end.

In the character department, Doleac is solid gold. He nearly attempted to get a commission to West Point but when a scholarship came through at Utah, he took it. He's now taking pre-med classes at Utah, with an eye on med school.

"I just want to play," said Doleac, who has no problems coming off the bench. "Play and win. My brother's a junior now and he'll have more time off base. That would be nice."