Hawks 360 Magazine Volume 3, Issue 2 by Atlanta Hawks

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CONTENTS Vol. 3, Issue 2 | HAWKS.com

ENTERTAINMENT 03

’ Nique at the Movies Al Horford’s MP3 Player

WHEELS Audi TTS

FASHIONISTA with Joe Johnson

STUDENT OF THE GAME

KIRK BEAMS INTO ATLANTA

A BIG MAN GETS HIS CHANGE

JASON COLLINS: VERSION 2.0

NBA PLAYOFFS: EAST vs. WEST

SCOUTING THE NCAA

INKED with Josh Powell

14 Photo by Greg Miller.

Jeff Teague reviews Crysis 2

HAWKS IN THE COMMUNITY

FITNESS & TRAINING Endurance

CHEF BRADLEY’S RECIPE

Pasta with Mushrooms & Artichokes

ON THE BACK PAGE

Atlanta Hawks Cheerleader Profile: Stephanie

VIDEO GAME REVIEW

with Etan Thomas

by Dominique Wilkins

A COMPLETE LOOK INSIDE THE TH LIFESTYLE OF THE ATLANTA HA WKS

VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 Creative Director: Peter Sorckoff Assistant Creative Director: Derek Carlin Art & Design: Matty Ryan Senior Editor: Arthur Triche Editor: Jon Steinberg Editorial Assistant: Jason Roose Produced by: Atlanta Spirit, LLC 101 Marietta Street NW, Ste. 1900 Atlanta, GA 30303 Printed by: Tucker-Castleberry, Atlanta, GA Contributors: Erin Attaway, Jennifer Boxley, Andrea Carter, Scott Cunningham, Tom Ferda, Donni Frazier, Kat Goduco, Lauren Kania Brandon “Hometeam” Leak, Cliff Lummus, Greg Miller, Jon Newberry, Bob Rathbun Chef Bradley Rouse, Jon Steinberg and Dominique Wilkins

P HO TO CREDITS : Cover: A. Horford by Greg Miller Pg. 1: Stephanie by Greg Miller Pg. 3: D. Wilkins by Greg Miller, A. Horford by Wendi Kaminski Pg. 5: Audi TTS by Greg Miller Pg. 7: J. Johnson by Greg Miller Pg. 8: A. Horford by Greg Miller Pg. 11: K. Hinrich by Scott Cunningham, H. Armstrong by Greg Miller Pg. 13: J. Collins by Greg Miller Pg. 14: Stephanie by Greg Miller Pg. 17: Jimmer Fredette by Mark A. Philbrick / BYU, Marshon Brooks courtesy of Providence College Pg. 19: J. Powell by Greg Miller Pg. 21: J. Teague by Greg Miller Pg. 23: Full Court Fest and Boys & Girls Club by Jennifer Boxley, Open Hearts by Kat Goduco, and Atlanta Trailblazers by Scott Cunningham Pg. 25: Chef Bradley Rouse by Greg Miller Pg. 26: E. Thomas by Greg Miller All Atlanta Hawks game photography by Scott Cunningham Email us your idea, feedback, thoughts and suggestions at hawks360@atlantaspirit.com. ©2011 Atlanta Spirit, LLC. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced without written consent of the Atlanta Hawks.

OVERALL REVIEW

t’s truly hard to believe this amazing movie, “Hoop Dreams,”one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen is 17 years old. This was a reality movie at its finest, long before reality television really hit the mainstream. The first time I saw it, this film really struck a chord with me, as it parallels a period of my life, and a lot of my friends’ lives, in so many ways. This human drama takes us into the world of high school basketball stars William Gates and Arthur Agee as they suffer through the trials and tribulations of life in inner-city Chicago, and dream of becoming professional basketball players one day. Both young men are recruited to play at St. Joseph HS (where Isiah Thomas became a star), a school 90 minutes from their homes, but one with a well-respected and established basketball program. Against the backdrop of race, class and the complex world of student athletes, the film provides a fascinating storyline as we follow the kid’s lives and the lives of their families. While the drama that unfolds seems fictional at times, it’s all too real and like I said, really hit home for me. Gates, who was from the notorious crime and drugridden Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago, struggles with his academics at St. Joseph’s. Despite a serious knee injury, his basketball career is flourishing, and he eventually earns a scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee. Agee, on the other hand, only makes it a year at St. Joseph’s, as the financial strain to continue to attend the private school was too much for his family to

“I give it five dunks out of five. It’s a masterpiece!”

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

HOOP-TY DO

maintain. After attending junior college, Agee landed at Arkansas State, where he finished out his college career. While neither reached their ultimate dream of making the NBA, the story of their struggles and joys is incredibly compelling, and gives a realistic look into what life is like for many young men in this country. Even though the movie came out in 1994, it could just as easily be made today with the exact same situations and circumstances. While the movie was originally intended to be a mini-series on PBS, the producers realized how powerful the story was, and were able to make it into a full-length documentary. Amazingly, the film wasn’t even nominated for best documentary at the Academy Awards that year, but is regarded to this day as one of the best ever made.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MP3 PLAYER? While most of the songs below are hip-hop, reggae or club music, I have a pretty big variety of taste in music. One of the benefits of traveling so much is I get time to listen to a lot of music, and see what’s hot around the country. I do the majority of my listening on the airplane, but I also listen a lot in my car. I don’t really listen to music pre-game, as I usually will watch film or just mentally focus with as little noise as possible.

Missed an issue of Hawks 360?

“John Doe” by Rick Ross

Go to HAWKS.com/360 to read all of the previous issues.

“In the Morning” by J. Cole featuring Drake “On the Floor” by J. Lo featuring Pitbull “Look At Me Now” by Chris Brown remix “Hustle” by Ace Hood remix “Zun Zun Rompiendo Cadras” by Wisin Y Yandel “Mirando Las Olas” by Omega featuring Daddy Yankee “Play Your Part” by Rick Ross remix “H.A.M.” by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z “No Speak Americano” remix by Pitbull

udi prides itself on purpose-driven design, and while their cars may cut corners, their engineers don’t. That quality-driven principle is embodied with the release of the 2011 Audi TTS. From the first tap of the throttle, the impressive modifications made in the TTS become wholly obvious. The much higher boost of 17.4 psi allows the engine to let loose its 265 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque for a surprising burst of acceleration. Coupling power with the fastshifting S tronic® dual-clutch transmission, the 0.2 second shift times push the 0-60mph time of the TTS to a mere 4.9 seconds. The design of the car is a seamless blend of the familiar and the new, and of form and function. At the head of the TTS is the iconic S model Singleframe® grille, which couples perfectly with the standard Audi xenon plus headlights and LED daytime running lights. The stark Aluminum Optic mirror housings and aluminum gas cap give signature touches of flash to the sleek shape of the body. Sport brake pads and black

“

TTS calipers are slyly hidden behind the TTS’s distinctive 19” five-tri-spoke wheels, all set on summer performance tires. As striking and clever as the front and sides may be, let’s face it — you’re more likely to have a better view of the rear once it passes you (and it will). With that in mind, Audi has added some exciting and bold features to the TTS: a retracting rear spoiler, quad chrome exhaust and, lest we forget, the unmistakable TTS badge on the rear deck. All that said, the spectator’s view from the outside is eclipsed only by the ever-impressive Audi interior. Slipping into the Silk Nappa leather driver’s seat adds to the seamless merge of luxury and performance. The contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel give that subtle touch of style and class that car-lovers the world over have come to expect from Audi, and the side bolsters they accentuate help cement you in the seat as you whip around corners at your pleasure. Everything about the TTS interior is geared for comfort and control — from the

by Cliff Lummus

magnesium steering wheel to the expertly placed shift knob, the car feels more and more like an extension of the body with every minute behind the wheel.

WHEELS

WHEELS: THE AUDI TTS

The stylish body and crafted interior all sit atop a steel and aluminum chassis, giving the TTS optimized weight distribution and enabling precision handling. The driving experience is heightened by upgrades from the TT, including the Audi magnetic ride and quattro® all-wheel drive, allowing the TTS to continually adapt to both the driving conditions and your individual driving style. Deciding on the TTS is an easy choice to make, and one that makes a bold statement. It asserts both the need for performance and the desire for style, and the 2011 Audi TTS meets both with equal force. This long-awaited update to the already-successful TT is hailed by Audi as “the most thrilling TT model to ever reach the U.S. market.” After our time spent behind the wheel, we can’t help but agree.

As striking and clever as the front and sides may be, let’s face it —

you’re more likely to have

A BETTER VIEW

Photo by Greg Miller.

of the rear once it passes you.

”

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THE pring is officially here, and the ice and snow RICHARDS GROUP

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F A S H I O N I S TA

FASHIONISTA: JOE JOHNSON TRG JOB: Now that the heavy coats and thick sweaters THD-10-0304

have made their way to the back of the closet,

CLIENT: time to gear up for the warm weather days. The Home it’s Depot PUB(S): Atlanta Hawks Unlike the women’s department, men’s clothing Program is as much about comfort as it is about style.

INSERTIONComfort DATE: equals confidence, and on or off the court, 2010

confidence is key. As Atlanta’s mild spring afternoons

TRIM: give way to the dog days of summer, looking sharp 8.375 x 10.875

and keeping cool can be a little tricky. LIVE: 7.625 x 10.375

BLEED: With four summers in Phoenix and the last five 8.625 x 11.125 here in Atlanta, Joe Johnson knows as well as any COLOR/LS:how to stay fashion forward as the mercury rises. CMYK/133

Here’s a quick look at what’s ‘in’ for the season,

QUESTIONS: and some tips on how Joe manages to beat the Pam Zmud heat (and look good doing it). 214-891-5205

SUITING UP

That black wool “Mad Men” two-piece may be timeless, but in 90-degree heat, it’s not exactly practical. Seersucker suits are a great alternative. Made from 100 percent cotton, the material is lighter, breathable, and is designed not to cling to the body. The soft stripe patterns (available in a wide variety of colors) allow for personal flair, while the subtle whites lighten the overall shade and give a more relaxed look. With lighter materials coming back, vests have reemerged as a much more viable and stylish accent to a great suit. The mix of color and material into the three-piece look shows taste and sophistication, and pair it with a tie that feeds off the stripe color for a thoughtful, coordinated look. Finish it off with a pocket square or “puff” that lightly sets apart from the suit, and you’re good to go. DRESSING DOWN

In the hotter months, dress shirts need not be saved for the office or nights on the town. For the days when you’re relaxing and want to look approachable but presentable, pop a couple of buttons and roll up the sleeves. And don’t be afraid of a few wrinkles. Summer style is all about color, comfort and expression. No matter your taste, just keep it loose, keep it light, and most importantly, keep cool.

BONUS

TIP

If the occasion calls for black, try linen. It breathes well, and will get you through that patio lunch meeting without breaking a sweat.

Photo by Greg Miller.

MR. HORFORD:

by “Hometeam” Brandon Leak

Photo by Greg Miller.

Things began well for young Horford’s career. His rookie campaign with the Hawks taught him much about the game as it included a trip to the post-season and an unforgettable sevengame series against the Celtics. He came to a team that was young but had young veterans, a team what was building, yet on its way to winning consistently, and a team needing a man like him, to be a part of the future. Being one dimensional is the last thing the Hawks’ All-Star center wanted to be, and he has focused on being a threat on the court in many areas. Offensively and defensively he is a load to deal with, and brings a presence that teams certainly have to look to stop. Horford is enjoying his best season as a pro, seeing career highs in points, blocks, free-throw percentage, and field goal percentage, things he has worked on every day since donning a Hawks uniform. Horford is the best scoring option for the Hawks when an easy basket is needed. Consistently ranking in the top 10 this season (mostly in the top five for the majority of the year), he has shot well over 50 percent from the floor. His shots are not predictable or stoppable as he can bang down low and score off of the glass, or step out 10 feet or more and stick a mid-range jumper for two points on a

AL HORFORD

l Horford is a winner. He has been a part of winning his entire life because he has the right attitude and is successful in the game of basketball because he works hard, listens to his coaches and strives to be better. One day he will not be a basketball player, but there is no doubt he will be successful off the court as good students learn that discipline, sacrifice and passion lead to success everywhere in life.

regular basis. He has become a nightmare to guard at home or on the road. Running the floor is equally strong in assisting Horford’s dominance. His ability to generate offense starts early in a possession and usually involves him sharing the basketball. Studying game film and knowing his teammates, helps Horford get the ball into the hands of the guards earlier in positions when the team is in transition, helping the Hawks score often. His smart play early in the offense shows he’s a thinking man who demonstrates unselfish leadership. At 6’ 10” and 240 pounds, is he a center or forward? Ask Horford what position suits him best and he will smile and say, “I’m comfortable playing the four or the five and being an All-Star as a center has worked well for me.” Being an inch or two shorter, and 20 to 50 pounds lighter at the center position on many nights, some would say he is a power forward. Nevertheless, he doesn’t complain and for the second consecutive year made himself an AllStar while being undersized, further showing his value as a player and person. Keeping a level head is another strong suit the Hawks captain displayed in an exciting game earlier this year when facing the New York Knicks. An emotional Horford got fired up at the free-throw line late in a game at The Highlight Factory, the home crowd responded, fed off of his passion, and gave the attending Knicks fans a dose of high intensity that many others have witnessed during Hawks victories at home. This move enraged one of Horford’s counterparts and led to insight of how Horford goes about his business.

Knicks big man Amar’e Stoudemire did not care for Al or his emotions that night, and threw stern words that Horford “needed to calm down,” and suggested that he would have something in store for Horford when the two teams met again. Horford could have engaged in a petty war of words but instead responded by posting his season high 31st double-double of the season, the very next time he saw the Knicks. He did his talking with his play, like a professional is supposed to do. Learning from injury is a big part of being a successful NBA player and something employee number 15 has had to deal with this year. As a warrior who plays through pain, his courageous efforts have to be tempered with sound medical advice at times. Horford understands his importance to the chemistry of the team on the floor and his value to the organization and listens to the training staff attentively when his has been hurt. Likewise, he knows that being in top physical condition is a trait that will keep him playing at his best for many years to come. As such, the Hawks’ captain is a frequent guest in the team’s weight room, keeping in shape for the grueling regular season and staying prepared for the even more physical playoff run. Leading by example when he is not required is another strong quality of the Hawks’ apprentice. Horford is still learning the game of basketball and most importantly is still willing to learn. Getting better every year is not by happenstance, but the result of a man dedicated to his craft and his organization. The sky is the limit for the young Hawks star and while his wings are still young, he continues to learn every day and teaches us that we all are winners, if we are students of Al Horford.

Putting it away can be very rewarding.

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KIRK BEAMS INTO ATLANTA

irk Hinrich is a coach’s dream. Hinrich is a smart player who listens to instruction, a tough-minded, even-keeled floor leader, and a gritty defender every time he steps on the court. His impact has already been felt with his new team, and the Hawks are happy to have him as their own. Hinrich is a well-rounded player who is very effective offensively showcasing an arsenal of talents which makes him an important player each time he is on the court. Hinrich is a man who can penetrate, run the floor, knock down three-point shots and finish at the rim when necessary. An 81 percent free-throw shooter for HINRICH

his career as well, Hinrich can be counted on in many areas by his peers. On the defensive side of the ball Hinrich is a nightmare for whoever he is facing. He plays with a tenacity that agitates opponents and is very disruptive to the offensive flow for opposing teams. Harassing guards at the point guard and shooting guard positions has been a constant from the first day Hinrich stepped on an NBA court and will be until the last day he plays. Hinrich revels in his ability to bring a defensive presence to a team with good defenders already. He’s also excited to be able to make a run to the post season after being traded from a team that is in a rebuilding mode. “I’m just excited for the possibilities of how good we can be here. We’ve got a lot of talent, and I’m excited to be on a playoff team and be back in the hunt,” Hinrich said. Hawks coach Larry Drew is absolutely enamored with the style of play of his new point guard. He loves the way the Iowa native is relentless on the defensive side of the ball and hopes it will be contagious to the Hawks as a team. “I’m hoping our team will kind of take on his personality. You know he’s a very serious player, he’s a very focused player, he brings a business approach, and I’m hoping that rubs off on our guys,” Drew said. “He’s old school and has a toughness about him and I love that.” Hinrich has been a man who has been assertive yet patient in making it to the city of Atlanta. He had been given an opportunity to start his career

by “Hometeam” Brandon Leak

in Chicago, lasting seven years before he was traded to the Washington Wizards shortly after the Bulls selected point guard Derrick Rose with the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Hinrich was then moved to Washington where number one overall pick, John Wall would get a chance to play early in his career, and the Wizards would be far out of playoff contention. Getting to Atlanta was a great move to Hinrich and his loved ones. With a tight family upbringing as a child, Hinrich is a family man who loves his wife and daughter and loves the fact that they are moving to be with him in Atlanta. “They are my everything,” Hinrich said of his family, “I am nothing without them.” Hinrich attributes some of the attitude and swagger he brings to the court as being the son of a coach. He smiled when asked about being coached by his father from a small child, through high school, and jokingly gave the secret to being a tough player night in and night out. “Being the son of a coach means you’ve been yelled at a lot more so you have thick skin,” Hinrich quipped. The Hawks made a big upgrade at the point guard position and Kirk Hinrich is ready to take his responsibility seriously. His hard-nosed play and aggressiveness will certainly make the Hawks a better team this season, in the playoffs and for years to come. A tough man looks to make a good team better and his teammates and fans will love him for it.

by “Hometeam” Brandon Leak

Armstrong could make an impact off of the bench and could see minutes against big bodies down After spending time in Sacramento, Houston and Washington, Armstrong won’t be alone here in the in the post. city of Atlanta as he will be joined by his fiancée and his parents. His parents had already moved A young man has come to a young team and certo Atlanta prior to his arrival, and Armstrong had tainly looks to make the most of his opportunity. been eyeing the city for his home in the offseason Armstrong has already gotten minutes from coach before becoming a member of the team. Larry Drew who is not afraid to put any player The Hawks will have more size this playoff run in the game as long as they can contribute. He and look to utilize everyone who can make seems to fit the bill of what his coach is looking a contribution. for from a center, a man who can run with his teammates, and be active and rebound. “ I’m here to help with overall defense, and I can rebound and be physical and help provide an aggressive presence,” Armstrong said, “I look forward to helping the team as much as I can.”

H I LT O N A R M S T R O N G

A BIG MAN GETS A BIG CHANCE ilton Armstrong is a big man looking to fill a big role on his new team. With a coach looking to have large bodies hitting the boards and rebounding, Armstrong has an excellent opportunity to get playing time and provide a punch off of the bench, helping his new team in the second season when the playoffs fire up.

KIRK HINRICH

KIRK HINRICH:

VERSION 2.0

by Tom Ferda

After an emotionally-crushing knee injury kept hen Larry Drew took over behind the Jason out in his freshman year, he came back pine as the new head coach for the ready the following season, only to go back on Hawks this season he said the biggest priority the injury list after seven games, this time with a wrist was getting the team over the hump in the NBA injury. Known for his resilience, Jason bounced back Playoffs. Knowing the importance of having and regained his dominating form, averaging 14.5 experience available for down the stretch and the playoffs the Hawks re-signed center Jason Collins, ppg and 7.8 rpg during his senior year. During his time at Stanford, he would set a school career a big man who can contribute on the defensive record in field goal percentage that still stands today, end of the floor. shooting 61.2 percent from the floor. “ I saw that Atlanta had a good young team and felt I could come in and help them out by giving them “ There was one particular game when I went 13 of 14 from the floor including four or five from a veteran big man off the bench who can play three-point range so it wasn’t all just dunks and solid post defense,” explained Collins. “[Coach] hooks. In my senior year I was stepping outside Drew has given me an opportunity to play and to the arc and knocking down shots.” start a few ball games against Orlando and other teams that have a dominant low post scorer.” Being a big man with a shooting touch paid off in the P.R. department for Jason. On March 15, Collins came to Atlanta with extensive postseason 1999 donned in Cardinal red, he made it on experience. His resume included 75 NBA playoff the cover of the country’s most popular sports appearances with New Jersey (58 of those starts) magazine. “I was on the Sports Illustrated cover and postseason averages of 3.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg. and you know what’s funny, they were previewing During that time, the seven-footer played an March Madness and at that point I was injured influential role in guiding the Nets to the so my season was over. I think they were wanting franchise’s first trip to the NBA Finals in 2002. to put my brother on but they didn’t have a cool Last season, the veteran made just three brief picture of him but had a cool one of me and tried appearances in the postseason averaging 3.3 to play [my injury] off like, ‘It’s one of the Collins minutes per game, barely enough time to break from Stanford’.” a sweat, but coach Drew has plans to utilize his big man in a larger role this next time around. Jason and Jarron were inseparable during their “ I had [Collins] in New Jersey and saw the value he high school and college days, spending their lives playing side-by-side on the court. That would brought to that New Jersey ball club,” said Drew. come to an end when the twins entered the “He gives us stability on the defensive end and 2001 NBA Draft and realized it was time to take can play his guy straight up. That’s how I see him separate forks in the road. Soon after that draft, as we move down this stretch. He gives us flexthe brothers would begin their NBA careers on ibility to move guys around.” opposite ends of the country; Jason on the East Coast in New Jersey and Jarron out West in the An 11-year veteran, Collins worked out hard this past offseason, shedding several pounds to report mountains of Utah. to camp in game shape. Drew took notice. “It’s clearly an advantage,” said Drew. “With the weight Although their journeys to the NBA took different paths, the brothers have remained close and talk loss he moves a lot better on the floor. He came almost every day. During the offseason they hold back a different player, not just physically but basketball clinics for young people in upstate New mentally as well. I told him last summer if he lost York, Los Angeles and New Jersey and this past weight I was going to play him.” summer took their families overseas to get a taste of foreign cultures. As a young teen, after graduating as an Honor Student from Harvard-Westlake High School, Jason started his pursuit to play in the NBA by ac- “ We took our families to Europe to vacation. We cepting a scholarship to Stanford University where traveled to France, Italy and Spain. The highlight he became an All-American in 2001 while playing of the trip was being in Spain when they won the FIFA World Cup. It was pretty incredible to see alongside his twin brother Jarron. an entire country celebrate that way. It was like everyone’s home team won the Super Bowl, it “ Both of our parents were a great influence and did was incredible.” a great job of making us work hard. Not only to achieve our goal to play in the NBA but also in the classroom making sure we got good grades and as a result, we were able to attend a school like Stanford.”

JASON COLLINS

JASON COLLINS:

HOMETOWN: Pensacola, FL and Fairhope, AL BIRTHDAY: February 23 COLLEGE: Pensacola Junior College; Sports Broadcasting, Business Fashion major with a minor in Music and Art. PROFESSION: Dancer, Singer, Model, Actress, Coach for gymnastics and cheerleading, as well as a Fashion Buyer. HOBBIES: I enjoy cooking, then eating… shopping (anything to do with fashion), working out, church, movies, dancing, writing music, singing, being around friends and family, and picking on my teammates.

Photos by Greg Miller.

DANCE BACKGROUND: Trained in ballet and hip-hop. Professional experience as a music video dancer for artists including India Arie, David Anthony, Usher, Gorilla Zoe, T.I., Young Joc and several others. Previous member of The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers Blue Crew, as well as the Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Team and Georgia Mustangs dance team. Ten years of Cheerleading including two years of Cheering/Dancing in college and UCA. FAVORITE SNACK: It’s a tie between sour patch kids and pretzel M&M’s. BEAUTY PRODUCT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Burt Bee’s Honey lip balm. I never leave home without it.

THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED: It was on my birthday when my daddy called me and got emotional while expressing how I’ll always be his little girl no matter how fast I grow up and how proud he is of me. I tear up just thinking about it. He’s my Angel, and it means more than anything to hear that from him. My family is my ROCK, my WORLD, my EVERYTHING! MY NICKNAME: My parents have always called me Stephy-Shell because my middle name is Michelle but most everyone else calls me “Ming” or “Mingy” because of my last name. SOMETHING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I was on NBC’s hit game show “Minute to Win It” and the hit BET show “The Game.” MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: It’s prime time at the local gym and I’m running sprints on the treadmill. In the middle of running my shoelace comes untied and… yup, you guessed it! I knee surfed straight into the isle and onto my face. My iPod goes flying, and my water bottle falls. It was dramatic! My face turned beet red and there was nothing left to do but laugh at myself along with half of the gym that witnessed it. I bet I won’t ever forget to double knot my laces again.

AT L A N TA H A W K S C H E E R L E A D E R P R O F I L E : S T E P H A N I E

4 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

THE PLAYOFF PICTURE s the Hawks prepare for the Eastern Conference playoffs, the landscape has certainly changed after the flurry of trades at the deadline.

Only the MIAMI HEAT and CHICAGO BULLS did not make major alterations. After a shaky start, the Heat have complied a glittering record, and have spent most of the season chasing the BOSTON CELTICS and Chicago for the conference’s best record. But after a February 24th loss in Chicago, the Heat were 0-5 against the Celtics and the Bulls combined this season. It’s one of the reasons, despite the presence of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, many experts feel the Heat are not in a position to make it to the Finals this season. The Celtics are battle tested and championship worthy. Puzzling to many, however, was the deadline trade that sent center Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City. Last seasons’ late knee injury to Perkins may have been the only thing that prevented yet another Boston championship. The Bulls have certainly exceeded all expectations. Despite major injuries to Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, Chicago has spent the season battling both the C’s and the Heat for the East’s top spot. Point guard Derrick Rose has had an All-Star season. The ORLANDO MAGIC made its major trade early by getting one-time star Hedu Turkoglu and shooting guard Jason Richardson. The trade with Phoenix sent backup center Marcin Gortat to the Suns, and the Magic have been scrambling to find a way to back up all-star center Dwight Howard ever since. As this is written, it looks like the Magic would be the most logical playoff matchup for the Hawks in the first round, with the team that finishes fourth getting home court in the first round.

DID YOU

KNOW?

The Eastern Conference leads 37-27 all-time over the Western Conference in NBA Finals and there have only been eight different NBA Champions since 1980.

The NEW YORK KNICKS may be a late “X” factor. The Knicks, who acquired Amar’e Stoudemire in the off-season, added Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets at the trade deadline, along with a first-class point guard in Chauncey Billups. Look for the Knicks to make some noise down the stretch.

N B A P L AY O F F S

The rest of the East playoff picture for spots 7 and 8 is a bit muddled. The PHILADELPHIA 76ERS have responded positively to coach Doug Collins guidance, and have been flirting with a .500 record this season after a 3-13 start. The 76ers should claim a spot, with the last position up for grabs between INDIANA, CHARLOTTE and MILWAUKEE.

Six-time NBA champions, including two three-peats

Own 17 NBA championships, the most in league history

Hold eight Division titles, and six Conference championships

Boast 33 Hall-of-Famer players, and retired 16 uniform numbers

Will appear in the playoffs for the third straight season

Trying to return to the NBA Finals for the third time in four years

by Bob Rathbun

n the Western Conference, the top four clubs have distanced themselves from the pack. The SAN ANTONIO SPURS have maintained the NBA’s best record all season. Yet the Spurs, despite four championships in the Tim Duncan era, are still considered the second best team in the West. That’s because most fear the twotime defending champion LOS ANGELES LAKERS. The Lakers have the West’s third best record, yet many feel they are the best squad in the Conference. That’s the residue of winning for you! L.A. will be hard pressed to make it out of third place, though, as the DALLAS MAVERICKS have had a great season. The Mavs rely on former MVP Dirk Nowitzki, rugged defender and rebounder Tyson Chandler, and point guard Jason Kidd to continue to put pressure on the opposition. The OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER have risen in the ranks due to the phenomenal play of Kevin Durant, the NBA’s leading scorer, and flashy point guard Russell Westbrook. OKC bolstered their roster just in time for the playoffs, pulling off a major trade with the Celtics. The Thunder landed the aforementioned Perkins and Nate Robinson from Boston in exchange for forward Jeff Green, center Nenad Kristic, a 2012 first-round pick and cash. Perkins appears to be what Oklahoma City was looking for, a strong defender at center who helped the Celtics win in 2008. Defensively, Oklahoma City allows an average of 102.3 points, the worst of the six division leaders. The NEW ORLEANS HORNETS look to be a solid playoff team, as they have held the fifth spot coming down the stretch. Any team with Chris Paul at the point is going to be a factor. After the Carmelo trade, the DENVER NUGGETS were seen as the one team that could fall out of the playoff picture. Don’t underestimate coach George Karl. This is still a team that can win games, and they enjoy a decided home court advantage in the Mile High City. The PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS have been remarkable, overcoming major injuries again this season to stay in the playoff race. LaMarcus Aldridge has emerged this season as an elite forward in the NBA. Portland also obtained Gerald Wallace from Charlotte before the trade deadline for center Joel Przybilla, reserve forward Dante Cunningham and center Sean Marks. The MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES are right in the mix for a playoff spot despite failing to make a trade with Indiana at the deadline. According to media reports, the deal that would have sent O.J. Mayo to the Pacers for Josh McRoberts fell apart because the NBA received the call at 3:01 PM, which is a minute past the league’s 3 PM deadline. UTAH is right there with Memphis, although no one was predicting success for the Jazz after trading away their starting point guard Deron Williams to New Jersey. If PHOENIX and HOUSTON were to get hot, they also could make a run at the eighth spot.

Possess 16 NBA championships, second only to the Celtics Also own 21 Division titles Two-time defending NBA Champions with five in each of the previous two decades

Have won four NBA titles, all since 1999 (the Tim Duncan era) Only former ABA team to have won an NBA title (only the Nets, Pacers and Nuggets also remain) Six numbers have been retired, and three Hall-of-Famers

EAST WEST

by Bob Rathbun

Jimmer Fredette by Mark A. Philbrick / BYU. Marshon Brooks courtesy of Providence College.

one place and watch the games,” Pendergraft s the college basketball season winds down Another fascinating senior is Kenneth Faried, told me during a lengthy interview. the 6’ 8” power forward from Morehead State. and March Madness produces a national Faried snapped Tim Duncan’s modern-era champion, the Hawks scouting department is in “ We set up shop in a big conference room, full swing producing information that will result in Division I career rebounding mark with bring all the files, and start our discussions 12 boards in the Eagles’ 71-65 victory over one or two new Hawks for the 2011-12 season. there. It is also a great time to bring our Indiana State in February. international scouts up to date on the U.S. Despite yielding the team’s 2011 first round college game. Faried now has 1,576 rebounds, six more pick in the trade that brought Kirk Hinrich to than Duncan collected at Wake Forest from Atlanta, it’s business as usual for the Hawks 1994-97. The NCAA’s modern era began after “ By the time we get to the NCAA Tournament, as they fill their notebooks with stats, rankings we are pretty comfortable with our evaluations. 1973, when freshman were permitted to play. and observations on the top college and We start well in advance of the college season inter-national stars. with our pre-season rankings. Stone Mountain’s Marshon Brooks of Providence, a former Tucker High School standout, “ History tells us that a team without a late is a 6’ 5” shooting guard, who shattered the Big Then, once the college season begins in first-round pick can acquire one through a East scoring record on February 23rd, when he November, we compile bi-weekly reports that trade near the draft,” said David Pendergraft, all of our scouts send torched Notre Dame the Hawks assistant GM and Director of in. We do it two ways for 52 points. Player Personnel. BROOKS — by player grouping and by position. With The tournament will “ So, even though we lost our original pick, it’s the groupings, we give Pendergraft and full steam ahead with our scouting, zeroing in rank the players 1-5, his scouts a chance on the second round, and keeping our options 6-10, 11-15 and so to review most of open in case we feel the need to get back into on. Then we rank by the players they’ve the market for a first-rounder. position: point guards, scouted. shooting guards, etc., “ As a staff, we remain committed to finding the regardless of class. “ Our philosophy on the best available player, regardless of position. If tournament is to get you draft for need, sometimes the players you This really helps one last look. We may have targeted to fill that need are not available. with our checks do some in-person That’s why we look at players with asset value, and balances. It’s scouting, but what is regardless of position.” interesting to watch of great benefit to how players move us is to gather all of NBA rules restrict team personnel from up and down as the our scouts together in commenting on prospective draftees, season progresses. but you can go to any Plus, our international number of NBA draft FREDETTE scouts weigh in with websites and see the their observations, names of some of as they are watching these seniors: NBA, D-League and college games BYU’s Jimmer on their laptops,” Fredette, a 6’ 2” point David added. guard, led the nation in scoring most of Player evaluation the season. Heading is a never-ending into March, Fredette process. Not only are was indeed the top the scouts looking at scorer in Division I, the wants and needs for the Hawks, they are with a glittering 27.3 grading each and every player for potential ppg mark. His Pro acquisition via trade. potential has been the subject of great Hawks fans that join us on draft night know debate among fans for how crazy it gets with the flurry of trades that a couple of years now, happen. But in the Hawks draft central, there but he gained national are no surprises. attention when he dropped 47 at Utah With the dedication and commitment of David January 11th. Fredette Pendergraft and his great team of scouts, the has also topped the Hawks are ready for anything that might de40-point barrier in velop between now and the draft that will make two other games the 2011-12 Hawks a better team. since then.

SCOUTING THE NCAA

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INKED

by “Hometeam” Brandon Leak

JOSH POWELL Hawks Forward

When you see Hawks forward Josh Powell, you might see a man with numerous tattoos, but he is a man that will tell you they are all part of just one, which speaks to the entirety of his life. He reveals that his markings “express the ups and downs of life, love of life, and the love of his family.” Powell does not have a count, and will not keep one as he will continue to add more over time. The Hawks big man got his first ink at the age of 15. His first one was a picture of a guy breaking a basketball goal. The picture of his grandmother hurt the most.

Photos by Greg Miller.

Reviewed by Jeff Teague

f you are a fan of first person shooters then Crysis 2 is definitely worth a second look. Crysis 2 advances the storyline of the original Crysis (which was PC only) with a second mass invasion of robotic aliens. This time they decimate New York City and even the might of the U.S. Military cannot stop them. Previous to the alien invasion, mankind was already in trouble as the earth was ravaged by a series of climactic and natural disasters causing society to be on the verge of breaking down. Which leads us to our hero, a marine named Alcatraz, fitted with the ultimate combat enhancement technology to stop the invasion — a Nanosuit that allows you to cloak yourself and leap from towering heights. You can also customize the suit and weapons with a variety of super human abilities. What really makes this shooter stand out from others is the environment and the options you are given to interact in it. This is not your average linear FPS, it is a wide open environment that allows you to approach combat and other scenarios in seemingly endless ways. The environment is awesome — New York City is in total smoking ruins and chaos with destroyed office buildings, bridges and city blocks. You are the only one with the capabilities to save mankind from the aliens, and from itself. The gameplay is smooth and the graphics and storyline are great. Add in the ability to customize your weapons and Nanosuit, and also customize the online multiplayer gameplay as well … this game rocks!

PRODUCT SPECS Crysis 2 AVAILABLE: Now

PLATFORM:

Xbox® 360, Playstation® 3, PC

OVERALL REVIEW

4.5

out of 5 and Jeff Teague approved!

VIDEO GAME REVIEW

GAME REVIEW

About HAWKS IN THE COMMUNITY

OPEN HEARTS Atlanta Hawks center Etan Thomas visited patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston on February 11. Thomas, a former open heart surgery patient, spent time with kids in the Cardiac Wing and Transplant Unit, and handed out Valentine’s Day gift bags.

H AW K S I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y

OUT &

Full Court Fest and Boys & Girls Club by Jennifer Boxley, Open Hearts by Kat Goduco and Atlanta Trailblazers by Scott Cunningham.

FULL COURT FEST Full Court Fest, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s annual fundraiser took place on January 30 at Ventanas in downtown Atlanta. Guests had the opportunity to rub elbows with the entire roster of Hawks players and coaches, as well as team legends and executives, while playing a variety of casino games, and other interactive elements. The evening also included dinner, music, raffles and a silent auction for a number of unique items. Proceeds from the event benefited the Hawks Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors. Platinum Partners of the event included Philips, The Home Depot, Jim Ellis Audi and A Legendary Event.

SPEAK UP! For the third year, the Hawks partnered with United Way of Metro Atlanta on a poetry contest to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The theme of the Atlanta Hawks Poetry Slam was based on United Way’s brand of “Live United,” and encouraged students to write about how they can work together to create a better world. The top 15 finalists competed at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Atlanta. Hawks center and poet Etan Thomas served as a judge for the contest, which was hosted by HLN’s Richelle Carey. The grand prize winner received a laptop computer, autographed Hawks jersey and performed during a halftime tribute of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Hawks game at Philips Arena. Be sure to check out Etan’s book of poetry, More Than An Athlete.

ATLANTA TRAILBLAZERS

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

As part of this year’s celebration of Black History Month, the Atlanta Hawks recognized prominent African-American leaders during home games in February for their civic contributions, accomplishments and leadership. Honorees included:

The inaugural season of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Basketball League presented by Jamal Crawford and the Atlanta Hawks began this month as 1,000 young basketball players took the court in 24 clubs around the city. In addition, the Boys and Girls Clubs will be receiving league resources from On Court Player Development and the Hawks to further enhance the experience for the young players.

• Red Moore (pictured above), a former Negro League All-Star first baseman who played for the Atlanta Black Crackers, Newark Eagles and Baltimore Elite Giants in the 1930’s and 40’s. • Alexis Scott, publisher of the Atlanta Daily World, the nation’s first black-owned daily newspaper. • Kenny Leon, founding Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre Company, Principal of KLProductions and former Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre Company. • Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless, founded in 1971 by civil rights icons Rev. Hosea and Juanita T. Williams and has distributed more than $3.0 billion in aid to 16 Georgia counties, three states and abroad.

To kickoff the league, the Hawks Basketball Development Team hosted a clinic at the Hill Street Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta with children from the surrounding clubs. Four lucky league participants were invited to Philips Arena to meet Crawford prior to the Atlanta Hawks-Oklahoma City Thunder game on March 4. Crawford had an opportunity to spend some time with each player, pose for photos and present the BGCMA League jerseys to the athletes and Boys and Girls Club staff.

25 Restaurants and Lounges, 15 Attractions and Retail, Six Hotels and a Helipad.

Eat. Walk. Enjoy.

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SUMMER TRAINING O

ne of the men charged with keeping the players in peak shape during the season is also responsible for their offseason training regimens – Hawks Strength & Conditioning Coach, Chattin Hill. During the course of a seven-game preseason, 82-game regular season, and (hopefully) lengthy postseason, even the world’s greatest athletes can wear down and in some cases break down. In many cases, the work they did in the previous offseason is what may make the difference in being able to perform at their best in May after logging heavy minutes for the previous seven months. “ In the early part of the summer once the season ends, guys are pretty beaten up,” Hill says. “Basketball is a game of stops and starts, so the stress on their knees and legs is significant. The first thing I tell our guys is to take some time away from the court, but stay active.” Hill makes it a point to recommend low- or no-impact activities like swimming or biking to maintain a baseline conditioning level, but to restrict any further strain on the joints. “ The key is to change the movement patterns they’ve used over and over throughout the season.” Another factor that Hill has to consider is the weight that players lose over the course of a season, and how to rebuild that mass in a healthy way. Take Al Horford, for example. “Al is pretty lean naturally and can lose weight during the season. In the offseason, he can eat whatever he wants for the most part, but fruits and vegetables are really important to maintain his energy level.”

presented by

But different players and different body types provide unique challenges for Hill. Jason Collins, who remade his own body last summer, was a success story. His much-improved physical condition allowed him to regain the form that made him a starting center for six-and-a-half years with the Nets. “ Jason has battled his body composition throughout his career. With him, we used an intense lifting style. It’s a program we picked up from a Romanian weight-lifting coach that pushed him to the threshold of his anaerobic capacity. It’s a hybrid of endurance-based and power-based exercise. And needless to say, he also did a tremendous job on his own, with his diet, a lot of yoga, and he worked out on the court a lot too.” The combination approach kept Collins’ metabolism at a high level. While cardio does help with weight loss, it’s not as effective as combining it with intensive resistance exercises. Since several of the players live outside of Atlanta during the summer, Hill does his best to check in with them routinely, especially those he knows he must keep an eye on. Many players also work with personal trainers during the offseason, so regular conversations with them also keeps Hill abreast of the players’ progress. So when you don’t see your favorite Hawks on the court this coming summer, just remember they very well could be in a weight room, on a stationary bike, a treadmill or elliptical already thinking about next season. And understand that even before that work began, there was meticulous planning and preparation to ensure those workouts pay off months later.

Ingredients

Preparation

10 oz.

Pasta Shells

Young Artichokes

2/3 Cup Olive Oil

1. Cut off and discard any hard outer leaves and trim the sharp points from the remaining leaves of the artichokes. Cut into thin strips, discarding any hairs; rinse and dry.

2. Heat in a skillet for 5 minutes in 6 tbsp oil with a minced clove of garlic.

8 oz. Mushrooms (preferably Ceps, Chantrelles, or Oyster)

Salt

Pepper

Summary

CHEF BRADLEY’S RECIPE

PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND ARTICHOKES

Garlic Cloves

FITNESS & TRAINING

HAWKS FITNESS & TRAINING

3. Trim, rinse and dry the mushrooms and cut into pieces. 4. Add the mushrooms to the artichokes, sprinkle with salt and cook for 7-10 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but still crisp. 5. Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes or until at dente. Drain and add to the skillet. 6. Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan and add the remaining diced garlic. Brown lightly then pour over the pasta. Sprinkle with pepper, mix well and serve.

This recipe is very versatile, substitutions for mushrooms, pasta, and artichokes can all be made according to preferred taste and season. Artichokes are a global vegetable and can be found yearround. If young artichokes cannot be found, simply use the hearts of large artichokes boiled or steamed in water, by breaking the stalk, cutting off tough outer leaves and from around the heart, cut the heart away from the stem, and peel the hairy layer off with a paring knife. When it comes to preparing this dish, the freshness of the vegetables is crucial; therefore, if you are planning on using canned vegetables, the element of fresh food is compromised.

Chef Bradley Rouse keeps the Hawks well fed while monitoring their nutrition. In this edition of Hawks 360 he shares his recipe for Pasta with Mushrooms and Artichokes. 25

CHATTING IT UP WITH

ETAN THOMAS Q: You recently visited an area youth detention center with some teammates. What motivated you to organize that visit? A: It was a great experience. I enjoy speaking to people that a lot of people don’t want to speak to. I know we have a great impact on them. Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams joined me there, and the kids were paying attention and listening. It’s not that we were telling them anything different than they hear from their parents and teachers. Sometimes that same message coming from the perspective of a professional athlete just resonates with them a little bit more. Q: As a published author, talk about your poetry. What types of subjects inspire you? A: I write about everything. It’s definitely a passion of mine. I write about politics, current events and basketball. I have children, so I write about my kids. And I’m going to keep writing. I have two book projects I’m working on right now. One is called “Fatherhood,” and one is called “Voice of the Future,” where I have a lot of young people writing on different topics. Q: Were your parents instrumental in inspiring you to begin writing? A: My mom introduced me to literature and poetry at a young age. I heard the Last Poets of Gil Scott-Herron playing around the house, and asked more questions about it. Then in high school, I got into speech and debate, and started writing my own stuff, and it just kind of carried on from there. Q: Having had heart surgery in 2007, how did that affect the way you view your life and your basketball career? A: It certainly makes you appreciate everything. It’s something I’ve had since I was little, so I was always aware of it. So in a lot of ways, it was a blessing that I already knew about it. There are a lot of situations where a guy may have a pre-existing heart condition, and not be aware of it. So I felt like I could also bring more awareness, so there would be more testing, especially at a high school level. They’ve started doing it a little bit more in college and the pros now, but they should also do it at the high school level. So I can be an advocate in that way.

O N T H E B AC K PAG E

Q: What do you think you’ll do after your basketball career wraps up? I know you worked on the Obama campaign and have made some political speeches to encourage voter registration. A: I don’t know yet. I do have a lot of interests. Politics has always been an interest. There are a lot of things you can do to make a positive impact on society … my mother is a teacher, so I’ve always had a passion for that. We’ll see what happens.

Height: 6’ 10” Weight: 260 lbs. College: Syracuse