Zimbio Exclusive: Amare Stoudemire Interview
We had the chance to ask Amare Stoudemire a few questions this week. Amare is a power forward for the Phoenix Suns and plays on the USA national team.
Interview Dec 7th, 2007
Zimbio: As a young man you made a nearly seamless transition from high school student to professional athlete, averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds per game in only your second NBA season. How were you able to make the adjustment so quickly?
Amare Stoudemire: Being an NBA player was the first job I ever had. I had a lot of great role models along the way, including childhood Coach Bernie Hays. My family was a good support network for me. I had a foundation behind me that helped me adjust to the NBA that was so much more fast-paced. But don't get me wrong, it was definitely a challenging process. That's why I'm trying to give back to kids now...I had people supporting me along the way, and now I'm at a point where I can in turn support kids that need help.
Zimbio: After a lengthy rehabilitation, you’ve made an incredible recovery from microfracture knee surgery. Do you feel like your strength and explosiveness have returned to 100%?
Amare Stoudemire: I think I'm beyond 100% because I've been able to go through this hurdle, and make it out strong...playing with the FIBA this summer, in the All-Star Game, and making NBA First Team. I'm continuing to work hard though, and one of my goals this season is definitely to keep healthy.
Zimbio: What kept you motivated through rehab? Was it tough watching from the bench for an entire season?
Amare Stoudemire: Most definitely. It was tough to sit on the bench, but I was glad to be there for my team. I love the game, and I was eager to get healthy and get back on the court, so it was not hard for me to keep motivated through rehab.
Zimbio: What parts of your game did you work on in the off-season? What would you like to improve upon in the future?
Amare Stoudemire: I worked on everything in the summer. One of my main goals was to improve my defensive skills, and I feel pretty good about where I'm at with that. I worked on getting even more in shape in general..eating better, slimming down, so I could move quicker.
Zimbio: Many analysts believe that if it weren’t for the game 4 suspensions in last year's Western Conference Finals we would have seen a Suns vs. Cavs NBA Finals. Will "Black Jesus" lead Phoenix fans to salvation (an NBA Championship) this year? What’s your biggest hurdle to overcome?
Amare Stoudemire: Well, just to clarify, I don't consider myself Black Jesus, but I do have a Black Jesus tattoo. Yes, we're aiming to win the NBA Championship this year, and I know we can do it. That's all I can think about... winning the Championship. I think to make it happen, it's all about our
team work..working hard together to play the best ball possible.
Zimbio: Thanks Amare, best of luck to you and the Suns in the 07-08 season.
Photo: Flickr
Interview Dec 7th, 2007
Zimbio: As a young man you made a nearly seamless transition from high school student to professional athlete, averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds per game in only your second NBA season. How were you able to make the adjustment so quickly?
Amare Stoudemire: Being an NBA player was the first job I ever had. I had a lot of great role models along the way, including childhood Coach Bernie Hays. My family was a good support network for me. I had a foundation behind me that helped me adjust to the NBA that was so much more fast-paced. But don't get me wrong, it was definitely a challenging process. That's why I'm trying to give back to kids now...I had people supporting me along the way, and now I'm at a point where I can in turn support kids that need help.
Zimbio: After a lengthy rehabilitation, you’ve made an incredible recovery from microfracture knee surgery. Do you feel like your strength and explosiveness have returned to 100%?
Amare Stoudemire: I think I'm beyond 100% because I've been able to go through this hurdle, and make it out strong...playing with the FIBA this summer, in the All-Star Game, and making NBA First Team. I'm continuing to work hard though, and one of my goals this season is definitely to keep healthy.
Zimbio: What kept you motivated through rehab? Was it tough watching from the bench for an entire season?
Amare Stoudemire: Most definitely. It was tough to sit on the bench, but I was glad to be there for my team. I love the game, and I was eager to get healthy and get back on the court, so it was not hard for me to keep motivated through rehab.
Zimbio: What parts of your game did you work on in the off-season? What would you like to improve upon in the future?
Amare Stoudemire: I worked on everything in the summer. One of my main goals was to improve my defensive skills, and I feel pretty good about where I'm at with that. I worked on getting even more in shape in general..eating better, slimming down, so I could move quicker.
Zimbio: Many analysts believe that if it weren’t for the game 4 suspensions in last year's Western Conference Finals we would have seen a Suns vs. Cavs NBA Finals. Will "Black Jesus" lead Phoenix fans to salvation (an NBA Championship) this year? What’s your biggest hurdle to overcome?
Amare Stoudemire: Well, just to clarify, I don't consider myself Black Jesus, but I do have a Black Jesus tattoo. Yes, we're aiming to win the NBA Championship this year, and I know we can do it. That's all I can think about... winning the Championship. I think to make it happen, it's all about our
team work..working hard together to play the best ball possible.
Zimbio: Thanks Amare, best of luck to you and the Suns in the 07-08 season.
Photo: Flickr
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