Bruno
01-20-2009, 08:22 AM
The article is just a transcript of the video.
Video :
http://www.news8austin.com/shared/video/video_pop.asp?destlist=60947
Article :
http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=229541&SecID=5
1/19/2009 8:43 AM
By: Victor Diaz
Malik Hairston says he knew he'd be back and forth between the NBA and the NBA D-League, playing for the Spurs and the Toros.
The first place Austin Toros have a hot hand who's gunning for another call up to the NBA.
Toros swingman Malik Hairston lives with the ups and downs of life in the NBA D-League.
The San Antonio Spurs traded for him on draft night and then cut him at the end of training camp, which left him developing his game in Austin.
Head Coach Quin Snyder said Hairston worked hard from day one.
"He wasn't sitting around feeling sorry for himself, dejected, he's worked and worked and worked," Snyder said.
The work is paying off.
Hairston leads the team in scoring and he's on fire lately with 60 points in the last two games.
"Things have been going well,” Hairston said. “More than finding my groove, it's just continuing to get better."
Snyder said Hairston has a lot to offer.
"He can really finish, he's explosive he can really get to the rim,” he said. “He's also got a nice floor game."
Hairston hasn't fallen off the Spurs’ radar.
The Austin Toros' head coach says the player is a leader and committed teammate.
San Antonio signed him to a contract in December, allowing him to suit up for the Christmas Day game in Phoenix, before assigning him back to Austin.
Hairston said he’s glad he can get the dual experience.
"It was a great experience when Rog [Roger Mason, Jr.] hit that game-winning shot,” he said. “It's just good to get a sample of it, and when I signed they told me I'd be back and forth."
Hairston believes he'll be an everyday NBA player at some point.
In the meantime, he uses playing time with the Toros to prove his value every game.
Snyder said Hairston is a committed teammate.
"More than anything he's just got tremendous character, he's a great teammate and the other night he just wouldn't let us lose,” he said.
Hairston played 42 minutes and scored 43 points in the Toros’ overtime win against Colorado.
Those are numbers Hairston hasn't seen since high school.
"People don't generally put up those kind of numbers in college, and it's just great to be able to play for a guy like coach Q – a system that allows me to play my game and get into a good rhythm," he said.
It’s a flow that keeps the Toros offense running smooth while Hairston waits for another call to next level.
Hairston and the Toros are back in action Wednesday night at the Austin Convention Center hosting Anaheim.
Video :
http://www.news8austin.com/shared/video/video_pop.asp?destlist=60947
Article :
http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=229541&SecID=5
1/19/2009 8:43 AM
By: Victor Diaz
Malik Hairston says he knew he'd be back and forth between the NBA and the NBA D-League, playing for the Spurs and the Toros.
The first place Austin Toros have a hot hand who's gunning for another call up to the NBA.
Toros swingman Malik Hairston lives with the ups and downs of life in the NBA D-League.
The San Antonio Spurs traded for him on draft night and then cut him at the end of training camp, which left him developing his game in Austin.
Head Coach Quin Snyder said Hairston worked hard from day one.
"He wasn't sitting around feeling sorry for himself, dejected, he's worked and worked and worked," Snyder said.
The work is paying off.
Hairston leads the team in scoring and he's on fire lately with 60 points in the last two games.
"Things have been going well,” Hairston said. “More than finding my groove, it's just continuing to get better."
Snyder said Hairston has a lot to offer.
"He can really finish, he's explosive he can really get to the rim,” he said. “He's also got a nice floor game."
Hairston hasn't fallen off the Spurs’ radar.
The Austin Toros' head coach says the player is a leader and committed teammate.
San Antonio signed him to a contract in December, allowing him to suit up for the Christmas Day game in Phoenix, before assigning him back to Austin.
Hairston said he’s glad he can get the dual experience.
"It was a great experience when Rog [Roger Mason, Jr.] hit that game-winning shot,” he said. “It's just good to get a sample of it, and when I signed they told me I'd be back and forth."
Hairston believes he'll be an everyday NBA player at some point.
In the meantime, he uses playing time with the Toros to prove his value every game.
Snyder said Hairston is a committed teammate.
"More than anything he's just got tremendous character, he's a great teammate and the other night he just wouldn't let us lose,” he said.
Hairston played 42 minutes and scored 43 points in the Toros’ overtime win against Colorado.
Those are numbers Hairston hasn't seen since high school.
"People don't generally put up those kind of numbers in college, and it's just great to be able to play for a guy like coach Q – a system that allows me to play my game and get into a good rhythm," he said.
It’s a flow that keeps the Toros offense running smooth while Hairston waits for another call to next level.
Hairston and the Toros are back in action Wednesday night at the Austin Convention Center hosting Anaheim.