http://www.nba.com/suns/news/stoudemire_070813.html
Stoudemire’s Summer of Content
By Stefan Swiat, Suns.com
What a difference a year made for superstar center Amaré Stoudemire.
In the summer of 2006, the former NBA Rookie of the Year was mired in the most frustrating offseason of his young career. After playing in just three games during the regular season following microfracture surgery on his knee, new setbacks due to swelling and inflammation meant being shut down yet again.
But after averaging 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during the 2006-07 season, the pendulum has finally swung back in favor of Stoudemire.
As soon as the season concluded, word circulated around the organization that he was already in the gym and training relentlessly.
When asked what led him to take such a short respite before getting back to work, Stoudemire answered with one word.
“Motivation.”
After the way the playoffs ended, no further explanation was needed. But how did he channel his motivation? USA Basketball practices, four-a-day workouts, history classes at ASU and even Pilates were just the beginning.
“I can’t stop playing basketball," Stoudemire said. "I can’t stop lifting weights. I want my body to be shredded and my game on point.”
Looking lean and limber, Stoudemire credits his eating and exercise habits for his sleek new frame.
“Chicken, fish and turkey," he added. "I think that keeps me very lean. A lot of people are saying that I lost weight, but I haven’t. I’m still 245. But I’m chiseled.”
For five weeks, Stoudemire maintained a grueling training regimen that began with weight lifting in the morning, individual skill development in the afternoon, Pilates in the early evening and pro-am league games at night. He followed this program five days a week, allowing his body the weekends to recuperate.
When running through basketball drills, the 24-year old didn’t just concentrate on developing one pet move. Instead, he took a comprehensive approach in hopes of sculpting a more well-rounded game. Ballhandling, off-the-dribble shooting and 3-point shooting were just some of the areas he targeted.
In addition to everything he has done individually, the All-NBA forward traveled to Las Vegas to practice with USA Basketball. Convinced that the team is more focused and ready for international compe ion this time around, Stoudemire predicts nothing but success in the FIBA America Tournament later this month.
He also believes that he can serve the team in a unique manner.
“There is no other center in the league that can play on the wing." "That’s the benefit I bring to the USA team.”
For the 2007-08 season, Stoudemire has set his sights anywhere but low.
“Wouldn’t it be great to win a gold medal and a world championship?” STAT said. “Those are my two all-time goals. To be able to have that by the age of 25, that would be huge.”
By judging how ferociously he has pursued those goals, they don’t seem so far out of reach.
Cool.
It's good to see other players who got tossed by the Spurs finding content with themselves. They'll need it, because by this time next year, they will be once again tossed from the playoffs with no ring. And Stoudemire knows nothing about NBA championships, so he should stop his little "Have a championship by age 25" bull .
Amare is georgeous BUT - what can he do to improve his IQ over the summer?Cool.
It's good to see other players who got tossed by the Spurs finding content with themselves. They'll need it, because by this time next year, they will be once again tossed from the playoffs with no ring. And Stoudemire knows nothing about NBA championships, so he should stop his little "Have a championship by age 25" bull .
Mabey by taking class at a college. Oh wait is doing that.........
Suns player working on offense all summer long. Big surprise. He needs to practice not fouling. The Suns don't lose to the Spurs because Amare's offensive game is incomplete. Unless he figures out a way to make his baskets count four points each that's not going to do his team a lot of good.
I want to see him reach his potential. This guy is a beast.
Oh, the irony of this statement. Care to explain what georgeous means??
Hate to say this, but you need to learn how to spell also.
Cool.
It's good to see other players who got tossed by the Spurs finding content with themselves. They'll need it, because by this time next year, they will be once again tossed from the playoffs with no ring. And Stoudemire knows nothing about NBA championships, so he should stop his little "Have a championship by age 25" bull .
You are one strange person, but I guess you have already been told that by many people on this site.
Agreed, but think a lot of Amare's confusion on defense stems from D'Antoni's blindeye towards it. I don't think Amare would be allowed to defend, even if he learned how.
It sounds crazy, but D'Antoni has said repeatedly that he likes Amare running the break, not battling for boards or muscling up. He's basically using Amare as a SF at the five spot.
For what it's worth, I honestly think Amare played better defense as a rookie under Frank Johnson, a defensive-minded coach, when it was instinctual and reactive than he does now, where its "should I or shouldn't I" uncertainty gets him in situations where he's having to subdue instincts and reactions and ends up making him appear lazy and unsure.
Remember, he's not supposed to foul... ever. So, if his position is compromised, which occurs regularly since he's so passive now he just gives it up, and his shot-blocking instincts kick in, instead of sticking with them, staying straight up and what not, he half-heartedly slaps or bumps.
It's all very confusing, but believe me, I've put a lot of thought into this. I've reviewed some rookie-year tape, and, while he certainly fouled a lot, they were agressive fouls. Now, they are passive aggressive at best, and uninspired at worst. He's almost neutered on that end.
amare under pop would play d and be deadly
When a dominant physical talent like Amare is working on becoming a wing player, you know there's something seriously ed up in the team philosophy.
It's the British spelling.Oh, the irony of this statement. Care to explain what georgeous means??
This guy may be a moron, but you have to respect his willingness to work at the game as much as he does.
Still, it'll be fun to beat them again next year.
I respect his work ethic, but he can't be any more fearsome than he was in 2005 unless he starts to play defense, and until then, he doesn't worry me.
Agreed.
He was a monster in '05. But only with defense added to his game will he ever be a real threat. Offense alone doesn't win Championships.
I want to like the guy, he is talented, physically gifted.
But it's so hard for me to get past him opening his mouth. His ego and bravado turn me off.
I think he's immensely talented, but when he put his forearm into Manu's throat and then took issue with getting kicked in the nuts, it told me all I need to know about him.
Pretty much.
What's funny to me is he's already claiming the NBA championship by saying "Wouldn't it be great to win a gold medal and a championship?". You have to go out and play for it.
Maybe when it's all said and done, Amare will be this generation's Karl Malone? Big strong guy, gets up and down the floor as well as anyone, works out like a maniac in the offseason, gets dirty with anyone smaller than himself, can't win a le despite playing with the best point guard in basketball. His jumper's not as good as Malone's and Malone was a better passer and defender, but Amare is much more explosive.I think he's immensely talented, but when he put his forearm into Manu's throat and then took issue with getting kicked in the nuts, it told me all I need to know about him.
Literacy helps. "Wouldn't it be great", means that it's a hope. As in, wouldn't it be great if you weren't an embarrassment as a Spurs fan.
Amare's a . Even the current NBA's too physical for him. He'd be eaten alive playing in the 90s against the likes of Malone, Oakley, Rodman, etc.
If Amare wasn't a bball player he'd be in jail like the rest of his thug family.
Stoudemire must be tired of losing to the Spurs.
He's lost to them in 2003, 2005, and 2007. The funny thing is, the Suns team in 2003 before they had Nash got the closest.
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