Dunking not a problem for Stoudemire
Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) _ Amare Stoudemire became the NBA Rookie of the Year last season with a series of thunderous dunks. Now, he's ready to add to his repertoire.

``This year, I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve,'' Stoudemire said without revealing any details during media day for the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at America West Arena.

``Dunking doesn't seem to be a problem for me. It just comes naturally.''

In his rookie season, the athletic and quick Stoudemire, the Suns' power forward, became one of the most feared dunkers in the league. One of his most awesome dunks came against the Los Angeles Clippers' leaping Michael Olowokandi, who was then the team's center and now is with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

``I didn't think he was going to jump,'' Stoudemire said. ``The play was a screen and roll. When he stepped up, I went with a little more authority.

``I thought it was the dunk of the year. I've seen it about 20 times on Sports Center.''

Scott Williams, the Suns' center starting his 14th season in the league, also picks that dunk over Olowokandi as his favorite from last season.

``It was like a squirrel going over a tree,'' Williams said. ``He slammed it right over his head.''

Tom Gugliotta, another Suns' veteran _ he's beginning his 12th season _ also is impressed with Stoudemire's dunking ability.

``I've seen some of his dunks on highlight films,'' he said. ``They were incredible. His athleticism is incredible. I'm in awe of it.''

Stoudemire's dunk total should increase this season because the relatively small Suns are planning to run a lot more than they did last year, a factor that can lead to more fast breaks and easy baskets.

``We're probably one of the fastest teams in the league,'' said Stoudemire, 20, the youngest player to ever win the rookie, ``and we're one of the most athletic teams.''

The dunk is one of the most exhilarating plays in basketball, not only for the fans but also for the player performing the feat. Stoudemire thrives in the moment.

``It gets you excited,'' he said. ``It's like when you score a touchdown, it's a big joy. You want to go into a dance, but you can't because you don't have the time.''

Phoenix assistant coach Marc Iavaroni, who played in the NBA for 12 years and has helped tutor Stoudemire, compares the second-year pro's dunking prowess to former center Darryl Dawkins, one of the league's most powerful players and premier slammers.

``Darryl could just leap up and hover,'' Iavaroni said. ``This guy (Stoudemire) is quicker and more explosive. Darryl was more powerful. Amare makes more of an impression. With him, you don't anticipate it. All of a sudden he sneaks up on you and you don't think it's possible.''

Eddie Johnson, also a former longtime NBA player and now a Suns' broadcaster, doesn't think Stoudemire compares with Dawkins.

``Dawkins was huge, Amare is slender,'' Johnson said. Instead, Johnson puts Stoudemire in the same class with ex-players like Larry Nance, Otis Thorpe and Roy Hinson.

``Those guys ran the floor and played above the rim like Amare,'' Johnson said.

Another great dunker was Hall of Famer Julius Erving, and Johnson doesn't think Stoudemire compares with Erving, either.

``Doc was 6-6, 6-7,'' Johnson said. ``Amare is 6-10. I put him in with the other guys. I don't think many guys who come into the league can be as explosive as Dr. J.

``But if Amare develops this year like he did last season, he can be one of the great power forwards in the game. He has a lot of potential. He's explosive and intimidating. Intimidation allows him to be explosive.''


link