Stoudemire & Suns Rising In The NBA Playoffs

During our recent trip to Phoenix, we had a chance to visit with Amare Stoudemire of the NBA Phoenix Suns. His team is beginning play in the NBA post-season against the Los Angeles Lakers. The following is a brief portion of our interview. A complete story will be featured in the next issue of North County Sports Magazine.

NCS: What kind of training tip or advice would you give to someone who has reached the level that you have reached?

AS: The most important thing in basketball is learning the fundamentals. You have to learn the fundamentals. When I played high school ball, I never had a coach teach me the fundamentals of the game. I played with my own knowledge and God blessed me with enough athletic ability to make it into the NBA. Some players are not that blessed to make it into the NBA off of just raw talent. I know that the most important thing is fundamentals. Once you learn the game from a fundamental standpoint all those flashy moves work for you – its not really flashy – its just basketball. It just looks flashy because it works for you.

NCS: Who was a guiding influence in your life?

AS: Unfortunately, Its always been just me. I taught myself about life and basketball. Just from the way I grew up, Its always been myself and inner power. Being able to watch Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, two of the best players were good role models.

NCS: What advice would you give to kids today who have a dream of playing in the NBA or WNBA?

AS: Any kid that wants to make it to the NBA or WNBA you have to stay focused and you have to stay off the streets and stay on the court. That was my philosophy when I was growing up. I had my older brother who helped keep me off the streets. The streets are watching and talking and it looks fun with everybody hanging out and having fun on the streets. In the long run, its not good for you.