4 months after tearing his left pectoral muscle in a game against the Indiana Pacers, Al Horford has returned to the court. Earlier today, the Hawks announced that Al Horford was a game time decision for game 4 against the Boston Celtics.  Al came off the bench to contribute 12 points,  5 rebounds, and 1 assist, ultimately the Hawks lost to the Celtics however. The Hawks are now down 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs, but they have Al and Josh Smith back to compete against the Celtics big men.

Welcome back Al.

On Monday February 27th the Atlanta Sports Council held it’s 7th Annual Atlanta Sports Awards at the Fox Theatre. Al Horford won the “Sports Person of the Year” award for all of his hard work on the court as well as all the work he has done in the community this last year and through out his NBA career. While recent injury has prevented Al from contributing to the Hawks physically, he’s often seen cheering them on from the bench and contributing to his local and global community. Al Horford was also a finalist for the “Professional Athlete of the Year” award but was edged out by Atlanta Braves closer,Craig Kimbrel. The Atlanta Hawks Family was well represented at this year’s award with Dominique Wilkins receiving an award as well. Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams were also present at the Awards ceremony with Zaza presenting the Atlanta Dream with the  ”Team Of The Year” award.

Per Atlanta Journal Constitution ”The award is given annually to a person who has made a positive impact in sports and their community. Horford has twice received the NBA Community Assist Award, as well as the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy from his team, for his work helping others. Those activities include feeding the homeless at City of Refuge, the NBA Cares Day of Service in 2011, his work with the University of Florida Alumni’s philanthropic efforts, assisting earthquake relief efforts in Japan, hosting summer basketball camps and visiting children and their families at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. He has judged essay contests to assist the NBA’s Read to Achieve program and worked with anti-bullying campaigns.” 

Dominique Wilkins was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, joining the likes of  Hank Aaron, Ted Turner, Bobby Cox and other Atlanta legends. Per Atlanta Business Chronicle “Currently, Wilkins is the Hawks vice president of basketball, a Hawks television analyst for Fox Sports South and is involved with local and national charities such as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics, Muscular Dystrophy Association and American Lung Association.”  Dominique is truly the epitome of a Hawks Legend, Atlanta Legend and an all around deserving recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Atlanta Hawks Center, Al Horford, will be out for 3-4 months while he heals from a Torn Left Pectoral Muscle injury suffered on January 11th against the Indiana Pacers.

Al Horford was injured about 6 minutes into the 1st quarter of the game last night against the Pacers. Al was seen grimacing in pain on the court shortly after he was knocked down by Roy Hibbert, who blocked Al’s two layup attempts. (pictured above) Al was taken to the back where the Pacers medical staff evaluated him and it was initially said that he had a shoulder strain. MRI’s last night showed that nothing was broken. Earlier today Al was evaluated by the Hawks medical staff and they concluded that he had a Torn Left Pectoral Muscle. Al will miss the remainder of the regular season at this point, due to the shortened season 3-4 months will put us about about April/May when they season ends.

Hawks Official Press Release

The NBA released the 2012 All Star Ballot earlier today. The 2012 All Star Game will be held on February 24th-26th in Orlando, Florida. With only 27 days left to vote, I want to encourage you all to take the time to vote for Al Horford (Atlanta – Eastern Conference – Center Position). You have several ways to vote:

1. Online/En Linea - http://www.nba.com/ASB http://www.nba.com/allstar/2012/asb/intl/ballot.html?ver=esp (Espanol)

2. Text/Texto – “Horford” to 69622

3. In Arena/En Arena – Voting Ballots are available at all NBA Arenas

4. Mobile Web/Movil Web - http://m.nba.com on your cell phone

Yesterday, December 24th, 2011, Al Horford and Amelia Vega were married in a Civil Ceremony. According to media sources the wedding took place at the home of Juan Luis Guerra shares with his wife in the Dominican Republic, at 5pm. Amelia Vega, 27, is Former Miss Universe (2003) and Former Miss Dominican Republic Universe (2002). She’s also the niece of singer, Juan Luis Guerra and his wife, Nora Vega.

Photos courtesy of diariolibre

Question: @Al_Horford do u think u have become a better player since u left college? By the way I love u al!!!! #NBA #Hawks #Gators

Answer: @maidah_08 i think so i feel way better about my game now. Love u too

 

Question: @Al_Horford Also, where did that fadeaway shot from last nights game come from…you don’t break that one out too much…Go Hawks

Answer: @ATLnSports Yeah i have it in my game. Coach just wants me to go to the basket everytime

 

Question: @Al_Horford Great game last night, Al! Heading back to Gainesville anytime soon? See when you come play the Wizards in Feb!

Answer: @DCG8RGRL Ill try to make it if theres a home basketball game to Gainesville

 

Question: @Al_Horford you guys have a strong team. What do you think is the Hawks biggest strength?

Answer: @steviedub Our athleticism and we have a lot of scorers

 

Question: @Al_Horford u eva thought comin 2 NY for the iS8 tournament?

Answer: @LiiveTivO I need a team, im open

 

Question: @Al_Horford u need to anwser questions more often! )

Answer: @5star09 I will. Im going to start to do this once a week. ill let everyone know when

 

Question: @Al_Horford Do you think you have a chance to be in the all-star game? What did you do this summer to improve your game?

Answer: @therealcharlsd I think so. I worked on my shooting all summer and hit the weights hard

 

Question: @Al_Horford did you lose wieght in the offseason, you look more athletic than ever before, even more than when you were a Gator…

Answer: @ATLnSports i put on more weight and im more toned. Feel in great shape

 

Question: @Al_Horford — Hey man what’s up? How do you think some of the and 1 ballers would do in the NBA based on the success of skip aka rafer?

Answer: @zogaard Depends who it is and what team they play for

 

Question: @Al_Horford What was the toughest environment to play during college?

Answer: @theshom_42 at Mississippi State. the hump. the crowd was rowdy

 

Question: @Al_Horford yo all what part of Dominican republic u from

Answer: @adalberto_perez Puerto plata

 

Question: @Al_Horford What do you think about your fellow Gator, Speights? He’s been the best and most consistent 76er so far this season.

Answer: @STEEEeee Yeah he has been great for the #sixers. It was just a matter of time. hes very talented

 

Question: {Assuming: Do you have a facebook account?}

Answer: @FamousUmair yeah i got a facebook page

 

Question: @Al_Horford how often did u practice as a kid?

Answer: @Patsfan3698 almost everyday. but i also did other sports like basbeall, soccer, volleyball, track

 

Question: @Al_Horford if you were’nt in basket ball what other sport would you play

Question: Answer @bahamaboi19 baseball or football

 

Question: @Al_Horford I mean size kicks do u wear

Answer @TKSmoove 17

 

Question: @Al_horford: How hard is the transition from playing power forward to the center postion you are sometimes being forced to play?

Answer @Tystephenson It was tough at first, but im more use to it now

 

Question: @Al_Horford how’s the hawks treating u

Answer @Gsxr750boy Good cant complain

 

Question: @Al_Horford Who are some of the big men you are trying to emulate and learn from as you develop in your still-young career?

Answer @glenngiangrande I look to guys like chris bosh, david west, david lee. guys play the game the right way

 

Question: @Al_Horford How does the NBA compare with playing championship level college ball?

Answer @GatorGirl7214 Its very different levels of play. NBA its tougher just because theres so much talent. However college is all about team

 

Question: @Al_Horford que se siente ser un latino en la nba, y como ves el futuro del baloncesto latino?

Answer @jo_oliva Me siento orgulloso. Y me siento muy bien acerca del futuro del baloncesto latino. hay mucho talento en nuestros países. Yo pienso hacer mi parte en un futuro. promoviendo el baloncesto y haciendo campamentos

 

Question: @Al_Horford do u like the addition of jamal crawford to the #hawks??

Answer @ballismalyfe Im a big Jamal Crawford fan, he brings fire power to the team. Happy to have him

 

Question: @Al_Horford would you rather be a power forward or do you like being a Center better???

Answer @VersityEnt i can play both. with our team i feel confident playing the 5

 

Question: @Al_Horford do u have a ps3

Answer @lilballer3 no i have a Wii

 

Question: @Al_Horford which NBA team do you think has the biggest rivalry with the Hawks?

Answer @PoloGee Celtics and the heat. just because of the playoffs

 

Question: @Al_Horford What will the #Hawks do differently against the Celtics tomorrow night. We had a shaky 1st half last night.

Answer @miss_mo14 Just come out strong, we cant get behind like that vs Boston, they are a great team

 

Question: @Al_Horford Hey Al . I was just wondering wat is it like 2 play for the Atlanta hawks Basketball Team? Thanx Take Care, Best Wishes

Answer @Sparkle_Boots I love playing for the Hawks, i have great teamates and i love the city

 

Question: @Al_Horford How does it feel to have such a good start to this season and how do you set the tone for your team?

Answer @Flyyboii_Darryl feels good starting the right way, we just have to stay together and hang strong

 

Question: Por fin @Al_Horford en twitter!

Answer @iAlexDR tu lo sabe

 

Question: @Al_Horford does your team feel stronger this year with more depth coming from the bench?

Answer @zbriber26 we are wayyyyy more confident

 

Question: @Al_Horford Whats up Al How do you feel about the team’s progress this year?

Answer @TempleU2010 I like our team progress, i think we are showing a lot of growth as a team. We can still get better

 

Question: @Al_Horford Would you accept my challenge to a game of ping pong or do you think you’ll lose to a girl?

Answer @MissToyToy1 Very confident about my ping pong game. If i host a tournament, ill invite you to play

 

Question: @Al_Horford do u think u would dominate more if u played powerfoward instead of center?

Answer @youngPaynt Its more of my natural position. but theres a lot of great forwards in the game, so it would be a challenge

 

Question: @Al_Horford What do you feel you improved on from last season to this season?

Answer @TwAtlanta Feel like im better on defense just guarding the ball better. And on offense more confident about my offense

 

Question: @Al_Horford Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Answer @bamafan08 No pre game rituals, just a regular routine, of taking a nap, eating and working out before the game

 

Question: @Al_Horford You and zaza are taking the Hawks to the conference finals this year, right?

Answer @mickscal Thats a long ways, but we hope so

 

Question: @al_horford who is your favorite celebrity you have met in the ATL?

Answer @biggesthawksfan Chris Tucker came to one of the games and i got to meet him after, that was real cool

 

Question: @Al_Horford Who can jump higher, Jason Collins or ZaZa?

Answer @TwAtlanta LOL good question! probably zaza, but not by much

 

Question: @Al_Horford What’s your normal pre-game meal?

Answer @slefkoff Normal pre game meal is some Pasta either chicken alfredo or bolognese. with some salad and bread

 

Question: {Assuming that this was a question about NBA centers. Ya no se.}

Answer @EL_EU Probablemente Yao Ming ya que es tan grenade y Howard porque tiene mucho poder

Today I conducted a short Twitterview session with Al Horford. The interview was scheduled for 4pm, but officially started about 4:06 due to technical issues and ended about 30 minutes later. Several fans sent their questions to me to ask Al and from the feedback I received that fans loved it. Al, also loved it he said that it went really well. Here’s a recap of all the Questions that were asked, and the Answers that were given.

1. Q: What was it like taking the Hawks to the Playoffs in just your first NBA season? (asked by @mynci2894)

A: It was special, the team had struggled in the past and I was glad to be able to come in and help the team make the Playoffs.

2. Q: Are you concerned about this season’s grueling schedule pace and possible fatigue late in the season? (asked by @michaeltorres03)

A: Yes! We are on edge, it’s going to be key to get rest and take care of our bodies. Staying focus is also key.

3. Q: Where do you like to go around Town when you’re in Atlanta? (asked by @JBL_Burrito)

A: It depends. I like to hang out in Atlantic Station, eat at some good restaurants, I also go to BBB (Buckhead Bottle Bar) which is Zaza’s place, Lenox Mall, all over town.

4. Q: What did you learn most being the Hawks player rep during the Lockout? (asked by @vtangpricha)

A: I learned more about the business side of the NBA, and how it’s important to be aware of what goes on in the league.

5. Q: What team(s) do you like playing against the most? (Asked by @co_co_loca)

A: I like to play in certain Arenas more than teams. Like New York, Boston, LA, Orlando.

6. Q: What is the sentiment of the team is now that Jamal is gone? What did he mean to the team? (Asked by @THATkia)

A: Jamal was a great teammate and we weren’t happy to see him go, but that’s the way the business side of sports is.

7. Q: Do you think the Hawks can contend for the Championship? What changes do you see in the team? (Asked by @ATLFalconsFan96)

A: We are confident with the team that we have. More importantantly we have to focus on having a good regular season (and then focusing on the playoffs).

8. Q: What did you practice during the off-season. Did you work on your low-post game? (Asked by @BallUntilIFall)

A: Yes! had a chance to work on my post game and other areas of my game. I’m excited the season is finally here.

9. Q: Now that you’re considered a “Veteran” player, do you feel the need to bring your game to another level? (Asked by myself)

A: I feel more confident as a player and I  just want to be the best player I can be. I will keep working and trying to get better.

10. Q: Do you feel that playing for the Dominican Republic National Team and in the USO Tour helped you stay sharp during the Lockout? (Asked by myself)

A: No question about it. I was able to stay in shape and had a great time playing with DR and being part of the USO trip.

BONUS QUESTION

Q: Why did you schedule your Twitterview during a Gators game?

A: No reply. (I think he went to go watch the game at that point. Lol)

*Questions and answers have been edited for grammatical accuracy. Thank you again to Al, and all the fans that asked questions!

I know a lot of you Al Horford Fans out there are anxiously waiting for the NBA Season to start up so you can get to see Al in action. As a thank you for supporting Al,  the Hawks and the NBA during the lockout, we (Al and AlHorfordFans.com) will be hosting a Twitter Interview.

The new schedule for the Hawks has an action packed 66 games in 4 months, so the upcoming months will be a busy one for Al. He would love to answer all of the questions his fans ask him on Twitter and Facebook but he’s a busy guy. Hopefully this will be the first of several”Twitterviews” that will be conducted this season.

I,  Del (@AH15Fans), will be the Interviewer/Moderator asking Al the questions that you fans have for him.  I will ask him the questions on Twitter, and he will reply on Twitter as well. You can ask a question in either English or Spanish, however only one question per person will be answered.

If you would like to have your questions asked you can either @reply me (@AH15Fans), DM me, email Del@AlHorfordFans.com, or leave a comment below. Please include your Name, Twitter Username and your question. 

—

Date: Saturday (12/17/11)

Time: 4pm

Place: Twitter

Interviewer: Del P. (That’s me)

Interviewee: Al Horford

Guidelines: The questions will be moderated, so anything deemed inappropriate will not be asked. If you do ask multiple questions, only one will be used. If your question(s) isn’t used then it will be filed away for future use (if applicable), and considered later on. Also do not @reply Al your questions directly, you can if you wish but if I personally don’t see the question I won’t be able to see it to ask him during the Twitterview. Questions are due any time before the Twitterview starts, any questions sent after the Twitterview has already started will be filed for future use.

—

For those in Atlanta, please come by Philips Arena this Friday at 7pm for the Hawks Free Open Scrimmage if you’re free. More Information is available on Hawks.com P.S. I’ll be the girl wearing a Hawks T-shirt that says “Cupcake 23″, say hi!

“To tell you the truth that’s something we more or less saw coming because since we both were so far from an agreement, I imagined that happening,” the Hawks All-Star said.

“I think that way everything is looking right now, I think more weeks will be canceled because both sides are not seeing eye-to-eye. The players are holding up strong because we think it’s the right thing,” he added.

Players and owners remain far apart on several issues. Each side has sought a 53 percent cut of revenue for itself, though a 50-50 split has been floated informally. Owners also want a higher luxury tax, making it more expensive for teams exceed the salary cap, but players worry that teams would be discouraged from offering big contracts to attract star players.

The cancellation of the first two weeks affects games played through Nov. 14. If there is a season at all, it would be the first shortened season since 1998-99, which featured a 50-game season due to a lockout.

Some players have picked up their sneakers and signed contracts with teams in European leagues –usually with out-clauses should an agreement with the NBA take place. Those that have signed with teams in China have no such clauses and will be forced to play out the length of their deals.

There have been rumors that some player agents were looking at players to possibly entertain the idea of decertifying the union, like the NFL players did this summer before they reached an agreement with the owners.

For now, Horford would prefer a settlement. He pointed out that the NFL “was in a different situation that ours” while adding that since they have a 16-game season, “their games were of higher magnitude, a little bit more important.”

Horford’s current plans are to stay home, but would keep his mind open if the right offer comes along.

“To tell you the truth I think everything is possible at this point. I’m not really looking for that but I won’t rule it out,” Horford said. “Right now I’m keeping myself in shape and practicing.”

The Dominican, who starred at the University of Florida and won back-to-back national championships there, played for his country’s national team in the FIBA Americas qualifiers held in Argentina late this summer for the 2012 Olympics in London, feels that Derek Fisher and Chris Paul have been doing a “great job” in keeping guys like him and the rest of the players informed.

While many of his NBA counterparts have played in summer leagues in New York City, Los Angeles and D.C., Horford didn’t participate in any of those, instead choosing to work-out in Los Angeles and his alma mater.

However, “If this keeps on going,” Horford adds, “there are some chances that I would have some training clinics out in the Dominican Republic.”

Adry Torres, who has covered MLB, NFL, NBA and NCAA basketball games and related events, is a regular contributor to Fox News Latino. He can be reached at elpiloto137@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter: @adrytorresnyc.

Navitas Naturals interviewed NBA All-Star & philanthropist Al Horford while he was training with the Dominican Republic National Basketball Team for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship in Argentina. The tournament winner gets a guaranteed spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. Al knows a thing or two about big basketball tournaments, having won back-to-back NCAA Championships with his teammates at the University of Florida before joining the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. Navitas Naturals’ maca is his favorite superfood.

Mic LeBel, Navitas Naturals: Good luck in the FIBA Americas tournament. Compared to the NBA, it must be fun to play on a team with guys from your native country, against teams such as Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil and Canada, what is the coolest aspect of international tournaments like this one in Argentina?

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks: It’s a great experience, to be able to represent your country and play against other great teams. Also having a chance to make history and to qualify for the Olympics, which has never happened in Dominican basketball.

NN: Here at Navitas Naturals, we love to learn about foods from around the world. What do your teammates that live in the Dominican Republic typically eat during their basketball season, and are there any nutritious superfoods from the Caribbean that Navitas should know about?

AH: My teammates from the DR mainly eat rice, beans, chicken or beef, avocados, plantains and salads. As far as superfoods I have definitely made them aware of the benefits. One thing I have them doing is drinking coconut water.

NN: What is your favorite Navitas Naturals superfood, and when do you typically eat it in relation to training, practice or game times?

AH: My favorite Navitas superfood is maca, I consume it before practices and games and it gives me great energy. I drink it in smoothies or take it in pill form. I also like chia. I use the sprouted chia powder on cereal, usually after games or at breakfast. I also snack on the Navitas Trail Mix and the goji berries.

NN: When you are home in Atlanta during the NBA season, what are your favorite places to shop for healthy foods, and is there a restaurant you favor there?

AH: I like to shop at Whole Foods, simply because they have fresh foods and I find all of the Navitas products. I also visit Arden’s Garden in Atlanta. It is a smoothies and snack shop where I can go and get wheat grass shots or healthy snacks.

NN: Some pro athletes need to work hard to stay very lean and trim, but it seems that to play Center and Forward in the NBA an athlete would have to eat and train to be as big and strong as possible and gain weight and power so that you are more difficult to push from under the basket, is that the case for you?

AH: I feel like you can be lean and also be strong. The way you can accomplish this is by the way you eat and take care of your body. These superfoods really give me energy and make me feel good and that’s what is important to me.

NN: When you are out on the road playing games in cities across the country, how do you maintain a healthy eating routine, and is there a restaurant on the road that is a favorite?

AH: I have become more educated when I eat on the road. You have to work harder to eat the right way. But Whole Foods always has nice spreads, also True Food Kitchen is a west coast restaurant that carries organic health foods. They are probably my favorite restaurant to visit when I’m on the road. I also carry snacks with me like Navitas Trail Mix, pistachios, and goji berries.

NN: Have you changed your diet and training significantly with the Atlanta Hawks compared to when you were playing college hoops at the University of Florida? In other words, were you pretty much eating regular dorm food at Florida or did they have the team on a specific diet program?

AH: My diet has changed drastically since college. We had regular dorm food and I wasn’t aware of superfoods or organic foods. Four years after college, I’m eating very healthy and as a result my body has changed in a big way, I am leaner and feel more athletic then I did in college and that result has a lot to do with my diet.

NN: Are you strictly a gym guy when it comes to training, or do you practice yoga and other forms of “alternative” fitness that you think helps with basketball performance?

AH: I’m all about alternative trainings. I do yoga, boxing, recently started biking and also enjoy swimming. It keeps me in shape and entertained. I’m always open to trying new alternative workouts.

NN: We admire your work in the community, for which you’ve been honored as a two-time recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award. Is there a philanthropic project that you are passionate about and active with right now?

AH: I just hosted my basketball camps in Michigan and Atlanta, which were a great success. We will soon have some in the Dominican Republic. As a pro athlete and role model, I emphasize the importance of education, this is a fundamental principle I teach in my camps and to kids coming up.

Original Article (2nd Feature)