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 Thoughts on Shaquille O'Neal, D-League and More
Posted By: Alando Tucker |
 Alando Tucker travels to play for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds again this week to continue progressing in his game. (NBAE Photos) |
I have been watching Shaq and have been a big fan since his days in Orlando – back when he was what I call “Thin Shaq.” He was agile, breaking rims and has really showed a lot of the same here. You obviously saw that if you watched the San Antonio game on Sunday.
Being a communications major also played a big part in why O’Neal was one of my favorite players growing up. He always seemed so prepared for his interviews, which is something a lot of people take for granted. He’s always ready, he’s always got a joke and I’ve learned that he really prepares for interviews. And I think that’s big.
He’s a character and definitely a hard worker. He’s also a great listener. He takes advice from players – including me – which is shocking, but that’s the sign of a great athlete and a great leader. He has a willingness to listen, and he’s shown that so far. He’s been another great guy to watch along with Steve Nash and Grant Hill, in terms of the way he conducts himself and gets himself ready for games.
On the court, the team didn’t get off to the best of starts once he joined, but we never panicked and understood we were going to be changing a lot. For the past three years, this team has been playing full speed while Shaq has been used to everything running through him. Both of those were about to change as this offense goes through the point guards. We knew it was going to take some adjusting but are really happy with a lot of the things we’ve been able to do. We haven’t had a lot of breaks and have seen opponents hit some tough shots, but we’ve never dropped our heads.
The Spurs game on Sunday was big as we definitely didn’t want to drop three games in a row. There’s a lot going on right now not only with playoff positioning, but also getting momentum back on our side. We know the importance in building off that win for the rest of this homestand but no matter what happens, this team is not going to hang its head.
Now I’m getting ready to get back with the Thunderbirds where the focus is again on keeping in shape. I need to stay ready both mentally and physically, and Albuquerque helps with that. We’ve got a lot of veteran guys here, and because of that we don’t run practices as long as some other NBA teams. That’s why it’s important I take advantage of these trips and stay on top of my game. I’ve been working a lot lately with our strength-and-conditioning coach Erik Phillips and see that as a way of taking the next step.
Again, I definitely want to thank everybody for the comments and all the great things I’ve read. People have really been encouraging and I really pay attention to all the things fans have said. Keep reading and I’ll check back in soon.
Comments
Veronica - Toronto, Ontario
Hi Alando, it's great to see you checking in again! I hope you have another great stop with the Thunderbirds again this time, and hopefully we'll see you back shortly once again cheering on our team together! It must be tough for you since like you said, we've got so many veteran guys here. But then again, I think you're looking to this as a positive to just learn and prepare yourself for the future. I'm sure all the other fans along with myself would love to see you perform too, so keep the work and spirit up! Good Luck and hope to hear from you soon!!
Travis - Wisconsin
Alando, its great to see you in the NBA and of course all us fans here in Wisconsin are rooting for you. As you know, your opportunities will come and I'm confident you can take advantage of them when they do. Best of luck...and ON WISCONSIN!!
B. Foote - Illinois
Hey Alando, I remember seeing you around campus when I attended UW-Madison. Continue to push forward with the NBA as well as improve on your game. Best of luck with all your endeavours.
Brad Bixler - Lake Havasu City
Alondo, Love your positive attitude. Team that with a year of experience, hard work and great atheleticism and your on your way to bigger and better things. I also enjoy seeing your intellectual talents. You have very nice writing skills that will help you in your life after basketball.
Grant - Boise
Whats Up My man Tucker.. I'm so pumped that you are going back to the DL. You tear it up down there. You will have a major roll on this team in the next couple of years. You will develop so much over the next 12 months. I try to catch as many games as I can when you are playing for the TBirds... Also know that there is a 24 year old grown man jumping up and down everytime you get in the game. I know what you can do man! Take it to the rack!! Hola
Eric Arrache - Porto Alegre - Brazil
Hey, Alando, I really liked your post and I'm kinda jealous, you're playing with a lot of guys that people would give their lives to play with (nash, bell, amare, hill, shaq, etc)
You know, I've just watched Ask Raja's last edition and I tought, why don't you make a "ask Alando" in your blog too? Would be nice. So, that's it, keep the good work and I'm looking forward to see you more in a Suns's jersey on that court
Ian Uy - Philippines
hey alando. .waz up?..hmm.., i see that you have been tearing around the d-league w/ a game high of 42 pts, i think..hehe i like your postive outlook towards the game of the nba, i hope maybe someday you would be one the phoenix top gunner some day and looking forward in playing in the d-league.. good luck!!!
Ahmad Hayat -
Alando when are you going to play man! ur a great player i like ur game an explisive scorer! cant wait to see u get some minutes on the court man cause im sure ur gonna be one of the stars of this league good luck bro
Daryll Go - California
Nice job Tucker on your blog. This is my first time reading it and I like on what you said about our Shaq in Phoenix. It's also been great to have you on our team. I watched you a lot on summer league games and I think you have the chance to be a starter of the team on the future. Great job man and keep improving. I just migrated here in the USA from the basketball loving Philippines and we really love PHOENIX SUNS basketball.
Isaac - Melbourne, Australia
Hey tucker Bro....great listening from ya champ...im halfway across the world and a fan of yours believe me.....ur awesome mate
Calvin - Tempe
I love your game and i really cant wait for the suns to let you step in and letting it fly i do believe that your one of the pieces to the future of the suns.
Al - Philippines
Here's wishing you all your hardwork will payoff in the future. Good luck, have fun, and play hard to improve to be the best. We'll be cheering for you at the DL.
Santiago - Phoenix
Hi Alando :
Before reading your last post I was wondering, What is Alando doing, so now, I realize that you are playing D-League in order to keep in shape. From my point of view you are such a very talented athlete,so i hope see you sooner in the Suns line up, YOU CAN DO IT, BUDDY.
Nekko - Phoenix
Alando, your a beast
nuff said
Ryan - Phoenix
Hey Alando, best of luck with your trip back to the d-league. I always enjoy reading your blogs and hearing about your insights, it's like having a spy on the inside of the suns locker room. Keep up the good work, best of luck with everything, and I can't wait to watch you tear it up in the nba soon enough.
Rudy - Riga
Hy shaquille is a fantastic player his graet. I like him to i ike all phoenix team but most of all i like steve nash his the mvp :)...
John S - Madison, WI
Hey Alando,
My son's name is Tucker, and he (and I) have always been huge fans. We certainly miss watching you play here in Madison, but believe great things still lie in front of you. Certainly in basketball, but also in life. You seem to get what it is all about.
Good luck, and I am sure you will join us in following/rooting for the Badgers this post season. I think you would have enjoyed playing with this year's team if you could have somehow snuck a sixth season out of your eligibility.
pat harrison - ashland,wiscosnin
Great to here things are going good...your a credit to bb and sports in general.I loved to watch you play for the badgers.
Jeff - Madison, WI
Alando - I was a huge fan of yours during your playing days back here at UW, and I still am to this day. Good luck in the D-league and I can't wait to see you running the court with Steve Nash one of these days.
Jenny - Milwaukee
Wisconsin is so proud of you! Keep up the great work! Go Badgers!
Eric - Milwaukee
Alando, you are such a great role model. Stay positive and good things will happen. I got my #42 Badgers jersey washed and ready for the tourney. Good luck and go bucky!
Chris - Denver
I found this by way of the Milwaukee Journal blog. Great to hear from you Tuck! I loved watching you in Madison and am always looking to hear good news from you. Stay at it brotha and good things will come...as you learned in Madtown!
scott Bronson - tucson
Hey Big Man, unbelievable positive attitude, something Tanner always said about you at UWisconsin, great to see you keep up on the Badgers, keep working hard, you are a great example of what hard work and a positive attitude are all about. You will get your time in the limelight on the big stage, no one expected Wade to be there that quick, and your staying power will long outlast his. Good luck, keep Tanner in mind when the Suns draft next year, stay focused!!!
Lisa J - Phoenix
Hey Alando, come back in playoff shape ready to go a full 4 rounds!!!!!
Damon Youmans - Philadelphia
Please keep focus and work on your jump shot. Your the future of the team and they need you to have a mid game if I can be more exact just like Mr. GRANT HILL. Keep working and you will get there. Try not to get uneasy about playing time and you will see the light.
Sarah - Sacremento
Hey Alando! Look man, just stopping by to say that when I was playing nba live 08 dynasty mode, you were on my team and when it got to about year 2010-2011, you were a superstar! It was real cool because on the game you are like super raw. You are 86 overall when the game first starts off! So that means that you are really raw and you are going to have a lot coming your way!
Drew - Austin, Tx.
Alando, good to hear your spirits are so high. As a Suns fan I can say I'm excited to watch you grow as a player and become a big piece of the Suns future. I looked @ the schedule and noticed you guys will be in Austin before the seasons up. I'll look forward to watching you tear it up. So keep working hard and God bless. Peace.
Ron - Bangladesh
Hey ALondo! Man I have to say that this is a great blog. I appreciate all the positive comments coming from you about Shaq. I have been a Suns fan for a long time and this trade was shocking to me too..in a good way. I knew it would take time, and I didn't want to see the SUNS lose. I am just a bit nervous about the playoff. You keep doing what you doing man. I want to see you playing for the suns soon. I can't wait. D-League would help you improve your skills and talent and would keep you in great shape. You are the future of Phoenix and you must keep it alive with your heart man! I wish you all the best.
Alex - Wisconsin
Hey Alondo, I just want to say that I have crazy respect for you. I can tell not just by watching you play but also by the way you write that you are very down to Earth and it would be awesome to simply sit down with you and talk hoops. Your former teamates at WI are really reflecting your style of hard work and proves you are having a lasting effect here in the badger state. Keep going further in your career and keep us posted. I love hearing updates. -Alex
Cindy - Iowa
You are the real deal. Good things come to players like you. I miss seeing you in the red but hope you will be rewarded for your commitment and dedication in the NBA. Godspeed Alando.
Bob McCune - Dexter, New Mexico
Hey Alondo... What about those Badgers!!! Sole possession of the Big 10 Title!! Maybe a Big 10 Tourney Title as well!!! I am From Medford, Wisconsin... we all love your great leadership, sportsmanship, team first attitude, and your fantastic contributions to Badger Basketball will not be forgotten!!! What a true sports role model!! Keep on improving and using your time in Albuquerque to put you back in Phoenix soon!! ... hope to get up to see you in Albuquerque before you head back to Phoenix... Do you get chances to talk with other Badgers in the N.B.A. keep up the 'Badger Brotherhood'. Brian Butch is a great kid that I know... any chance he'll find a place up there?? What about your good friend Marcus Landry?? Talk with Carl at all?? Best Wishes !!
Dave Hansen - Phoenix
Keep up the positive attitude, Alando! Hope to see you in the crowd and the Badgers on the floor in the US Airways Center for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8! Continue to dominate the D-League! You've got, and always will have, the support of us Badger alum in the Valley (and around the World)...and you make us all proud every step of the way!!! Go Alando and Go Badgers!!!
Alex - Albuquerque
yo alando it is great to see you back man..... see you at tingley
Karl - Manila, Philippines
I'm been a great fan of the Suns since my eyes since the day my eyes were opened to basketball. During the recent draft, I've been really watching out who will the Suns pick; and I'm really glad it was you, the ace player from Wisconsin!
I truly admire your positive attitude towards the game and I'm excited to what your future would be in the NBA. I'm looking forward to you being the next Shawn Marion, or even MJ, for the team. Wish you all the best! God Bless!
Fred - Janesville
Alando one thing to say YOUR THE MAN not just in bb but also in life good luck
Troy - Sturgeon Bay, WI
Great to hear from you. Best of luck to you in the future. Keep us up to date. I always enjoyed watching you at Wisconsin. Go BUCKY !!!!!
Thao - Madison
Alando, your the best.
Wish you well.
From your favorite fan!
Rob - Pewaukee, WI
Hey Alando! I'm a huge fan and cant wait to see what you do in the d-league. Best of luck with Shaq. Wisconsin loves you and is trying to continue your legacy. Today your Badgers defeted the Spartans in the big ten tourney by 2. Your boy Trevon Hughes rolled his ankle and m. flowers scored an all time low. They could really use incourgement, so tune into the big ten championship on Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 central time. Best of wishes and hope to see you do great things in the NBA! Good Luck
Doc Caneva - Lockport, IL
Porter fans in Lockport have basketball fever this time of year-we are happy to see you tearing up the D-league again! Thanks for taking the time to blog. Best wishes.
Malik - Los Angeles,CA
Hey Alando,
I just want to say keep working hard and keep developing your game in both the NBA and the D-League. When you were with the Badgers I thought you had great skills, and you were a great player. In the future you will be a big star w/ the Phoenix Suns. The D-League is a big help, especially w/ young players like yourself. Keep doing your thang and good luck!!!!
Sam - Maui
Aloha Alando,
Been wondering about you and if we would get to see you on the court. This is a tough lineup to crack eh?
I love your post game and I'm glad you're getting to see some action in the D League. You've got too much upside to be collecting dust on the pine.
I can barely imagine what a catch 22 it must be to want playing time but to also want to be with your teammates for this win streak.
Stay hungry and positive, develope a knack for sticking your nose in there on defense.....this team needs guys that can bring it on both ends.
Thanks for making your thoughts available to us fans.
peace
Stephen Chung - Seoul, Korea
It's good to read your blog because I have been your fan since your fresh man year in Wisconsin.
Lynnell Williamosn - Lockport, IL
Hello Alando. I just wont you to know that everyone here in Lockport and Joliet are very proud of you. I watched you play basketball when you where in school. You went to school with my nephew and niece Tyffani and Dominque Jackson. You are a great example to are youth here. Keep your head held high and stay on the right path. Because you are a sucess story that nobody thought could happen. You show the kids here in Lockport and Joliet that you can accomplish your dreams and that gangs and drugs and violence isn't the only option. I pray for you daily Alando. Keep up the good work and again I am proud of you.
Jonathan - Phoenix Az
You people never put my commments up anyway you should get to play more Alondo.
Kevin - Madison, WI
Alando
Keep your head up Bro and continue to work hard,,,I am looking forward to seeing you in a Sun's uniform real soon.
Nate Lewis - Joliet, Il - Now New Jersey
Man you came a long way since we used to climb up trees and go to J an B's for some potatoe chips Lol You prolly dont remember me anyway but Good Luck in the pros Doe...always rooting for you dog.
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