Al Horford: Learning off court as important as on

by UK American Sports Fans

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Last year saw the Westfield Shopping centre host the UK’s first NBA 3X event with then-Memphis Grizzlies forward, Rudy Gay, in attendance, while this year sees the competition returning to the capital city, only this time to be hosted by the more organic and better suited, Ducketts Common in Haringey.

NBA 3X is a fan-friendly event hosted over the 12th and 13th July and includes a host of activities for spectators to get involved with, as well as a 3-on-3 tournament and the visit of Atlanta Hawks star, Al Horford.

Hess Benoit, Head Coach for Haringey Basketball Association, believes the opportunity for young adults to play in front of an NBA star is priceless.

“It’s just so fantastic to see the NBA come once again to Ducketts Common. The NBA gives some inspiration. You couldn’t buy that for anything,” said Benoit who hosts summer runs in Ducketts Common during the school holiday.

NBA and Atlanta Hawks star, Al Horford, agrees with Benoit that the weekend event is important for young players but stresses that education is still the foundation for achievement.

“I feel like them coming out here, this type of atmosphere, I think gets them motivated makes them want to work harder and when they get the chance to see someone currently playing in the NBA, I know it’s a privilege for them and I’m excited to be here as well,” said the six-year forward.

“I always encourage education. I know people always say ‘basketball’ but kids have to understand they have to do well in school. Basketball is only temporary, not everyone can make it to the NBA or the professional level, so it’s important for kids to study, to be able to if they don’t have the means to get a scholarship and study and make something of their lives.”

  • Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks will play the Brooklyn Nets and The O2 Arena on January 16th, as part of the NBA Global Games 2014. Tickets go on sale in October. For more information go to NBA UK Facebook and follow @NBAUK on Twitter
  • All images credited and with permission of: NBAE/Getty Images