16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 1 11/30/11 3:17 PM

Whether you want to transform your home’s style or its

energy bill, Philips AmbientLED could change everything.

Find out more at www.philips.com/beautifullight.

Make your home beautiful and energy efficient.

Philips Hawks Arena Ad_Layout 1 9/21/11 5:56 PM Page 1

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 2 11/22/11 5:15 PM

24

03 ENTERTAINMENT ’NiqueattheMovies

04 FASHIONISTA withCJ

06 VIDEOGAMEREVIEW Xbox360’s“KinectSports” and“EASportsActive2”

08 WHEELS 2012AudiA7

11 BYTHENUMBERS

12 THEHUMANHIGHLIGHTFILM

14 THEDOCTORISOUT

17 FALLFASHION

18 VERSATILEVANEXEL

22 HAWKSHERITAGESHOWDOWN

26 HAWKSINTHECOMMUNITY

28 IT’SINTHESHOES

33 REMEMBERINGJOEWALKER

35 MP3PLAYLIST withChattinHill

36 BACKPAGE Hawksinthe1980s

AtlantaHawksCheerleaderProfile:Juliana

Photo by Greg Miller.

CONTE

NTS

Vol.3,Issue4|HAWKS.com

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 1 11/22/11 5:15 PM

THE

ATLA

NTA

HAW

KS N

AME

AND

LOGO

ARE

REG

ISTE

RED

TRAD

EMAR

KS O

F AT

LANT

A HA

WKS

, L.P.

©20

10-1

1 AT

LANT

A HA

WKS

, L. P

. ALL

RIG

HTS

RESE

RVED

.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 2 11/22/11 5:15 PM

hiletherehavebeenatonofgoodsports moviesovertheyears,someofthemeitherdon’tstaytruetotherealismofthegame,orleavesomethingtobedesiredontheactingsideofthings.Releasedin1986,“Hoosiers”isoneofthoseraremoviesthatmanagedtoaccomplishbothofthosethingsandsomuchmore.Itranksrightupthereamongmyfavoritesofanygenre.

Takingplaceintheearly1950sinthebasketball-crazystateofIndiana,“Hoosiers”followsthestoryofatinyfictionalschoolcalledHickoryHighSchool,andit’squesttocompeteforastatechampionship.Whilethehighschooldivisionsarenowsplitintodifferentlevelsbasedonsizeoftheschool,backtheninIndiana,allteamscompetedinthesamestatechampionshiptournament.Thestoryislooselybasedontheactual1954MilianHighSchoolteam.

GeneHackmanisfantasticasCoachNormanDale,amanwithamysteriouspast,ashortfuse,andadisciplinedstyleofcoachingthatupsetsmanyofthelocaltownspeople.Adjustinghiscoachingstyletofittheteam’stalent(orlackoftalent),Daledecideshisteamwouldplaybestatasnail’space.Duringatownmeetingwhereit’sdecidedDalewillbefired,JimmyChitwood(thebestplayerinthetown,whopreviouslysaidhedidn’twanttojointhesquad)standsupanddeclaresthathe’llplay,butonlyifDalestaysonascoach.

AfterChitwoodjoinsup,theteamcatchesfire,rollingthroughmuchoftheregularseasonandintothestatetournamentwithalotofmomentum.Ifyouhaven’tseenthemovie,Iwon’truintheunforget-tableendingforyou.Buttheactionanddramaaretremendous,andthefinishispureHollywood.Even

thelatelegendaryDennisHopperplaysakeyroleasthesometimes-soberShooter,thefatherofaplayerontheteam.HopperearnedanOscarnomi-nationforhisperformance,andIthinkHackmanandBarbaraHersheyweredeservingalso.

Amongthebestsportsmoviesofitstime,“Hoosiers”givesagreatlookathowimportantbasketballistothecultureofIndiana.

“HOOSIERS”byDominiqueWilkins

360staffreviews“CaptainAmerica”(2011)

THE 1ST AVENGER

Whenlegendarycomicbookstoriesaretranslatedtomodern-dayfilms,theycansometimesbedifficulttowatch.Myexpectationsarehighgoingtowatchmostmovies,and“CaptainAmerica:TheFirstAvenger”wasnodifferent.

SteveRogers(playedbyChrisEvans)isapint-sizedNewYorkerwhogetsrecruitedintoasecret“supersoldier”projecttohelpfightinWorldWarII.Rogersundergoesatransformation,turninghimintothesuperheroCaptainAmerica.

Thecorestoryistoldwell,andtheactorsdoagoodjobofplayingtheircharacters.Asthedastardly“RedSkull,”aNaziofficerwhoisHitler’sheadofadvancedweaponry,HugoWeavingisastandout.Hisperfor-mancewasthehighlightofthemovie.

Theactionsequences,ontheotherhand,werealittlelessthanrealisticingeneral,andmaybecould’vebeenbetterthoughtout.Comparedtotheactioninboth“IronMan”movies,thisone

definitelylookedmediocre.Thefilmalmostfeltliketwoseparatemovies,asthebuildupandtheactionweredistinctlydifferentpartsofthemovie.Ionlygiveit2.5slamdunksoutof5.

WVOL. 3, ISSUE 4

Creative Director:PeterSorckoffAssistant Creative Director:TerryCombahee

Art & Design:MattyRyanSenior Editor:ArthurTriche

Editor:JonSteinbergEditorial Assistant:JasonRooseEditor at Large: AlisonSawyer

Produced by: AtlantaHawks,L.P.

101MariettaStreetNW,Suite1900Atlanta,GA30303

Printed by: Tucker-Castleberry,Atlanta,GA

Contributors: LaurenArum,ErinAttaway,JenniferBoxley,JoeBriggs,

AndreaCarter,ScottCunningham,DonniFrazier,Brandon“Hometeam”Leak,

CliffLummus,GregMiller,JonNewberryandDominiqueWilkins

PHOTO CREDITS:

Cover:D.WilkinsbyGregMillerPg. 1:JulianabyGregMiller

Pg. 3:D.WilkinsbyGregMiller,Pg. 4:CJbyGregMiller

Pg. 8:AudiA7byGregMillerPg. 12: D.WilkinsbyGregMillerPg. 17: ClothingbyGregMiller

Pg. 18:N.VanExelbyGregMillerPg. 19:N.VanExelbyGregMiller

Pg. 22:B.Pettit,BillBridges,PaulSilascourtesyofProvidenceCollege;D.RoundfieldbyDickRaphaelK.WillisbyScottCunningham;Pg. 24:JulianabyGregMiller;

fitnessphotographybyIsaacHinds;gamephotographybyScottCunningham

Pg. 26: Children’sMuseumandLarryDrewbyAlisonChurch;BacktoSchoolby

JenniferBoxley;MulchingbyJoeBriggsPg. 28: BootsbyGregMiller

Pg. 30:D.WilkinsbyGregMiller;UGAphotocourtesyofUGASportsCommunication;game

andbroadcastphotobyScottCunningham;HallofFamephotobyNathanielS.Butler

Pg. 34: Isner/GugliottabyJoeBriggs;HallofFamebyScottCunningham

Pg. 28: A.TrichebyGregMillerPg. 35: ChattinHillbyLaurenArum

Pg. 36: GamephotoscourtestofNBAPhotos

AllAtlantaHawksgamephotographybyScottCunningham

Emailusyouridea,feedback,thoughtsandsuggestionsathawks360@hawks.com.

©2011AtlantaHawks,L.P.Allrightsreserved.

ThispublicationmaynotbereproducedwithoutwrittenconsentoftheAtlantaHawks.

A COMPLETE LOOK INSIDE THLIFESTYLE OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS

THE

ENTE

RTA

INMENT

“I give it four dunks out of five.”

OVERALL REVIEW

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 3 12/1/11 7:32 PM

Photos by Greg Miller.

FASHIONISTA: CJ

“WhetherI dress up or dressdown I like to keepup with the latest

trends while makingit my own.”

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 4 11/22/11 5:15 PM

iscurrentlytheco-hostofsyndicatedradiomorningshow, “MurphDawgandCJintheMorning.”ShewasbornandraisedinDurham,NorthCarolinaandearnedherBachelorofArtsandSciencedegreeinPsychologyfromNorthCarolinaCentralUniversity,whereshegraduatedatthetopofherclass.Shethenwentontoob-tainhermastersdegreeincounselingpsychologyandpsychologicalservicesfromClarkAtlantaUniversity.Sheisthein-gamehostfortheHawksandtheWNBA’sDream.

How would you describe your sense of style?

Mystyleistrendy,sexy,cool.WhetherIdressupordressdownIliketokeepupwiththelatesttrendswhilemakingitmyown.Ialwaystrytothrowinapieceofjewelryorshoesthatnoteveryonewouldputonorbebraveenoughtowear.

Who’s your favorite designer and what pieces do you own by him/her?

IkeepitsimplewithKardashianbyBebe.Ihaveatonofthosedressesinallcolors.TrueReligionandMissMearemyfavoritedesignerjeans.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Whew…Ihaveoverahundredpairsofshoes.Iamdefinitelyashoeperson.Ibelievethatapairofshoescanmakeorbreakanoutfit.

5

FAS

HIO

NIS

TA: C

J

CJ Ilovetowearsexyheels,hothighbootsorevenaflysneaker.Yes,ILOVEsneakersjustasmuchasIlovemyheels!Iconsidermyselfa“prissytomboy”soIhaveatonofsneakerstoo!Iama“matchymatchy”typeofpersonsoIhavealltypesofcolorsinalltypesofshoes.

What’s your go-to accessory?

ItwouldbemyMichaelKorswatch.IlovewatchesbutmywhiteandgoldMichaelKorswatchisbyfarmygo-to!MynextfavoritewatchbrandisAnneKlein.

Tell the truth: how do you dress for your radio show?

Honestly,Iwearsweats/gymclotheswithnomake-upandaponytailonmostdays.AssoonasIgetoffworkIheadtothegym,soIdressforthatsincenooneseesmewhileI’mon-air.TheonlytimeIputon“realclothes”andmake-upiswhenwehaveaguestappearingonourshow.

Describe a night-on-the-town outfit:

WhenIputtogetheranoutfitforanightoutonthetownIliketokeepthetheme“Sexywhilenotdoingtoomuch.”Idon’tliketojustthrowonthelittleblackdress,I’mmoreofthelittlepink,red,blueetc.dresstypeofgirl.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 5 12/1/11 3:04 PM

For everyone that’s jumped on the motion gaming bandwagon (myself included), it’s hard to avoid the positive hype about Microsoft’s “Kinect Sports.” After months of recommendations and good word-of-mouth, I picked up a copy and haven’t been able to step away from the TV since.

Unlike many similar sports compilations that do one or two games well among a few other so-so options, “Kinect Sports” offers something for everyone who loves to get up and play. Sure, games like table tennis, bowling and volleyball can be found on many other systems, even on the more interactive ones such as the Wii or PlayStation Move, but what sets “Kinect Sports” apart are two things — your feet.

In games like track and field, bowling and soccer, waving your arms and moving your hands doesn’t cut it. You’ll be running in place, kicking and jumping almost exactly as you would on the field, giving you the closest possible experience to the real thing that’s been found on any gaming system yet.

For a great time off the couch, “Kinect Sports” is well worth the money. You’ll move, you’ll sweat, and most importantly, you’ll have fun.

For athletes, there’s nothing better than the burn and accomplishment of a good workout. Some go to gyms, some practice on the field and some work out from home. With EA’s “Sports Active 2,” now you can do all three without ever leaving your living room.

For the XBOX Kinect, motion and movement aren’t clever gimmicks or add-ons; they’re essential parts of the experience, and “Sports Active 2” takes full advantage of this technology to give a great exercise experience. Unlike “Kinect Sports” and other games, “Sports Active 2” is first and foremost a workout program designed to get you up and moving, doing quality exercises that burn calories and build muscle while having fun at the same time.

There are still a few kinks in the armor — menu navigation and the occasional speech-recogni-tion glitch — but no one can argue the quality of this calorie-burning experience. With fun and physically demanding options such as boxing and dodgeball, as well as a helpful personal trainer throughout, “EA Sports Active 2” is a great way to squeeze in your workout whenever and however you choose.

AVAILABLE:Now

PLATFORM:Xbox® 360

AVAILABLE:Now

PLATFORM:Xbox® 360,PS3,Wii

KINECT SPORTS

EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2

PRODUCT SPECS

PRODUCT SPECS

Reviewed by Cliff Lummus

Reviewed by Cliff Lummus

KINECT SPORTS

SPORTS ACTIVE 2

GAME REVIEW

GAME REVIEW

VID

EO

GA

ME

RE

VIE

W

Couldn’t get enough of “Kinect Sports”? Be sure to stay on the lookout for “Kinect Sports Season Two.” With six new sports and tons of new features, it’s sure to be a blast! Coming this holiday season!

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 6 11/22/11 5:16 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4 p7.indd 1 12/14/11 12:11 PM

I ntheworldofluxuryandperformanceautos, “hatchback” is an ugly word.ProductsrangingfromtheutilitarianDodgeMagnumallthewayuptothepriceyPorschePanamerahavefoundtheirrespectiveniches,butnonestandoutfortheirintuitivedesignandhighperformance.

Enter the 2012 Audi A7.Describedasa“four-doorcoupe,”theA7ismadetoprovideallthesleeksexinessofacoupe,whilepreservingtheluxuriouscabofasedanwiththebodyandstoragespaceofahatchback.Onalloutwardinspections,thecarseemstobeslimmerandsportierthanotherAudisonthemarket,which

isthegeniusofthedesignandthedevilinthedetails.TheA7isbothlongerandwiderthanitsrecently-releasedcounterpart,theA6sedan.Theelegant,lowprofileofthecarfurtheraddstothedeceptivelyspaciouslayout,andthe re-designed Singleframe® grille gives the A7 an Audi signature all its own.

AswitheverymemberoftheAudiline,the real breath-taker comes upon entrance into the cabin.TheinterioroftheA7blendsallthetechnologicalinnovationAudiownershavecometoexpectwithclassicwoodinlaysandsophisti-catedbrushedaluminumaccents,allsetagainst

theluxuriousleatherinterior.Thecontrols,panelsanddisplaysareplacedintuitivelythroughoutthedashandsteeringwheelwithalayeredanddimensionalfeel,offeringbothacleanaestheticforthepassengersandcompletecontrolforthedriver.

Drivercontrolbeginswiththepaddle-shiftingcontrolofthe310hpsuperchargedV6engine’seight-speedTiptronic®transmission.EvensnakingdownMariettaStreet,theA7’s wide chassis and quattro® all-wheel drive allowed for unparalleled handling as the car hugged the road.

WHEELS: The 2012 Audi A7 byCliffLummus

3.0 liter supercharged, DOHC V6 gasoline engine

with dual intercoolers, FSI direct injection and variable valve timing

TOPSPEED: 130MPH

HORSEPOWER: 310hp@5500-6500RPM

TORQUE: 325lb-ft.@2900-4500RPM

FUELECONOMY:18/28MPG

0-60MPH: 5.4sec.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 8 11/22/11 5:16 PM

Whether hitting The Highlight Factory to see the Hawks take on the World Champion Mavs or cruising up 85 to catch a late-season matchup with the Bobcats, the A7 stays constantly connected with its seamless integration of navigation, phone and media access.

The Audi-standard MMI® touchpad technology allows for quick access to all of these features with minimal distraction. For added conve-nience, an all-new optional feature is available in the form of the heads-up display, which projects speed, navigation and other car infor-

mation directly onto the windshield. With these two features combined, your enjoyment of the driving experience never interferes with your focus on the road and control of the car.

Atlanta is famous (or infamous, rather) for its traffic among the spread-out, sprawling land-scape of highways and interstates. For Atlanta drivers kept in their automobiles for extended periods of time, finding a practical car that offers all the comforts of home is essential, and there are plenty of options to pick from. Add to that checklist a Hawks fan’s desire for

luxury, looks and style, and the choices slim down quickly. You may find an SUV excessive, sports cars a bit too flashy and sedans strike you as bland, but you want the same space and comfort to be able to haul the kids to soccer practice on Sunday, and impress a client when you pick them up for lunch on Monday. Luckily, there is a singular choice that doesn’t just fit the standard — it sets it.

Standing out as a signature addition to the Audi fleet isn’t a sedan. It’s not a coupe. It’s neither. It’s both. It’s more. It’s the A7.

wheels

99

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 9 11/22/11 5:16 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 10 11/22/11 5:16 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 11 11/22/11 5:16 PM

Photo by Greg Miller.

From Athens to Atlanta to China,

Dominique Wilkins has become anNBA Treasure

by “Hometeam” Brandon Leak

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 12 11/30/11 3:28 PM

DO

MIN

IQU

E W

ILKIN

S

enolongerbeginshisday soaringthroughthelane;rather, hisdaybeginswithabrisktrotonatreadmill,whilewatchingNBATVorSportsCenter.Aftersomethinglighttoeat,he“slams”downthebeginningofhisdailygallonofwaterratherthanslamdunkingovercompetitorslikeheusedto.

Nowreadytobeginhishecticdailyschedule,DominiqueWilkinsmaintainsajam-packedagenda.Althoughhenolongerracksuppointsonthecourt,heproveshestillcandeliverwhenitmat-tersmost,bytouchinglivesandhumblyusinghistimeawayfromworktohelpothers.Asadrummajorfordiabetesawareness,thismodestheroworkstomakeasmuchimpactoffthecourtashedidasthe“HumanHighlightFilm.”

Itisalwaysrefreshingtorunintopeoplewhoarejustnice.FortunatelyforteammembersoftheAtlantaHawksandforfanswhocrosshispath,amanfittingthatbillwalksthehallsofPhilipsArenaandthestreetsofAtlantaeveryday.NBAHall-of-FamerDominiqueWilkinsshakeshandsinthemediaroom,takespictureswithfansnearthearenafloorandim-partswisdomonyoungplayerswhengiventheopportunity.

Inshort,Wilkinsisoneofthemostbelovedsportsfigures,notonlyatTheHighlightFactory,butinAtlantasportshistory,andcontinuestoearntheadmi-rationofnewfanseverychancehegets.

Wilkinsisaverybusymanwithanintenseglobalschedule.Whetheronabusinesstriporatapublicspeakingengagement,hefindsnodifficultiesdealingwiththeoff-courtresponsibilitiesassignedtohim.Surprisingly,Wilkinssaysthetoughestpartaboutbeinginatownwherehewillalwaysbeastaris

remindinghisfansthatheisjustamanwhohasbeenblessedwithveryspecialtalentsandamazingopportunities.Afterall,Wilkinsknowshelearnsasmuchfromothersastheylearnfromhim.“Thebiggestchallengeisconvincingpeopleyouarejustliketheyare.ImaybeaniconforHawksbasketballfans,butI’mjustanordinaryguy.Sometimespeoplefindthathardtobelieve.”

A CHANGE IN HIS LIFE

MuchoftheHallofFamer’stimeisdevotedtodiabetesawareness.Wilkins’familywastouchedbytheillnessafterlosinghisgrandmotherandfathertothedisease.HewasplayinginGreecewhenhelearnedofhisfather’ssicknessandwasenroutehomewhenhelearnedofhisfather’sdeath,notevergettingthechancetosaygoodbye.Itmovedhimdeeplyandsetintomotionamanwithanewmission;toeducate.

Now,Wilkinsservesasadiabetesambassadorforthewell-knownNorwegianhealthcarecompanyNovoNordisk.WorkingwithNovoNordiskWilkinshastheopportunitytoadvocatefordiabetesawarenessonaglobalstage.“Heissoinspirational,”saidSusanJackson,DirectorofCorporateBrandingforNovoNordisk.“Heisabletomotivatepeopletomakechangesintheirlives.Heisjustsohumbleandpersonable.”

Beingwarm,unselfishandspeakingfromhisheartareattributesthatmakeWilkins’off-the-courtendeavorssoeffectiveaccordingtoJackson,whohasworkedwithWilkinsoverthepastfewyears.“Heconstantlygivesback.Itisabsolutelyamazingthatapersonofhisstatusissogivingofhimselfandofhistime.”

Nowusinghisbasketballnotorietyasatooltomotivateotherstobetterhealth,Wilkinsapplieslessonsfromthegamehelovestowininthechallengesoflife.Wilkinsreflects,“Lifeisn’talwaysaboutcompetingwithanotherperson.Sometimeslifeisaboutcompetingwithyourself.Whenyouholdyourselfaccountableforthings,youaremorelikelytomakenecessarychangesthatwillbenefityou.”

A FRIEND IN A HIGH PLACE

Ithasbeennearly30yearssinceWilkinsbecameamemberoftheHawksandformedhiscareer-longrelationshipwithNBAcommissionerDavidStern.Sternjoinedtheleagueaslegalcounselandascendedtotheranksofcommissionerin1984,shortlyaftertheHawksgreatbegantomakehismarkinsidetheOmniColiseum.Theleague’scommander-in-chiefharkenedbacktowhenaspryWilkinsenteredtheNBAandisgladtoseetheHawkslegendsucceedoffthecourttoday.“It’sreallyapleasuretowatchtheplayersgrow,”saidStern.“IjoinedtheNBAAugust1,1978.ItwasapleasuretowatchDominiquecomein,anditwasgreatthattheHawksgothimsothathecouldcontinueaGeorgiaconnection.”

AnexuberantSternexpressedtheleague’sappreciationforformerplayerswhowillinglyserveasleagueambas-sadorsandspokeofWilkins’connectionwithyoungpeople,hisabilitytoeducateandhisever-presentcompetitivespirit.“Weworkwithhimasmuchaswecan,”addedStern.“Dominiqueisgiving,knowshowtoteachandcaresaboutkids.”Sternlaughedandadded,“ifyouputhiminuniform,Ithinkhewillshootuntilhisarmfallsoffbecausehestillhasthestroke!”

continued on the page 30.

1313

H

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 13 11/30/11 3:28 PM

ERVINGINITIATESTALKS

WhileErvingwashavinggreatsuccessonthecourt,hebegantoquestiontheinitialcontracthehadsignedwiththeVirginiateam.HesoonlearnedthatSteveArnold,hisagentduringnegotiations,wasalsobeingcompensatedbytheABAandtheSquires.

Forthosereasons,Ervinghiredanewagent,IrwinWeiner,andquicklybegangauginginterestfromNBAteams.

“ItalkedtofiveorsixNBAteams,”Ervingsaid.“ThentheNBAcameoutwithanannouncementsayingallvalidABAcontractswouldbehonoredbytheNBA.Whenthathappened,allbutoneNBAteambackedout.Atlantawastheteamthatshowedgoodfaith.”

OnApril9,1972,onedaybeforetheNBAdraft,ErvingandWeinermetwithVirginiaSquiresownerEarlForemaninalastditchefforttorestructurehiscontract.WhennegotiationsbrokedowntheduoreportedlyflewtoAtlantatosignafour-yearcontractwiththeHawksthatwouldbeginoncehewasnolongerundercontractwiththeSquires.

ErvingrequestedthatBillPutnamandHawks’generalmanagerRichieGuerinnotannouncethesigning,sincehisSquireswerestillplayingintheABA’splayoffs.Withoutknowledgeofthesigning,theMilwaukeeBucksdraftedJuliuswiththe12thpickonApril10.

byJonNewberry

istorically,theNBAhasbeendominated bydynastiesledbylegendsofthegame. StartingwiththeLakersofthe’50s(fourtitles),theCelticsinthe’60s(ninetitles),theLakersinthe’80s(fivetitles),theBullsofthe’90s(sixtitles),andtherecentrunofLakers(fivetitlesinthe2000s),eachdecadehasoneortwoteamsthatriseastepabovetherestoftheleague.The1970saretheloneexception,aseightdifferentteamswonchampionships.Foronefleetingmonth,andthreedefiantexhibitiongames,theHawkshadAtlantafansdreamingoffillingthatvoid.

Alloftheaforementioneddynastieshaveonethingincommon:starpower.TheywereGeorgeMikan’sLakers,CousyandRussell’sCeltics,Jor-danandPippen’sBulls,andthelistgoeson.OnSeptember12,1972,aGeorgiaSuperiorCourtrulingallowedJuliusErvingtojointheHawkstrainingcamp,andthedreamthat“Dr.JandPis-tolPete’sHawks”mightjointhatlistofdynastiesappearedtobecomingtrue.

Butlet’snotgetaheadofourselves.

TheHawkshadbeenburnedbadlyinrecentyearsbyplayersjumpingtotheABA.ZelmoBeatyandJoeCaldwellhadbothbeenAll-StarswiththeHawksbeforeleavingfortheABA.Theresultwasaline-upthathadstumbledtoa36-46recordin1971-72,promptingthehiringofCottonFitzsimmonsasthenewheadcoachandasearchfortalentedfreeagents.

AddingtotheHawks’urgencytoimprovewastheirimpendingmovefromGeorgiaTech’sAlexanderMemorialColiseumtothebrandnew,16,500seat,downtownarenacalledTheOmni.BillPutnam,thepresidentoftheOmniGroupthatownedtheHawks,thearenaandthenewAtlantahockeyfranchise,theFlames,remainedthebig-gestadvocateofpursuingthroughouttheproceedings.

JuliusErvinghadlefttheUniversityofMassachusettsin1971afterhisjunioryear,andsincetheNBAdidnotallowunderclassmentoenterthedraft,hesignedafour-yearcontractwiththeABA’sSquires.WhiletheHawkswerestrugglingthroughthe1971-72season,JuliusErvingwasenjoyinghisrookieseasonwiththeVirginiaSquires,averaging27.3pointsand15.7reboundspercontest.

H

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 14 11/22/11 5:16 PM

JULIU

S E

RV

ING

15

continued on the next page.

LETTHEDRAMABEGIN

“ Julius Erving has signed an agreement with the Atlanta Hawks that will become valid at the expiration of his contract with the Virginia Squires,” Putnam announced in the Associated Press report. “Even if we do have to wait three years to get him, he’s still worth it. He’s just turned 22 and is one of the most exciting players I have ever seen.”

Meanwhile, the Bucks stated some obvious objections.“As far as the by-laws of the Na-tional Basketball Association go, the rights to Julius Erving belong to the Milwaukee Bucks,” commented Wayne Embry, the Bucks’ general manager. “It’s as clear cut as that.”

Little did he know at the time that nothing about this ordeal would be clear cut.

WHYTHEHAWKSSTOODACHANCE

Concerning the belief that Erving would successfully be able to

jump leagues, Mike McKenzie, the Hawks’ beat writer for the Atlanta

Journal, summed it up nicely: “In the Hawks’ favor is the fact that no player who

has attempted to jump leagues has failed.”

As for the dispute between Atlanta and Milwau-kee, the Hawks contended Erving was a free agent and not eligible for the draft because he was already a pro for one year with the Virginia Squires. Both Putnam and Guerin were quick to point out a similar case from the 1971 draft involving Spencer Haywood. Haywood had jumped from the ABA’s Denver franchise to the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics. The NBA initially ruled against Seattle, but then was forced to reverse course after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the SuperSonics.

“If we didn’t think we were acting morally and legally right, we wouldn’t have entered into this thing,” commented Guerin to the Atlanta Journal. “We contend it is just like the Spencer Haywood case which the courts ruled on favorably.”

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 15 11/22/11 5:17 PM

ERVING continued from the previous page.

THEHAWKSWINTHEFIRSTROUND

The Hawks training camp opened on September 11, 1972, with no sign of Dr. J at the team’s facility in Savannah, Ga. Then, on September 12, Ernest G. Tidwell, a Georgia Superior Court judge, ruled that Erving’s contract with the Virginia Squires of the ABA is “voidable, terminated, and of no further force for effect,” before issuing an order temporarily restraining the Atlanta Hawks from not allowing Erving to play.

Immediately after the ruling, “Doc” flew from Atlanta to Savannah and joined the team for their evening workout.

“ I got a chance to talk to the coach,” Erving commented to the Atlanta Constitution’s George Cunningham following the workout. “His philoso-phy of having a fast-breaking team that is very unselfish with the basketball is good.”

As for the dispute with the Bucks, Julius quipped, “I have two contracts right now, I don’t want a third one.”

Another future Hall of Famer in camp, Pete Maravich, had high praise for his newest teammate. “Erving’s going to be fantastic. He’s got the potential to be the greatest.”

FIRSTSETBACK

Walter Kennedy, Commissioner of the NBA, had hoped all along that the Hawks and Bucks could work things out amongst themselves, without requiring league intervention, but after one final negotiating session broke down on September 14, the matter was added to the docket for the Board of Governors meeting scheduled for the following week.

Multiple sources reported that the Bucks were asking for an extremely steep price, such as stars Pete Maravich, Lou Hudson and draft picks.

Most people around the league believed that the Board would force the Hawks to compensate the Bucks with a higher price than they were offer-ing, whether it be in the form of players, draft picks, or money. Instead, the Board issued a surprising ruling that Milwaukee owned the rights to Erving, and that his contract with Atlanta was not valid.

Julius Erving was shocked.

“ Surprise, total surprise,” said Erving when told about the ruling following a Hawks’ practice session in Savannah. “We knew there was going

to be a fight. But it was still the one situation we were most optimistic about, thinking it would be resolved easily.”

EXPENSIVEEXHIBITIONS

Erving did not disappoint in his first appearance in an Atlanta uniform. He finished with 28 points and 18 rebounds in 42 minutes of action, help-ing the Hawks to a 112-109 victory. On sharing the court with Pete Maravich, Erving recounts “I remember those exhibition games. I would just grab a rebound, throw it out to Pete and get on the wing. Pete would always find you. He got his points, but he loved to pass the ball.”

Following the precedent set in Seattle’s case against the NBA concerning Spencer Haywood a year earlier, the Hawks asked the federal court in Atlanta for an injunction against the NBA that would bar the league from prohibiting Erving from playing for Atlanta.

ONELASTGLIMMEROFHOPE

On September 26, one day after the lawsuit was filed, the Hawks held Erving out of an exhibition in Houston. Comments made to the media led

Hawks fans to believe that a positive resolution was forthcoming.

“ This was not a cop-out,” Richie Guerin added. “We’re not conceding anything. We’re still going to protect our rights and investment. But we’ve been acting from this position all along, in good faith with the league.”

Unfortunately, court rulings were postponed and there was no positive news through the week. With no news, Putnam re-inserted Erving into the Hawks line-up that Saturday, September 30, for an exhibition against the Carolina Cougars in Raleigh, N.C. Erving was nearly perfect on offense, scoring 32 points on 14-of-15 shooting from the field as Atlanta posted a 120-106 vic- tory. The game was a convincing display of how potent the Atlanta offense could be with Doc in the lineup. Along with his 32 points, Lou Hudson scored 33, and Maravich facilitated all of the scoring with 19 assists.

It was an impressive performance, but an expensive one as well, when Commissioner Kennedy handed down a second $25,000 fine to the Hawks.

BADNEWSFROMTHECOURTS

On Monday, October 2, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Neaher issued an injunction that effectively prevented Erving from playing pro basketball for any team except the Virginia Squires. It caught everyone off guard, especially Bill Putnam. “In all our talks with lawyers on all angles in this case, this possibility was never mentioned,” Putnam told the Atlanta Journal.

MOVINGON

The Hawks did not give up their fight for Erving after the initial ruling, but he would never again sport a Hawks uniform.

The Hawks did have a successful first season in The Omni, posting a 46-36 record under Fitzsimmons, but they would flounder through the rest of the 1970s.

Meanwhile, Erving would go down in history as one of the all-time greats. He won three MVP awards and two championships with the ABA’s New Jersey Nets, before moving over to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers where he won the 1981 MVP and the 1983 championship. He finished his career in 1987 with 30,026 career points, ranking him fifth all-time.

There are still many twists to the story that could be told, but it all leaves Hawks fans in the same place, wondering what could have been.

SpecialthankstotheAtlantaJournalandtheAtlantaConstitution’sbeatwritersandSportsEditorsfrom1970-1973.

Julius Erving at Hawks Camp (above) and on the bench.

SCANTHISQRCODEWITHYOURMOBILEDEVICETOVIEWEXCLUSIVECONTENTFROMHAWKS.COM!

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 16 11/30/11 3:29 PM

Watch by Fossil$90

“ Barrel Blast” leather jacket by Andrew Marc $695

Shirt by Peter Milar$180

Jeans by Lucky Brand $85

Leather belt by Joe’s$49

“ Carson” Oxfords by 1901 $99

Sunglasses by Ray Ban$75

17

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 17 11/22/11 5:17 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 18 12/5/11 3:46 PM

NIC

K V

AN

EX

EL

1919

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 19 11/22/11 5:17 PM

Thosedreams,VanExelsays,alwaysrevolvedaroundbasketball.However,henowdreamsofteachingthegame,notplayingit.

DuringhisstinttwoyearsagoasanassistantcoachatTexasSouthern,oneofthenation’soldestHistoricallyBlackCollegesandUniversities,VanExelwasbusylayingthegroundworkforwhathehopedwouldbealongandsuccessfulcoachingcareerintheNBA.ThatcareerstartedwiththeHawkslastseason.

“There’salotthatIhavetolearnstill,butI’mwillingtolearn,”VanExelsaid.“I’mwithagreatgroupofcoachesrightnow.They’rewillingtogiveuptheirknowledgeandIjustsuckituponmyown.I’mlikeaspongewhenitcomestobasketball.”

Priortolastseason,theHawksbroughtinVanExel,oneofthegame’stoppointguardsduringhis13-yearcareerintheNBA,sohecouldsharesomeofhisownknowledgewiththeteam’syoungplayersandveteransalike.VanExel,whoseofficialtitleisPlayerDevelopmentInstructor,isprimarilyresponsibleforhelpingtoshapetheplayandimprovetheleadershipoftheteam’sguards.Thepositionisinstrumentaltoeveryteam’ssuccessandVanExelhasdecades’worthofknowledgetodispense.

Beingapointguardthroughouthiscollegeandprofessionalcareer—whichincludedstopswiththeLosAngelesLakers,DenverNuggets(wherehewasanAll-Star),SanAntonioSpurs,PortlandTrailBlazers,DallasMavericksandGoldenStateWarriors—iswhatpreparedhimforhiscurrentjob.Likeacatcherinbaseball,apointguardactsasasecondcoachonthefloor.

“Ialwaysthoughtbeingapointguard,itwaseasierforustogetintocoachingbecausethat’sallwedoonthecourtanyway,”hesaid.“We’rethecoach’scoachonthecourt.Wehavetomakesureguysareintherightspotsandintherightposition,directanddoalltheworkonthecourt.”

VanExel’sroleisequalpartson-the-floorcoachandoff-the-courtbasketballtherapist.Thecoach-ingpartcomeseasierthanthetherapy,whichisoftenrequiredtocounselrookiesandyoungproswhoarestrugglingtofindtheirplaceintheleague.Whenminutesontheflooraremostlyreservedforveterans,formercollegestandoutsandup-and-comingstarsareoftenleftwonder-ingwhentheirtimewillcome.

Showtime for Van Exel with the Lakers

— Van Exel

That’swhereVanExelcomesin.

“It’sdefinitelyalearningcurvebecausealotofguyscomeintotheNBAandtheyexpecttoplayaswellastheydidincollege,andasmuchastheydidincollege,andthatnotthecase,”saidVanExel,whostarredattheUniversityofCincinnati,helpingleadtheBearcatstothe1992NCAAFinalFour.

“Therearetimeswhereguysaren’tplayingmuchorgettinginconsistentminutesanditcanreallyaffectthemmentally,”hesays.“Yearsintheleaguearetheonlycureforthat.Theyhavetounderstandthatit’salongseason.Therearegoingtobetimeswhenit’sgoinggood,you’regoingtoplay.Andifit’snotgoingaswell,you’renotgoingtoplay.Youjusthavetobementallypreparedforanysituationthat’sthrownatyou.”

VanExel,39,knowsthathealsohastobementallypreparedforhowtodealwiththosesituationsasacoach.VersatilitywasalwaysoneofVanExel’sstrongsuitsonthecourt.Now,thatversatilityistestedoffofitasheiscalledupontohelpplayersinwaysthatoftenhavelittleto

dowiththeproperwaytoexecuteapickandroll.Typically,ifaplayerhasanissuetheywanttodiscuss,anassistantcoachisthefirstpersontheyturnto.

“Theygototheguysthey’reworkingwitheverydayandtheykindofventalittle,”VanExelsaid,speakingfromexperience.“Wekindofhavetobetheguywholistensandtheguywhotriestoputitintherightperspectiveforplayers.”

AndVanExelhasplentyofperspectivetoshare.WhilehewentontoachieveNBAstardom,theroadhetooktogetto“theshow”wasfarfromglorious.BorninKenosha,Wisconsin,VanExelbeganhiscollegecareerattinyTrinityValleyCommunityCollegeinAthens,Texas,beforemovingontoCincinnati.

AfterspendinghisfirstfiveseasonswiththeLakers,oneoftheNBA’smostglamorousandstoriedfranchises,VanExelwastradedin1998totheNuggets,oneoftheleague’sworstteamsatthetime.Sowhenaplayerhasagripeandwantstodiscussit,theyknow“NicktheQuick”hasbeendownthatroad.

“ItdefinitelyhelpsthatI’veplayedthegame,”hesaid.“Alotofguyswhentheycometoyoutheysay,‘wellyouknowthisandyouknowthatandyoudidthisandyoudidthat.’Iteasesaplayer’swayofcomingtoyoubecausetheyfeelthatsinceyou’vebeenthereanddonethat,you’realoteasiertotalktoandaloteasiertoapproachandyou’lllistentothem.”

AsgoodasVanExelsaysheisatlisteningtohisplayers,healsowantsthemtolistentohim.Afterall,coachingisaboutteaching.Andthebestwaytobeagoodteacheristohavegoodstudents.

“Youhavetokindofpassthetorchandgivebacktotheplayersthatcomeafteryou,”hesaid.“Ilovethatrole.Ilovetoteachtheyoungerguysnewthingsandseeiftheycangooutthereandimplementthemonthecourt.Whenaguyyouareteachingandworkingwitheverydaygoesoutanddoessomethingthatyou’veworkedoninagamesituation,that’sathrillforme.”

ListeningtoVanExelspeak,it’sclearthathe’sabasketballjunkie.Helovesthegame.WhyelsewouldanNBAAll-Startakeanassistantcoach-ingjobatunheraldedTexasSouthern,whereanawaygameagainstNewMexicoStaterequireda14-hourbusride?

“IthoughtthatitwouldopeneyesandletpeopleknowthatIwasseriousaboutcoaching,”hesaid.“Itgavemetheexperienceofbeingabletotalkinfrontofagroupofguys,gooverscoutingreportsandtalkaboutotherteams’strengthsandweaknessessoitkindofpreparedmeforwhenCoachDrewgavemethatopportunity.”

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 20 12/1/11 3:07 PM

THE ATLANTA HAWKS NAME AND LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF ATLANTA HAWKS, L.P. ©2010-11 ATLANTA

HAWKS, L. P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 21 11/22/11 5:17 PM

WILLIS BRIDGES

PETTIT

hatcomestomindfirstwhenyou hearthewords“powerforward”?

Theimageislikelythatofabig,muscularbruiserwhoseprimarygoalistocomplementthecenterdefensivelybyreboundingandblockingshots,whileoffensivelysettingpicks,campinginthepaint,pullingoffensivereboundsandoccasionallytakingamid-rangejumper.ThinkPistons’“BadBoy”RickMahorn,theBlazers’BuckWilliamsorthelateMauriceLucas.

Ofcourse,thereareexceptions—thosetalentswhohavechangedthewaythe

positionisviewed.

Forexample,CharlesBarkley,formerUtahJazzfixtureKarlMaloneandmulti-teamfreespiritDennisRodman.AllthreeareHallofFamefours.Allthreecoulddominateagame.Barkleyproveda6’4”guywiththerightcombinationofinstinctsanddesirecouldthriveinthelandofthegiants.MalonewasacrucialelementinJazzCoachJerrySloan’spick-and-rolloffense,whileRodman

onlyoccasionallylookedtoscore,preferringto

dothedirtyworkonbothboards.

ThroughoutHawksfranchisehistory,

therehasbeenauniquearrayofpower

W

POWERPASSIONand

forwardswhonotonlyhandledthetraditionaldutiesbutaddednuancestotheroleaccordingtotheirstrengths.

ThemeasuringstickisHallofFamerBobPettit.Hawks 360looksatPettitandfourothertopHawkspowerforwards,wheretheyexcelledandhowtheymighthavedoneagainstPettit.

1 BOBPETTIT(1954-55-1964-65):BobPettitcouldhavebeenagreatNBAcenter.ThatwouldhavebeenexpectedofPettit.whoplayedjustthatatLSU,wherehewasathree-timeAll-American(includingafirst-teamselectionin1953-54).

Askedtoplaypowerforwardinthepros,Pettitmadetheadjustmentwithoutmissingabeat.ThesecondoverallpickbytheMilwaukeeHawksinthe1954NBADraft,Pettitaveraged20.4points,grabbed13.8rebounds,anddishedout3.2assistswhileshooting40.7percentfromthefield,75.1fromtheline.HewasvotedRookieoftheYear.

PettitnevermissedanAll-StarGameinhis11-yearNBAcareer,wasMVPofthegamefourtimes,andwasatwo-timeLeagueMVP,whilefinishinginthetopsixninetimes.

At6’9”,205pounds,Pettitmightplaysmallforwardorpossiblyseesomeactionatshoot-ingguardintoday’sgame,buthebroughtthatskillsettothepowerforwardspotduringhiscareer.Hewasquickenoughtocomeoffapick,shotwellenoughtoscorefromtheoutside,wasstrongenoughtoworkwithhisbacktothebasketandathleticenoughtogettothebasket.Forhiscareer,heaveraged26.4points—

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 22 11/30/11 5:47 PM

ROUNDFIELD SILAS

KIR

K H

INR

ICH

23

ALL-TIM

E P

OW

ER

FO

RW

AR

DS

2323

vs. KEVIN WILLISPettit wasn’t as athletic or as strong as Willis — then, again, not many have been — but his ability to hit the jump shot would have drawn K-Will away from the basket, and his ability to get to the basket would have made the match-up a difficult one for the 7-footer.

vs. BILL BRIDGESBridges would camp in the paint, as was the norm for power forwards of his day. He’d defend the post with the kind of heart and fearlessness that made him great and he would have done well against Pettit in that area. But Pettit’s strong inside game and height advantage would cause problems. In addition, his ability to come out for the pick-and-pop would be difficult to defend.

vs. DAN ROUNDFIELDRoundfield was longer than Bridges but leaner than Willis and would have been able to defend the outside shot and neutralize Pettit’s ability to get to the basket. But Pettit’s three inches in height and strong post game would have made the match-up difficult for “Dr. Rounds,” who would have needed a second opinion in Rollins.

vs. PAUL SILASSilas would have gone toe-to-toe with Pettit and even had the upper hand in the post with his wide frame, smarts and by-the-book box out technique. But having to defend on the perimeter would have been a problem and set up Pettit’s quickness in taking it to the hole.

PASSION A look at five of the greatest Atlanta Hawks power forwards of all time.by Jon Cooper

time All-Star (1967, ’68, ’70), and two-time second-team All-Defensive Team selection (’69, ’70). Bridges could also score, averaging 14.2 ppg in his Hawks career. Like Willis, Bridges found life after Atlanta, playing in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Golden State, where he won a World Championship in 1975. He finished his career second only to Pettit in Hawks franchise career rebounds (8,656) and rebounds per game (12.7).

4 DAN ROUNDFIELD (1978-79-1983-84): The long, lanky Roundfield (6’8”, 205 pounds) was sticky on defense, and a perfect comple- ment to shot-blocking machine “Tree” Rollins. “Dr. Rounds” earned first-team NBA All- Defensive Team on three occasions (1979-80, ‘81-82, ’82-83), and earned second-team honors on two other occasions (1980-81, ’83-84). A three-time All-Star, Roundfield averaged a double-double in five of his six years with the Hawks — the year he missed, he pulled down 9.9 rebounds. Roundfield averaged 17.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in his six years in Atlanta and used his length to swat away 716 shots, fifth on the Hawks’ all-time career list.

5 PAUL SILAS (1964-65-1968-69): The rock-solid Silas played the first five of his 14 NBA seasons with the Hawks after being drafted in the second round (10th overall) in 1964 by St. Louis. He was a force in the paint, averaging more rebounds (8.7 rpg) than points (7.8 ppg). His best season with the Hawks came in 1967-68, when he averaged 12.8 points and 11.7 rebounds in 32.3 minutes. Silas also led the League in offensive rebounds in 1975-76. He played in two All-Star Games and was named to five NBA All-Defensive Teams.

he won two scoring titles — and 16.2 rebounds per game. In playoff competition, Pettit averaged 25.5 points and 14.8 rebounds and led the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship over Bill Russell and the powerful Boston Celt-ics, scoring 50 points in the clinching Game Six.

Pettit was the first player to score 20,000 career points, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996.

It’s always difficult to compare eras, but even as fours have gotten more athletic, quicker with greater diversity in their games and make the outside shot — and, since its adoption by the NBA in 1979, the three-point shot — Pettit’s all-around game would have worked well in any of the ensuing eras against any of its best players.

2 KEVIN WILLIS (1984-85-1994-95, 2004-05): A sculpted 7’0”, 220-pounder, Kevin Willis played 10 of his 22 NBA seasons in Atlanta, which selected him 11th overall in 1984. Willis finished in the league’s top five in rebounding three times, including 1991-92 when his 15.5 rebounds ranked second. During that same season, he scored 18.5 points and made his lone All-Star Game appearance. The durable Willis played at least 80 games eight times with the Hawks. In 2003, he won a title with San Antonio. He’s third in Hawks career rebounding (7,332) and is Atlanta’s career leader in offen-sive (2,615) and defensive rebounds (4,717).

3 BILL BRIDGES (1962-63-1971-72): Although only 6’6”, Bridges took the torch at power forward from Pettit and was a tenacious rebounder and defender. He was a three-

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 23 11/22/11 5:17 PM

BARNSLEY GARDENS

irstbuiltinthe1840sasalavish manor,BarnsleyGardensiscelebratingitstwentiethyearsinceopeningtothepublic,andhasbecomeknownforitspeacefulseclusion,lushgardens,andchampionshipgolfonanimmaculatecourse.Inaddition,BarnsleyGardens’sportingclay,flyfishingandluxurymountainhomeinteriorsprovidedauniquebackdropforthephotosession.

Photos by Greg Miller and Isaac Hinds. Game action photo by Scott Cunningham. Resort photos courtesy of Barnsley Gardens.

F

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 24 11/22/11 5:17 PM

25

ATLAN

TA H

AW

KS

CH

EE

RLE

AD

ER

PR

OF

ILE: JU

LIAN

A

HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA

BIRTHDAY: November 12

COLLEGE: Virginia Tech

PROFESSION: IFBB Professional Bikini competitor, Licensed EMT-I in the state of GA, model/fitness model, and a nanny

CHEER/DANCE BACKGROUND: Growing up I did tap/jazz/ballet for 4 years, I was a gymnast for 9 years, and was a member of the Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Team for 2 years

FAVORITE SNACK: A handful of plain almonds and a few pieces of chocolate or dried sugared pineapple slices!

BEAUTY PRODUCT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Eye liner

HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOU: A free spirit, always laughing, loud, and the glue that can hold everyone together!

WHY DO YOU LOVE BEING A HAWKS CHEERLEADER? It gives me the chance and ability to make a difference in a fan’s game day experience! Megaphones, thunder sticks, photos, or just a smile and hello can make a fan smile from ear to ear and to be a part of that experience is truly satisfying! I also love working with and being a teammate to some really amazing women!

1.I am a licensed EMT-I in GA but don’t currently work in the field.

2. I went to college on a swimming scholarship and swam all four years I was there.

3. I love playing sports, working out, or doing anything that involves physical activity.

4. I have been featured in fitness magazines; Muscle and Fitness Hers, Flex, Muscular Development, and Fitness Rx

5. I eat 5 or 6 meals a day..

THINGSYOUDIDN’TKNOWABOUTJULIANA:5

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 25 11/22/11 5:17 PM

ROUNDFIELD

Chi

ldre

ns M

useu

m a

nd L

arry

Dre

w b

y A

lison

Chu

rch;

Bac

k to

Sch

ool b

y Je

nnife

r B

oxle

y; M

ulch

ing

by J

oe B

riggs

.

OUT &AboutHAWKS IN THE COMMUNITY

BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION

On Monday, July 11, former Hawks All-Star DanRoundfieldandHarrytheHawkvisitedImagineIt!TheChildren’sMuseumofAtlanta to read “DinoBasketball”toagroupofkidsaspartofthemu-seum’s latestexhibit:TEAMUp!ExploreScience& Sports. The exhibit, which gives children theopportunity to discover the connection betweenscience and athletics, features Hawks jerseys,basketballs and more. In addition to story time,Roundfield and Harry signed autographs andposedforphotos.

Whilemanyathletesandcelebrities taketimetoreadtochildren,“Dr.Rounds”maybeoneofthemost qualified. First, he has two sons and twograndsons,sohehasplentyofexperienceread-ingchildren’sbooks.

Additionally,Roundfieldhasalwaysplacedahighvalueoneducationandpreparingforsuccess.

Duringhis12-yearprofessionalcareer,whichin-cluded three consecutive All-Star teams (1980-

1982),hemadesuretofindwaystostaysharpand develop his intellectual attributes as wellas his physical skills. While playing in Atlanta,Roundfield spent time working as a teller atthe Fulton Federal Savings and Loan in theoffseason. Since retiring he has worked in theengineeringfieldforover20years.

“Onethingyoufindoutisthatyou’reanex-playeralotlongerthanyou’reaplayer,”hesaidbeforetakingthestageforthekids.“Andyou’reanex-playersoonerthanyoueverthinkyouaregoingtobe,soyouneedtoprepareforthat.”

Roundfield didn’t start playing basketball untilhe was a junior in high school and did not getwidespread interest from collegiate programs.HechosetoattendCentralMichiganUniversitywhere he earned his bachelor’s degree inbusinessadministration.

“TheonethingthatItrytotell(kidstoday)istoletyour athletic ability get you a good education,”

he commented. “Because you may need youreducationalotlongerthanyouneedtheathleticability.That’ssomethingyouaregoingtobedoingalongtimeifyou’renotoneofthefortunatefewthatmakesitinthepros.”

Even in retirement, Roundfield continues to givebacktotheAtlantacommunityandbeyond.Inaddi-tiontospecialappearancesliketheoneatImagineIt!,hehas lenthis talents toNativeVision’sSportsandLifeSkillsCampsannuallysince2001.Withthehelp of Roundfield and other former and currentathletes, Native Vision hosts camps at a differentNativeAmericanreservationeachsummer.

Dan Roundfield played six seasons for the Hawks, from 1979 until 1984. He ranks fifth on the all-time franchise list for blocked shots, eighth in rebounds, and tenth in free throws made. He was selected to three All-Star teams, and in 1980 he scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in only 27 minutes of action to make a strong case for the game’s MVP.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 26 11/30/11 5:50 PM

DREW

CONNER

27

HA

WK

S IN

THE

CO

MM

UN

ITY

WE ARE THE HIGHLIGHT FACTORY

This summer, the Hawks and Philips Arena kicked off a series of All-Team Member Service projects. The goal with participating in these volunteer projects is to further weave the organization into the fabric of the Atlanta community, and to make a positive impact in areas where Hawks fans live, work, hang out and play.

The first day of service was in June at Chastain Park, where team members participated in a variety of projects including planting, mulching and watering plants, painting fencing and weeding. Since Philips Arena was the first LEED certified NBA arena, the organization’s work with Chastain Park Conservancy was a natural extension of the “Follow Our LEED” initiative that we tipped off this spring, and the collective focus on green and sustainable efforts.

Next up was two locations at Atlanta Mission — Shepherd’s Inn and My Sister’s House. Atlanta Mission has been working for more than 70 years to provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and job placement assistance to more than 950 homeless men, women and children daily. While at the two facilities, team members took part in painting, cleaning, preparing dinner, gardening and weeding.

Atlanta Mission was selected as the site for the second Team Member Service Project for several reasons. The organization is near Philips Arena and does a consistently remarkable job at providing services to the homeless. Philips Arena and Levy Restaurants donate all prepared but untouched meals to Atlanta Mission following events, and the arena’s lost and found items are also donated to the group. In addition, Atlanta Mission has “Followed Our LEED” and this year opened the Atlanta Urban Garden, where the community can be involved in improving city green spaces that will provide an ongoing food source, exercise area, vocational training tool and peaceful setting for those in recovery.

Most recently, the organization expanded into another area where Hawks fans work, live and play as the organization partnered with the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services on their Gwinnett Great Days of Service (GGDS). On September 30, volunteers participated in four service projects at locations in Lawrenceville and Duluth, including Spectrum Autism Support Group, Rainbow Village, Salvation Army Gwinnett and J.M. Tull Gwinnett Family YMCA.

More service projects are planned throughout the year, so The Highlight Factory team members may be coming to a community near you.

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE HAWKS

Students at Henderson Mill Elementary School in DeKalb County were in for a surprise on their first day of school on August 8. As they stepped off the bus and out of their cars, they were greeted by Harry the Hawk, SkyHawk, Atlanta Hawks Cheerleaders and other special guests in partnership with SCANA Energy. Hawks front office staff participated in a school assembly, featuring important lessons from Harry, SkyHawk and Assistant Coach Tyrone Hill.

Henderson Mill, the only DeKalb elementary school with an engineering program, encourages student interest in science, technology, and student health and wellness. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation donated $2,500 to help the school create a community garden.

One week later, and again in partnership with SCANA Energy, students at McClure Middle School in Cobb County were in for a treat on their first day of school on August 15. The students were treated to several WOW moments, the theme of the school year.

Assistant Coach Lester Conner, Harry the Hawk, SkyHawk, Hawks Cheerleaders and Hawks PA Announcer Ryan Cameron were all there to make this a memorable first day. The Hawks contingent high-fived students as they crossed a bridge into school and participated in the morning announcements. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation donated $2,500 to the school’s “Green Team” to support environmental initiatives.

…continued on page 34.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 27 11/30/11 5:50 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 28 11/22/11 5:18 PM

29

FALL B

OO

TS

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 29 11/22/11 5:18 PM

Stern is happy that such a good guy still has such a tremendous impact even after his playing days have concluded. “There are all kinds of stories on the unpleasant side of player development, there are good stories, but Dominique Wilkins is one of the great stories.”

AMBASSADOR IN LIFE

After stops with the Clippers, Celtics, Spurs and Magic – and a couple of years of overseas play – Wilkins returned to the Hawks family to begin his post-playing career. ‘Nique is not one of those Hall of Famers who enjoys his post-playing days by sitting around and taking it easy; his passion for working in the community, love for children and enjoyment of public speaking keep him busy motivating, inspiring and educating people of all ages and creeds on athletics, health and life decisions.

Wilkins relishes the opportunity to share his story, advice and encour-agement with members of the Hawks family and the greater Atlanta community, and he is appreciative the Hawks provides him the platform to reach people. “For me, it’s an honor to be a part of the organization I love and to be able to continue to do great things with the Hawks,” said Wilkins. “It’s great to be in that position and play that role.”

Dominique Wilkins is a good man, a good ambassador and a good example of benevolence, commitment to a team and demonstrates the power of hard work. With his numerous on-the-court accolades solidified in the record books and his enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Wilkins could leisurely traipse through life resting on his laurels.

Instead, he tirelessly pursues opportunities to help enrich the lives of others. He was a great player and one of the NBA’s best; he’s also an Atlanta Hawk … yesterday, today and forever. While he dazzled on the court as a young man, now in his early 50s, ’Nique continues to dazzle off the court and add more amazing footage to the Human Highlight Film.

WILKINS continued from page 13.

University of Georgia photo courtesy of the University of Georgia Sports Communications, Hall of Fame photo by Nathaniel S. Butler, studio photography by Greg Miller.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 30 12/1/11 7:27 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 31 11/22/11 5:18 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 32 11/22/11 5:18 PM

JosephWalker1931–2011

Thejobofasportsreportercanbedifficult,evenunderthebestofcircumstances,butforJosephWalker,theprofessionbroughthimcompletejoyinthemidstofdarkness.

While“Joe”maynotbeafamiliarnametothoseofyouwhofollowsports,formanyofusbehindthescenes,JoewasacommonfixtureatHawks(andotherlocalteams)contests.Havinglosthisvisionasafive-year-old,heneverletthathandicapstandinthewayofreachingoutinhisquesttodothebestjobhecould.And,ifhesaidhesawsomethinghappen,hebelievedinhishearthedid.

AlongtimeradiovoiceatseveralAtlantastationslikeWIGOandWAOK-AM,andasportscolumnistforTheAtlantaVoicenewspaper,Joewonseveralawardsovera40-yearcareer.

InanAJCstoryfrom2000,Joetoldthepaper,“JustbecauseI’mblinddoesn’tmeanIdidn’tseeHankAaronhithis715thhomeruntobreakBabeRuth’srecord,orseeMuhammadAlifightJerryQuarryattheoldCityAuditorium.WhenIsayIsawsomething,Idid.”

“Itjustwasn’tthesamewayyousawsomething,”Walkersaidthen.“Sightisjustoneofyourfivesenses.Iusetheotherfour.Ifpeoplecan’tunderstandthat,they’retheoneswhoareblind.”

PriortothechangeinpressseatingatHawksgames,hewouldsitcourtsideandlistentotheradioplay-by-playbroadcastandrockbackandforth,providinghisowncommentary—sometimesattheexpenseoftheofficials.

“Wehadastattableacrossfromthevisitors’benchintheOmni,andJoesatthereandlistenedtoSkip(then-Hawksradiovoice,thelateSkipCaray)ontheradiowithheadphones,”recalledlongtimeteamofficialscorerJohnDarnall.“TheHawkshada27-pointleadattheendofthethirdquarter,andMil-waukeepressedend-to-endtheentirefourthwithoutafoulbeingcalledandcamebacktowin.Atsomepointduringthatquarter,therewasanout-of-boundsplaydirectlyinfrontofmeandJoewassittingtomyright.TheofficialwasJoeGushue,andapparentlySkipwasbashingGushueandtheotherofficialoverthelackofanyfouls,andJoeWalkerwasrockingbackandforthandlisteningontheradio.Justpriortothethrow-in,JoeWalkerleanedbackwithhisfacetowardtheceilingandyelled,‘Gushue,IamblindandIcouldcallthegamebetterthanyou!’Gushuewasstandingdirectlyinfrontofusandturnedto“T-up(atechnical)”orthrowtheoffenderoffthetable.HelookedatmefirstandImouthed,‘Hereallyisblind!!’,andGushuesawJoerockingbackandforth,kindofsmiledandjustwentabouthisbusiness.”

Whennewsofhisdeathcirculated,(hepassedawayfromcomplicationsofAlzheimer’sdiseaseattheageof80),itbroughtdeepsadness,yetIrecalledfondlythetimewespentwith“theoldScotsman.”

Hewillbemissed.

ArthurTricheVPPublicRelations/AtlantaHawks

IN MEMORIAM

33

IN M

EM

OR

IAM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 33 12/1/11 3:08 PM

Coverage and services not available everywhere. Rates, services and features subject to change. Nationwide long distance only available to the continental United States and Puerto Rico. See a store or metropcs.com for more details on coverage, Terms and Conditions of Service, handsets and restrictions. MetroPCS related brands, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the properties of their respective owners. Andriod is a trademark of Google Inc. ©2011 MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.

The Atlanta Hawks Name and Logo are registered trademarks of Atlanta Hawks, L.P. 2011-12 Atlanta Hawks, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

770.734.4900metropcs.com

Traveling.

MetroUSASM

Talk, text and browse all you want with unlimited nationwide service starting at only $50 a month. That includes taxes and regulatory fees.

No foul.Nationwide coverage. No annual contract.

Proud wireless partner of the

11MATL014_Atlanta Hawks Ads_8.375x5.3125_R1.indd 1 9/15/11 3:54 PM

ISNERGUGLIOTTA

WILLIAMS, WILKINS & SUND

ISNER v. GUGLIOTTA

On July 18, former NBA All-Star and Hawks forward Tom Gugliotta tested his tennis and basketball skills as he took on former Georgia Bulldog and ATP professional John Isner at the 2011 Atlanta Tennis Championships’ ATP World Tour at the Racquet Club of the South. During the tournament’s Opening Ceremonies, Gugliotta and Isner battled it out on the tennis courts as they played a mini set of tennis followed by a modified version of H-O-R-S-E (A-T-L).

IN THE COMMUNITY continued from page 27.

WILKINS GETS INDUCTED AGAIN

Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins has re-ceived numerous awards for illustrious playing career and high-flying moves on the court. However, he was recently recognized for efforts of a different kind.

On October 6, Wilkins was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Alumni Hall of Fame before a crowd of 500. Inductees are Boys & Girls Club alumni who have led exemplary lives, distinguished themselves professionally or

made a charitable contribution to their community or country.

He was presented for induction by Bob Williams, president of the Hawks and Philips Arena. With his induction, he joins the likes of BGCA national spokesman and actor Denzel Washington, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kool & the Gang, who per-formed during the gala.

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE TO VIEW EXCLUSIVE CONTENT FROM HAWKS.COM! Is

ner/

Gug

liotta

by

Joe

Brig

gs, H

all o

f Fam

e by

Sco

tt C

unni

ngha

m.

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 34 11/30/11 5:57 PM

MP3?

MP

3 P

LAYLIS

TOutKast, “B.O.B”

50 Cent, “In Da Club”

Luke, “I Wanna Rock”

Eminem, “Lose Yourself”

Kanye West, “Stronger”

Crime Mob, “Knuck If You Buck”

Onyx, “Slam”

Soulja Boy, “Crank That”

Daddy Yankee, “Gasolina”

House of Pain, “Jump Around”

WHAT I JAMIN THE GYM

CHATTIN HILL / ATLANTA HAWKSSTRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 35 11/22/11 5:18 PM

HA

WK

S T

IME

LIN

E

IN THE 1980sTHE ATLANTA HAWKS

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1990

May 2, 1986:Michael Fratello named NBA Coach of the Year.

1980s FACTOIDS

March 30, 1981: Assassination attempt on President Reagan.1982: Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.” and Michael Jackson’s Thriller released.1985: A hole in the ozone layer discovered and the wreck of the Titanic was found.Jan. 28, 1986: Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after launching.Apr. 26, 1986: An accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Russia kills thousands.1987: DNA first used to convict criminals June 4, 1989: Students massacred in China’s Tiananmen Square . Nov. 9, 1989: The Berlin Wall falls.

May 21, 1981: Hawks name Kevin Loughery head coach.

January 28, 1986:Dominique Wilkins named an All-Star for the first time.

June 9, 1983: Hawks name Michael Fratello head coach.

September 3, 1982: Hawks acquire Dominique Wilkins from the Utah Jazz in exchange for John Drew, Freeman Williams and cash.

June 19, 1984:Hawks select Kevin Willis from Michigan State with the 11th overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft.

June 18, 1984: Hawks acquire Cliff Levingston, the rights to Antoine Carr and second-round picks in 1986 and 1987 from Pistons in exchange for Dan Roundfield.

February 8, 1986:Spud Webb wins the NBA Slam Dunk competition in his hometown of Dallas, beating out teammate Dominique Wilkins.

April 12, 1987:Hawks win at New Jersey, 105-88, and clinch the Central Division title.

February 9, 1985:Dominique Wilkins wins his first NBA Slam Dunk competition during All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

June 27, 1988:Hawks acquire Reggie Theus and a draft pick from Kings in exchange for Randy Wittman and a draft pick.

May 22, 1988:In one of the most memorable duels in NBA playoff history, Dominique Wilkins and Larry Bird battle through the 4th quarter of the Hawks-Celtics second round game 7, with Atlanta falling short, 118-116. Wilkins had 47 points (14 in the 4th quarter) and Bird scored 34 (20 in the 4th).

August 16, 1988:Hawks sign free agent Moses Malone.

November 1982:Atlanta Hawks change jerseys

+=

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 36 11/30/11 5:58 PM

TM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 3 11/22/11 5:19 PM

THE RICHARDS GROUP

TRG JOB: THD-10-0304

CLIENT: The Home Depot

PUB(S):Atlanta HawksProgram

INSERTION DATE: 2010

TRIM: 8.375 x 10.875

LIVE: 7.625 x 10.375

BLEED: 8.625 x 11.125

COLOR/LS:CMYK/133

QUESTIONS: Pam Zmud214-891-5205

Whether you’re refreshing an entire room or making some minor upgrades, get your home on the highlight reel with more project for your money. That’s the power of The Home Depot.®

®Proud sponsor of the Atlanta Hawks.

© 2010, HOMER TLC, Inc. All rights reserved. The Atlanta Hawks name and logo are registered trademarks of Atlanta Hawks, L.P. © 2009-10 Atlanta Hawks, L.P. All rights reserved.

THD100304 Bskbl 8_375x10_875.indd 1 8/19/10 3:31 PM

16789 HWK_360_Vol3_Is4.indd 4 11/22/11 5:19 PM