There are some things you never think you’ll see – like Al Horford at a Rolling Stones concert. Hey, when in London …
The Hawks center is taking in the sights while in the city as part of an NBA global initiative. It’s all part of whirlwind summer that will also take Horford to Spain and South Africa to promote the game of basketball.
Horford represented the league at the NBA 3X London last week. He hosted the event that combines a competitive 3-on-3 tournament for different youth age groups along with many interactive activities, autograph sessions and music. It was Horford’s first trip to London but he’ll be back when the Hawks play the Nets in a regular-season game Jan. 16. He also combined his 3X duties with some promotional work for that game.
There was time for other activities as Horford took in concerts by Justin Timberlake and the Rolling Stones and toured Arsenal soccer’s Emirates Stadium.
“That was a different experience,” Horford said of seeing icon Mick Jagger, well more than twice his age, and his bandmates. “It was pretty cool.”
Horford will leave London for Spain and take part in basketball camps in the city of Malaga. After returning to the United States, Horford will likely leave again bound for South Africa to take part in the Basketball without Borders program Aug. 29-Sept. 1. There is a conflict with his participation for the Dominican Republic team in the FIBA Americas tournament. Horford said he is “pretty certain” he will make the trip to South Africa.
Basketball without Borders is a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA. According to the organizations, the camp is designed to use sport to create positive social change.
“I think the NBA is doing great things not only in the states but around the world really trying to promote the game,” Horford said. “Doing camps for younger and high school kids, I really enjoy doing that. I enjoy travelling and going to different places teaching people about the game.”
Horford has participated in such camps in the past. He worked one in Mexico City several years ago where the top 50 players in the Americas were invited. One camper was Kelly Olynyk, the Canadian who played at Gonzaga and was selected by the Celtics with the 13th overall pick in last month’s NBA draft. It made for an awkward reunion when Olynyk was in a pre-draft workout with the Hawks.
“I didn’t know who he was,” Horford said of their recent meeting at Philips Arena. “I was looking at him with a blank stare. He was telling me ‘Remember me?’ Eventually I remembered. I kind of felt bad. He grew a lot.
“He was still in high school and I was just getting into the NBA. Those kinds of events are always cool because one or two of those guys come out and make it to the NBA.”
The game against the Nets will be the Hawks’ first-ever regular-season game outside the United States. The Hawks took part in the NBA’s first preseason games in London playing two games against the Magic in 1993.
When the Hawks return next year, it will be the savvy Horford who can remind his teammates to ‘Mind The Gap.’
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