Posted By: Alando Tucker
May 1, 2008 2:30 PM

The game has begun to slow down for me.
Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images

The 2007-08 campaign ended a lot sooner than we expected and following our loss in San Antonio on Tuesday were back in Phoenix on Wednesday to clean out our lockers. Talking to some of the guys following the elimination game, it seems we just have to do a better job of paying attention to every detail. Personnel wise and player wise we don’t feel San Antonio was necessarily better, but they’re so great at paying attention to every little thing and closing out games which makes them a championship team. They’ve done it four times in the past nine years by doing that and that’s what we have to learn. Every player has to be ready from start to finish and we can’t take any plays off, we have to stay consistent the entire game. I think we have points where we have a lot of energy, we make great runs, but we don’t sustain those runs. You watch San Antonio, they play consistent the whole game and that’s somewhere I think we can improve.

After the game we talked about dedicating ourselves over the summer to not taking that series for granted and by learning from it and finding what we have to do to get over the hump. We talked about the feeling that we had after the loss, and that the mistakes that we made were ones we could have prevented and won some ballgames. We really feel like we could have had Game 1 and Game 2 was another one we feel we let slip away.

I made some great relationships on the team this season. I already know no matter what happens there are guys on this team I’ll know a lifetime. The relationships that I’ve made with these guys are ones I’ve felt comfortable with this entire year. In the NBA, we know how situations can change and how addresses can change but we’re going to make sure to keep in touch. We all pull for each other and want to do what it takes to help each other; which is why I’m going to work hard on my game this summer. I just want to be able to help this team next year no matter what it is I have to do.

A lot of the veterans weren’t shy when it came to talking to me and helping me learn. Guys like Grant Hill and Steve Nash really worked with me from a mental standpoint, mainly on my composure and learning the game as much as possible. They encouraged me to watch a lot of film and learn the game mentally because I wouldn’t be playing too much physically. By doing that, I learned a lot which has helped slow the game down. As the season went on, I learned more and noticed the more I studied, the more the game slowed down for me.

I didn’t get a lot of playing time, but playing for a championship team has been beneficial in so many ways. You play on a team of guys who play to be champions and you learn to prepare yourself physically and mentally - to play like a champion. I couldn’t take a second off, I always had to prepare myself as a champion.

As far as favorite memories, everything has just happened so fast (it feels like I was just in training camp), I really haven’t had time to reflect like that yet. One thing I will remember is that this was an unbelievable season and I’ll never forget picking up a guy like Shaq midway through.

As far as whether or not I’ll continue to watch the playoffs, I’m a basketball head so I will definitely be watching. I’ve got a couple friends here and there on different teams so I'll be watching and rooting for them. Plus it allows me to continue learning and bettering my game, which I’m all for.

Now it’s time for the offseason where I’ll still have my hands filled. I’m going to spend a lot of time working on my game. I also have a couple camps planned for kids back home and don’t think I’m going to take any days off. I’m going right back to the gym tonight and know I need to have that attitude if I hope to be incorporated into this team’s offense or defense. I’ve got a year down now and think I’ll be ready next season.

Thanks again for reading and I already told the guys at Suns.com to expect to hear from me during the summer. See you then.

Comments

Ideal - El Mirage,Arizona
Hey Alando,I think you're a really good guy and a player as well.I appreciate you taking the time to write in here for the fans and i think D'Antoni should let you play more so you can show us what you've got...keep practicing hope to see you play more next year

Evan - Chandler, AZ
Alando! My man! It's good to hear you aren't taking anything for granted on a stacked team like this. I think with Shawn being traded, you could do a lot of the things he did to spark our offense and defense. I really think this team needs a young, athletic guy to come in and spark the team play. I'm rooting for you all the way man, keep working at your game and hopefully you get a real shot to make an impact on this team. I'm a huge fan and I'd love to see you out there on the court donning that beautiful PHX Suns jersey! Good luck this offseason. Go Suns and Badgers!

darion - sierra vista arizona
do you have any tips on a point guard/shooting guard that isnt FAST but fast?

Albert Castillo - Riverside, Ca
I truely believe that the Suns are the best team in the NBA. You guys have unbelievable talent and are capable of going all the way. To bad we have to wait till next year to find out, but I have faith in you guys. Alando Tucker, you've made me even more excited about watching next season, and I truely hope more of you guys on the bench get more playing time. You guys deserve it.

Iliana - Phoenix
Alando,

I am very impressed by reading your posting. I hope you along with the rest of the team are working on making this team better, sounds like your mind set is on the right track.

I am a Suns fan have been for years, and I thank you for playing along the bigger names (Amare, Nash, Raja, and Shaq). I got to see you play against the Portland Trailblazers and you were great.

I also hope to be a bigger fan and make it down to the arena more... I had a blast watching my Suns play.

Thanks for a great season and let's get them next year!!!

Go Suns!!!

Much Love,

Iliana

G.B. - CHANDLER,AZ
i really think that SHAWN MARION SHOULD COME BACK

TO THE SUNS TEAM.WE MISS HIM.WHAT IF LAST YEARS PLAYOFF GAME W/THE SPURS DIDNT END UP IN SUNS PLAYER SUSPENSIONS.IN THE VERY END IT S ALL ABOUT MENTAL GAME,THE SPURS KNOW HOW TO DEFEAT THE SUNS PSYCHOLOGICALLY(BY HOOK OR BY CROOK)I REALLY BELIEVE THET THEY COULD HAVE WON,IF THEY KEPT THOMAS BUT MOST ESPECIALY MARION THIS YEAR.MARION DID A LOT FOR THE SUNS,WHY? ANYWAY THEY ARE STILL MY TEAM BECAUSE I COULD RELATE MY LIFE THE WAY THEY PLAY FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.THEY DONT HAVE TO BE THE BEST.

Mac Brannan - Scottsdale
great attitude "tuck" ! no question you learned much by being involved in this year's suns team. keep practicing and working to develop non-stop, and you can certainly make an impact on this team for years to come.

i'm a huge fan and will be watching and rooting for life.

Susan :-) - Honolulu, Hawaii
Even though the season ended abruptly as it did. :-( It was definitely a far cry from what you and your team anticipated. But I truly applaud the team on how they handled the public scrutiny & fan lashing through-out the trade fiasco. The team was shaken, torn, and meshed together mid-way through the season. But despite the changes, you ALL tried very hard to make it work and THAT is something which shouldn't be overlooked or ignored. I think even though your minutes were few (for now), your contribution mattered during the season. Your defensive tenacity & shooting abilities are a plus for the team! So stay hungry! Positive changes to solidify your game is a step in the right direction along with dedication, commitment, diligence and paying attention to details. Have a great summer! I'll definitely will be watching the Playoffs...kind of cheering for the Hornets! :-) I hear their sting is pretty intense! ~ Aloha ~

-
great job man..keep working and opportunity will come.. la vache.

Wlliam Gurrea - Philippines
Hi!nice inspirational thought right there. sad but have to accept the defeat. i've been playing basketball when i arrived here in Philippines from Malaysia, because people are crazy about basketball. I do coaching some kiddie and junior basketball team and its really hard when you are losing the same opponent every year in a tournament.

Hope you will be given more playing time next season and hoping coach mike "D" would now believe that defense is important.when defence is ON the offense will come along softly.hope you agree with me regarding that syaing.

I don't want to say HOPE but meake sure next year TEARDOWN & BURN the Spurs. Guys i want you to promise that to all the Sun's fans.

G13 - CHINA
come on,Alando ,wish you a good summer,next season ,hope see you more.

a strong belief in PHX

Chris - Madison, WI
Thanks for sharing Alando. We're still cheering for you from Madison. Have a great summer!

Dwight Johnson - Australia
You're a champ Alando, I would like nothing more than to see you and Strawberry get more minutes next season after seeing you both tearing it up in the d-league. Just keep remembering that for every weight you don't lift, there are 10,000 more lifting it and hoping for a shot to take your spot in the league. For every practice jumpshot you don't take, there are 10,000 more taking it. You've earned your spot on the Suns, don't take it for granted. I hope to see you and Strawberry become an integral part of what will be a championship contender for years to come.

Cheers and good luck

Tara - Ireland
LOVED THE BLOG Alando!...i thought you deserved more playing time, keep working hard n im sure you'll see your minutes go up..enjoy the Summer!

Josh Ashbaugh - Orlando Florida
It's great to here some of the many positives that have come out of this season for you personally and the motivation you have gained to improve. Working with Nash and company on a daily basis has to be a great experience. Have a great offseason getting better each and everyday!!

robert arellano - phoenix arizona
hey Bro keep your head up and work hard this off season and you will earn you PT.

Harold - Hartford, Wi.
Tuck, I think for next season you will win most improved player and the Sixth man award. On a lesser team this year, you know that you would have had a lot of playing time! But only Championships and relationships matter!!! Sounds like you have great team-mates!

SUNS_FOR_LIFE -
what a shame !! i soo wanted to see u play more this season !! hope you will play next year a lot of more games ,keep practicing !! with the mattrix trade you have an oppertuity to shine !! i bieleve in you !! and gooo SUNNSSSS !!! send my love to all the team and i love you too :P

Dan - Easthampton MA
hey man great year just it ended way too fast i was dissapointed on how much u played this year i was pumped when i heard the suns got u in the first round cause i saw u dominate in wisconsin hopefully next year i get to c u play more anyways good luck n id love for u to stay in phoenix for awhile i look forward to watchin u grow n i can tell u have a great future o btw tell eric piatkoski i say hi just for fun he needs some love too haha good luck man

Chip - Mesa, AZ
For a season full of "what-ifs", the biggest what-if is the loss of Marion. Now, it seems that everybody wants to punish D'Antoni for the loss of one of his most important core players. What nobody thinks about is the possibility of playing against this coach in the future. I, for one, would much rather have him on my side and I get sick hearing the media talking about him leaving. Without D'Antoni as coach, this team will be hurting worse than if they were to lose Nash or Amare. They've already lost one of the most important pieces of their machine, Marion. The last thing they need to lose is the most important one, D'Antoni.

PHX SUNS FAN - Florida
Cmon suns, i keep tellin all my friends that wer gonna win it all. Wev got a stacked team and i don know how much longer its gonna hold up. I hav my friends braggin 2 me bout the heat(not this year, when they won). Get me a win please

DEDICATED SUNS FAN

Mathew - Calgary Alberta
Hey Tucker, Good luck on your season! Hope you do well. I know you will

-
Alando nice blog, we hope to see you in the rotation next year.. actually we are counting on it. You'll be an awesome player in the NBA!

cxilef10 - Philippines
Nice blog!!! I Believe that all PHOENIX SUNS!!! ARE GREAT!! YA ALL!!

WE CAN MAKE IT!!!

Royce Sabaduquia - Bacolod City,Phillipines
hi alando, dont worry we fans got your backs..even though the series is over we still love the suns all of you from players to oaches to the staff..continue to practice well and concentrate,our spirit was broken when we saw the game 6 on t.vbut dont worry we are proud of you guys..

go suns

go suns

Scottie - Columbus, OH
Hey man, thanks for sharing your blog. Work hard this off-season and dont lose that aggressiveness you had slashing to the basket in college and you will for sure get minutes and be agle to contribute. Dont ever lose confidence in your game. Good luck to you and the team next season. God Bless

Andrew Walwema - Clemson,South Carolina
Your right about the suns being consistent in games.

yep - thisishowyouplayspurs
look at the young hornets..thisishowu play spurs

i can bet spurs will come back..but looks tough that they can beat this team. so suns are really done n old. steve nash should be the old guard and go buy someone new....or many new..from bargnani to kevin durant to 2-3 new draft picks.. n u guys have to pay for how alando n strawberry were hardly played in the season...its tough

eMmAn mApPaLa - Philippines
he's the guy what i've been hoping to play for the suns at the game 6 against the spurs...

i have watched his college games and he's unstoppable...

i wish to see him play for the next season...

to mr. kerr:

can you please take shaquille o'neal out of the suns.he's a terrible FT shooter.he's one of the reason why they lose at the spurs.i want the matrix back...i would like to see him play with amare stoudemire...

r.onia - phillippines
i know that you are a smart and talented player wish to see you more next season. keep up "tuck"

Mike Thompson - Mesa, Arizona
Alando

You have now been in for a full season, get ready to play because as the team gets older you become so much more important. I feel you will be playing a much in depth roll next year, along with your buddy Strawberry. You two in at the same time would be a site to see. I know you guys are very good defensively and that is our weakness. I have been hearing such good things from the both of you guys all season and I was much surprised that you had little contributions. We are going to be needing fresh young players to give us a whole new look.

Don't worry, most players under Coach D Antoni takes at least a year to figure out how to fit in.

I see you next year as a player that can't be taken out.

Improve your game and show us all what you are capable of, just be a smart and control urges from when other teams try to control you.

Remember this one saying, you are NEVER to old to learn new tricks. In other words, always improve your game.

You are only as good as your weakness. Once you figure what they are, you are one step closer to being a great player.

Great job Tucker, can't wait to see you play next year.

Victor Blair - Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Bringing Shaq on track...

Being a Canadian and watching super Shaq shoot foul shots this season, has brought back to memory my youth in this tried and tested and almost foolproof excercise of foul shooting.

As a teenager in church basketball, my coach took me aside and told me two things to always observe when shooting foul shots.

The TWO rules are.... (1) Think of a slightly larger arc than you had originally anticipated shooting towards the hoop and (2) Say the word, 'SOFT' (under your breathe) as you are releasing the ball from your fingers. In fact, exaggerate the word by saying, 'SOOOFFFFT' as the ball leaves your fingers. Success is almost always there!

This method eventually made me one of the better foul shooting guards of my era. (P.S. I am presently 70 years old.)

Remember, the pursuit of detail is the religion of perfection!

With Shaq's foul shooting improvement, Phoenix Suns will go ALL the way to the finals and win it handily!

Coincidently, my coach's name was, Ted Smart!

Respectfully,

Your Sun's fan from Canada.

Victor Blair.

Kevin Mancio - Phoenix
Hey Tuck im a huge suns fan and I think You're a Great player Improve this summer And i Think you will get more playing minutes.i thought you were going to play more with shawn gone

j Ballin - New York, New York
Hey alando, the blog is hot and so are your skills,but unfortunately, I couldn't really see all of your skills flurish in the Suns. but you need to stay in there and you will one of the elite players in the league. I got lots of respect for you!

Juniben - Philippines
I think Shawn Marion should come back to his home the "SUNS" with his teammate Shaq, Amare, Steve, Raja, and Marion....

happy5 -
Thanks for a great year, believe me it's not the end of the world for the Phoenix Suns and all the great fans you have in Phoenix and the U.S.A. Keep a positive out look on life. Remember if you think you can, you can.

Michael - Phila, PA
Hey Tucker, I must admit you guys played extreemly well this season. The only problem I had was finishing a game. I believe suns got the best team in the NBA. All the best during the off season, and I hope to see you all come back next season to win the championship

Jennie - Wittmann
I'm sorry about our loss to S.A. - to expect a miracle from coach & players in such a short time I think was completely unfair to the coach,players , & fans! Hearing of D'Antoni's departure, it's like experiencing a death in the family. Thank you Coach for four exciting years, & altho you will be sorely missed by the majority of Suns Fans, I wish you luck.

Amazing - mississippi fan
All I can say is that Im a big nba live player and when i saw ur name on the roster im like who is this guy with a 86 overall rating then i dont see u play foreal but since im a phx fan and of course we didnt make it this year i hope yall get your defence game up like shawn i feel u have to fill in his void but good luck and keep playing hard cuz!!!!!!

James - Los Angeles
Hey Alando,

Keep your head up, you're going to get prove yourself with the rookie hating coach leaving. Everyone thinks you and DJ are just scrubs. Show them that you can play!

Amman - Denver
You have a bright future ahead of you, Tuck. I know you do! Living in Denver I get a lot of criticism for being a die hard Suns fan. ( I actually have the Suns logo tattooed on my left shoulder!) Let's light it up next year and show the Nuggets and the rest of the league who the true champs are. GO SUNS!

Devoted LizzyB - Apache Junction, AZ
I was sad to see the Suns eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. But I still love you guys no matter what happens. Keep the faith and stay positive!!! I'll be watching y'all next season...;)

clay mcfarland suns fan 4 life - oklahoma city
i believe suns got the best team in the NBA. All the best during the off season, and I hope to see you all come back next season to win the championshipn shaq needs to work on his free throws

latry howard - tempe
jus know that you're goin to be a big thing in phoenix, jus keep ur head up. Remeber this game is like a bear hunt ;)

Gerald - Pasay,Philippines
I hope Coach D and all the guys will be back next season. They have done a good job. I believe they will be back with tenacity and teamwork.

jeff yaki - scottsdale
The stupidest thing ever done by the Suns was getting rid of Kurt Thomas. If they had just kept him, and had Marion to use as a defensive stopper, and kept Eddie House to nail 30pointers, they would have beat San Antonio! There are a lot of hand me down coaches looking for a job - Dantoni is as good as any of them. Get rid of whoever thought up letting Thomas go.

Royce Sabaduquia - Bacolod City,Phillipines
hi, am really upset upon hearing coach d;antoni to depart he was a good coach,,,its not the suns fault,,the spurs are really dirty and even use d HACK A SHAQ,dat was so unfair,,,anyways do good this training camp and summer leauges,,your a good swingman alando,d.j is good combo guard,,hope to see you guys play well next season

to Mr.Kerr;

with all due respect sir,i would like to suggest to try out LOuis Amundson,i think he would be a good addition if he would train in the suns camp he averaged. 2.5 ppg 3.5rpg (2.5off) in 5mpg in the post season...and he's energetic..pls mr.kerr

thanks.

go suns

Nash - New York
As a Suns fan, i was soo heart broke by the upsetting lost to da Spurs. I still feel that the trade for Shaq was a bad idea. Marion was a big lost for the team. If you do compare the two players and the way the Suns play, anyone could see Marion was a better fit. I agree that the Suns needed a defensive present in the paint, but i believe a better pick for Phoenix would be Ben Wallace because he is mostly likely to fit the teams pace. Am also sorry that the Suns coach is now coaching for the Knicks, this a big lost for the Suns =/.

Jon - Danbury, CT
As much as I appreciated everything Coach D'Antoni did for this franchise, one of the few criticisms I do have is that he never went more than 6 or 7 deep in the roster. Not sure who will succeed him, but I hope the next coach makes better use of all his resources, you included. I agree that with the departure of Matrix, you can be the man to step up and enhance the defense. Thanks for the great post, and looking forward to seeing you out there next season.

And LET'S GO JAZZ! BEAT LA!!!!

Cathy - Scottsdale
Yes there is next year. Tuff call for this year. Di Antoni was a great coach who enabled the Suns to be one of the most recognized teams, up there with the Lakers (whom by the way I DO NOT LIKE) But Di Antoni was thrown a huge loop when he had to slow the game down quite a bit for Shaq. Marion was a definate loss for the team. Not a great move by Kerr in the end of the season. We will miss Di Antoni in the valley. You are a great player as well and next year will be your year to shine. We are all still fans, and we all support the team, so lets take it next year!!!!

Jeremy - Wisconsin
Keep makin' us UW grads proud, Alando!

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