NewsWhore
04-17-2008, 03:20 PM
The presence of the Dominican athlete is being felt in the NBA, leaving a nation proud at their newfound success. Dominican players Charlie Villanueva, Al Horford and Francisco Garcia all had breakthrough seasons for their respective teams and gained the respect of players, coaches and fans for their play, work ethic and character. Horford, a rookie forward from the University of Florida, showed he was worth the third pick in last spring's draft averaging 10.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 72.9% from the free throw line. Horford played in a total of 81 games and was in the starting five during 77, which is rare for rookies. These numbers are leading to speculation that Horford could be this year's rookie of the year. Adding to his case is the fact that Horford was a key cog in a Hawks team that is going to the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
Garcia also had a breakout year, averaging 12.1 points per game with 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. This is a solid stat line for a young player who was considered to have been a dud after a disappointing season last year. Garcia also proved to be a threat from behind the arc, shooting 40% from the three-point line. Villanueva also saw resurgence after spending much of the last two seasons hurt and not living up to potential. This year he broke out with the solid stat line of 11.6 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists with a 43.7% from the field.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)
Garcia also had a breakout year, averaging 12.1 points per game with 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. This is a solid stat line for a young player who was considered to have been a dud after a disappointing season last year. Garcia also proved to be a threat from behind the arc, shooting 40% from the three-point line. Villanueva also saw resurgence after spending much of the last two seasons hurt and not living up to potential. This year he broke out with the solid stat line of 11.6 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists with a 43.7% from the field.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)