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Horford said. "There are lot of guys that are coming up and want to be in a similar position as you. It's all about the work ethic Horford and staying focused."

rising among the This week, Horford is back in mid- Michigan as he hosts a camp at elite the Court One Athletic Club on Tuesday and Wednesday that will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing and Grand Ledge High School.

The camp is something Horford feels Written by strongly about.

Brian Calloway "I just always feel when you are in a good 12:20 AM, Jun. 27, 2011| position its important to give back in some way," he said. "I would have loved to get

Al Horford is his own worst critic when it instruction from an NBA player. I think comes to his game. that's as good as it gets. Now that I'm able to do that I like to make that happen for It's that critical approach that has helped other people." make the Atlanta Hawks center one of the top young players in the NBA. Horford is coming off his best season as he averaged a career-high 15.3 points and A No. 3 overall selection by the Hawks in 9.6 rebounds. He also ranked fifth in the the 2007 draft, the former Grand Ledge NBA with a career-best .557 standout has blossomed into an All-Star performer. Outside of top overall pick Advertisement , Horford has emerged as the m ost accomplished player from an '07 draft class that also included , , , and Benton Harbor native .

Through his first four seasons, the 25-year old Horford is a two-time All-Star, making the East roster as a reserve center each of the past two seasons.

"It's special, but at the end of the day you have to go out there and keep working,"

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percentage and earned third team All-NBA was important to Horford, who also honors. recently made a trip to to help promote the NBA. "Obviously I'm always very critical on myself about getting better," Horford said. "I don't "When I came in to the league, I came with get caught up too much in what I've the attitude that I was going to fit in anyway accomplished, but it's a good feeling to I could," Horford said. "The more have been able to have success." comfortable I got with the guys, I felt like something taking part in my game was to In with the big boys step up and become more of a leader and speaking my mind more. It's not only me doing it. I also rely on and Joe Horford has had much of his success Johnson." despite being an undersized center. At 6-

foot-10 and 245 pounds, Horford is more Horford has helped Atlanta reach the the size of a power forward but has played playoffs each season of his four-year at center for Atlanta for a majority of his career. The Hawks have been eliminated in career. Regardless, he's averaging close to the Eastern Conference semifinals each of a double-double for his career with 12.8 the past three seasons, but he wants to points and 9.6 rebounds per game. help Atlanta make the next step in a tough

Eastern Conference.

"There is no question it's been a challenge," "I feel we're in a good position but i feel the Horford said. "Every game I'm going team can still get better," said Horford, against guys that I'm three to four inches who won two national titles during his shorter than and that outweigh me by 30 to college career at Florida "I think we can still 40 pounds. grow and definitely keep improving."

"My whole thing is to come out and play to Advertisement my strengths against them and try to be quicker and hustle down the court."

Emerging leader

While Horford's game has grown on the court he also has become one of the cornerstones of the Hawks. Horford, who inked a five-year extension with the Hawks during the season, has become a more vocal leader.

Stepping into that role was something that

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Horford file • Where: Court One Athletic Club

• For: Boys and girls 10-18

Al Horford • Cost: $150 per camper

• Atlanta Hawks center

• Height/Weight: 6-10/245

• Career averages: 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

• Notable: 2008 All-Rookie selection. ...Runner-up in rookie of the year voting. ...Two-time All-Star. ... 2011 third team All-NBA selection

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Al Horford, a Grand Ledge senior in 2004, now stars for Atlanta. / Lansing State Journal file photo

Horford hoopstars basketball camp

• When: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday

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