Ball Up Tour – Next Date – August 1, 2009 in Chicago

The nephew of Connie Hawkins, the high-rising “Hawk” takes a break to give us his experiences from the BALL UP TOUR.

-How is the Ball Up Street Ball tour going so far?

Hawk: Ball Up is hot, and very busy. 6 weeks straight of traveling! I’m seeing things I’ve never seen and I feel blessed. The team really gets along and we have a great time together.

-How did you get involved in street ball?

Hawk: Like most guys, a street ball team came to Phoenix and I went to an open-run. I grew up playing street ball, and my uncle Connie Hawkins was an NBA player who became one of the Top 50 New York street ball legends so it’s in the blood/the family business.

-What are some common misconceptions about street ball?

People think it’s unorganized and played by guys that are thugs or low lifes. It’s really not though; these guys are tough athletes and even NBA players like street ball better because there are no politics. Streetball puts on more of a show, and it’s how all the NBA players started out, just playing street ball and learning the ropes.

-Do you remember your first dunk?

Hawk: There was a teacher vs. student game at school and there was a teacher I couldn’t stand! So the first time I dunked, was on that teacher and ever since I fell in love with playing above the rim.

- Did the teacher hold a grudge against you?
Hawk: (Laughs) Up until I graduated!

-How did you come up with your signature “Hawk” gesture?

Hawk: My friends would act like a Hawk when I’d score, so I eventually started to do it myself. It just came natural.

-You are known for being one of the best leapers – was this a natural born talent or have you had to work at it?

Hawk: It’s a natural ability but I’ve had to work really hard at keeping it consistent.

-What other sports do you enjoy watching and playing?

Hawk: Baseball was my first love and I’m actually a better baseball player than basketball. But for now basketball gets my first priority because it’s putting some food on the table. Even my three year old son who I’ve got to shout out loves the game. He turns 4 on May 31st and sleeps with his basketball.

-It’s probably fair to say you are his role model. Do you think he will carry on the family business?

Hawk: I will support him in anything, but he loves basketball!

-Who were your role models when you were a child?

Hawk: My uncle and obviously Michael Jordan – he was the hardest-working player in the league and everyone respected him. They still do… The Pistons in general too – they were basically the NBA street ball team back then. Isaiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman – straight up “Bad Boys”.

-You came from a rough childhood yourself, so how do you try to help your younger fans who come from underprivileged and troubled families? How do you think street ball can help kids and be a positive influence?

Hawk: It shows kids that you don’t have to be in the NBA or any sort of giant organization in general to enjoy yourself and your abilities. A lot of guys I know who were great didn’t make the NBA but they didn’t let that stop their fun. Also, you can play it anywhere and don’t need a big arena – just grab nine of your best friends and run!

-When you decide to no longer play street ball professionally, will you continue your involvement with the sport? What do you see yourself doing?

Hawk: Possibly coaching basketball or even baseball, but mostly working with kids and my community. I want to give back and help kids, be it through sports or anything else, and helping them to not have to go through he hard times that I had growing up. I also really want to give back to Phoenix as much as I can.

-Where do you see street ball heading in the future – and where do you hope it can go?

Hawk: Well for one, Ball Up will make history. They can do things no one can accomplish because they have great ownership, amazing team chemistry, and they put on a great show, they are really setting the bar high as the best streetball tour around.

-What city are you most excited to go to on the upcoming tour?

Hawk: I’m always anxious to play in Phoenix. It will be the first time in 3 years that my friends and family have seen me play so I want them to see how my game has developed.

-What is your favorite memory of the tour so far?

Hawk: The Los Angeles game was amazing – playing against the celebrities and the huge and supportive crowd was great.

-Would you like to say anything to your fans?

Hawk: I’m thankful for everyone who loves streetball and Hawk. I want to tell all the balers out there to keep God first and play every game like it is your last.

Interview courtesy of Marcus from itgirl productions.