We sat down with each of The Second Coming athletes to talk about the game. Today: Amare Stoudemire.

Check out Amare Stoudemire’s video interview along with the rest of The Second Coming at nikebasketball.com.


On his first game:
I had just moved back from New York, I moved to Florida, and my best friend asked me to play in this junior league. I think I was 13 or 14 at the time. And that was the first game I played in, that was the first game I got my dunk in. So ever since that point, it’s been amazing from that point on.


On drive:
My inner motivation. That’s pretty much what drives me. Just being ready, staying focused on the game of basketball. I still want to reach my full potential. I’m only 23 so I got a few more years ahead of me…that’s my motivation.
On his style:
Relentless, passionate, courageous…those three words right there pretty much explain my game. You know, I play with a lot of passion, I play with a lot of courage. I just go out there and give it 100 percent.

On tradition:
I think back then there was more pride being played with in the game of basketball. You know, back then with the Michaels, the Barkleys, with the Moses Malones…those were the guys who played with pride defensively. Offensively, they had one motive in mind and that was to win. Nowadays, some guys are more nonchalant, you know, not really playing with that kind of pride or that type of passion. But with this new generation, with this new Force group, we’re definitely bringing that passion back.

On his impact:
Just to leave a positive image, a positive influence to all my fans. That’s probably the most important thing to me right now. Especially with the game of basketball, to have a positive influence on all the fans and win championships. I think winning and being positive are the two main focuses as far as any profession.