New Suns forward Gani Lawal has earned a lot of early praise from the coaching staff.
From what we've seen in Vegas Summer League and voluntary workouts, it won't be too long before fans are cheering "Gaaaaani" just like they used to do for "Louuuuuuuuuu".
Gani looks like he will give all the hustle and energy the Amundson brought, and explode to the rim for thunderous dunks, plus has the added bonus of legit post moves.
As a rookie behind some very good players, it isn't likely that Gani will get a ton of floor time this season, but there will likely come a point in the next few months when the Suns look very smart for signing him to a two-year deal.
Gani, in my few interactions with him so far, comes across as a very smart guy and a dedicated pro. Here's your chance to ask him some questions and get to know this newest Sun better.
After voluntary workouts on Tuesday, September 14th at about noon Arizona time, Gani will answer questions in the comments of this story.
You can start leaving questions now and of course join live at noon and Gani will respond live.
Comments
Questions about his time at Georgia Tech
1. What were his favorite games (or moments) from his three years at Tech?
2. Does he have any regrets about leaving Tech a year early?
3. After playing ball in Atlanta all his life, how is living in Phoenix different than living in Atlanta?
4. How is the transition to the pros? What are the biggest differences between the NBA and college game that he’s noticed so far?
5. What does he think about Tech’s chances to make the Tourney this year?
I write stuff From the Rumble Seat.
by BirdGT on Sep 10, 2010 12:26 PM MST reply actions
Seconding all these.
Excuse my language, ma'am, but that damn Dodd's gonna beat my butt today. -- Bear Bryant, November 1962
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by Jason Kirk on Sep 10, 2010 12:44 PM MST up reply actions
Gani, what do you hope to accomplish in your first NBA season?
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
by Justin Burning on Sep 10, 2010 1:34 PM MST reply actions
to be an impact player on this team,and contribute
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:19 PM MST up reply actions
With the Pro game being so much faster and athletic -
1. What steps have you taken to adapt?
2. Other than the physical side what are some of the aspects of your game do you work on to make yourself better prepared when you step on the court with the vets?
3. What are some of the cool things you get to experience now that you are a NBA player that we fans don’t know about?
by saint13 on Sep 11, 2010 6:56 AM MST reply actions
after having done these chats with Robin and Goran last year
its better to post each question as a separate comment. That makes it easier for the player to respond.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 11, 2010 10:02 AM MST up reply actions
Thanks Alex - I'll remember that.
Heck if Gani answers just one of the ?s I’ll be happy – that’s why I went with 3.
by saint13 on Sep 11, 2010 3:17 PM MST up reply actions
I have to first of all eat better,and get in SUNS shape,its being in shape then its SUNS shape,lol so,my biggest focus right now is getting in the best shape of my life,eating right,getting rest,getting stronger,and my free throws as well as the 15 footer
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:11 PM MST up reply actions
a cool thing to tell you fans,its kind of funny,but i make money now and I want to pay for things when I’m out and about but i get a lot of things for free and good deals<its the weirdest thing but pretty col at the same time :)
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:14 PM MST up reply actions
That always happens with celebs!
They have the money to pay for everything, but they end up getting it all for free.
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
by Justin Burning on Sep 14, 2010 12:14 PM MST up reply actions
Gani, from a personal perspective
What is the weakest link in your game, and what are your plans to improve on that?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 11, 2010 9:58 AM MST reply actions
Gani-Has there been a current veteran Sun who has been
“showing” you the NBA ropes, or “taken you under their wing?”
Blogging Suns Basketball. Twitter: @willcantrellphx
by Wil Cantrell on Sep 14, 2010 12:14 PM MST up reply actions
yes two I know he’s young like me<but Earl Clark has been really cool in helping me adjust because he was a rookie last year and he has been giving me advice,and from a wisdom stand point, and years under the belt,Grant Hill has been cool.
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
I feel like I’m always evolving as a player every day,and I’m always working on all aspects of my body and my game
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:22 PM MST up reply actions
Gani, after a week or so of pickup games with veteran NBA players
What do you see as your greatest strength, in terms of your game?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 11, 2010 10:01 AM MST reply actions
Young and free.
What were the most interesting Philosophical words of wisdom have you received , so far. Words that stay with you and help you model your life on the court and off the court.
It could be words from a former college coach / current coach / a wise old sage or none of the above
by SS21 on Sep 12, 2010 5:38 AM MST reply actions
hard work is the foundation of any house built to last
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:15 PM MST up reply actions
I can definitely believe that after watching you play.
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
What is the SUNS philosophy as per you ?
What do you think is the teams philosophy and do you buy into it OR do you think it could be improved in some way.
by SS21 on Sep 12, 2010 5:39 AM MST reply actions
What are your expectations of the upcoming season - For Yourself
Do you think that by mid-season after a little Playing Time & lots of PRACTICE, you will be able to make the regular rotation as a limited minutes guy.
Do you expect regular minutes at any point during teh season considering the depths the SUNS have in their rotation (I would call it a 10-11 man rotation.)
by SS21 on Sep 12, 2010 5:49 AM MST reply actions
yes,I’m going to work hard and earn every minute I get and be in the rotation,That’s the plan!
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:29 PM MST up reply actions
Gani, who is your closest friend on the team at this point?
and why?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 14, 2010 7:11 AM MST reply actions
Tell us what it was like to play with Derrick Favors
last season. Was it easy, or difficult? How similar are your skills to each other?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 14, 2010 7:12 AM MST reply actions
Do you regret staying in school last year?
From many accounts, you likely would have been drafted higher in 2009 than you were in 2010. Do you wish you’d come out a year ago?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 14, 2010 7:14 AM MST reply actions
No regrets in what I have done, I’m on a great team,a playoff team that likes me and want to use me,but no regrets at all,whats destined for me,is destined for me
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
Great to hear.
I think it’s safe to say that the Suns’ fanbase, as well as the organization, values hard work and solid character over all else. You’ll fit right in, I have a feeling.
"We didn’t go for coffee and this kind of stuff."
-El Dragon on his relationship with Sasha Vujacic
by RMason on Sep 14, 2010 12:35 PM MST up reply actions
Absolutely.
All these comments are exactly what we want to hear. I love his attitude.
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 12:36 PM MST up reply actions
Is there a current NBA player whose game reminds you of yourself?
Or that you hope to be like someday?
A Paul Millsap? or Karl Malone? Or Horace Grant? or Tim Duncan? or someone else?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Sep 14, 2010 7:16 AM MST reply actions
Gani lawal!!! but no,I just want to make my mark on the game and do what I do
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:33 PM MST up reply actions
What are your favorite off-court hobbies? Do you have any interests outside of basketball that people may not be aware of?
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
by Justin Burning on Sep 14, 2010 10:23 AM MST reply actions
I like to shop,look at movies,hang out with my girl friend,nothing much,I’m a pretty chill guy
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:35 PM MST up reply actions
What NBA team are you most looking forward to playing this upcoming season?
What NBA team are you most looking forward to playing this upcoming season?
Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
by Wichita SunSteeler on Sep 14, 2010 10:23 AM MST reply actions
Do you have a nickname you would prefer to go by?
Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
by Wichita SunSteeler on Sep 14, 2010 10:23 AM MST reply actions
just G is cool,thats what a lot of my friends call me
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:36 PM MST up reply actions
I can hear it now.
GEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 12:36 PM MST up reply actions
I’m expecting “Ganiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!” from the crowd.
by waxmonkey on Sep 14, 2010 12:50 PM MST up reply actions
Too many syllables.
Gee! is easier to say. No one ever chanted Louiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssss! for a reason.
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 8:05 PM MST up reply actions
What shoes are you playing in this year?
Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
by Wichita SunSteeler on Sep 14, 2010 10:24 AM MST reply actions
Are there any songs you like to listen to before games to get yourself hype?
How comfortable are you being the roll guy in a pick and roll offense?
Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
by Wichita SunSteeler on Sep 14, 2010 10:26 AM MST reply actions
Oops, didn't see you had already asked that question. Haha.
Bright Side of the Sun, for all things Phoenix Suns. Twitter: @iamtrevorpaxton
by Trevor Paxton on Sep 14, 2010 10:37 AM MST up reply actions
as far as music,I don’t listen to a lot before game,I like to get a good meal,shower,pray and hit the floor,that’s pretty much my routine
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:38 PM MST up reply actions
Gani
I have you penciled in for 18ppg and 9rpg in your rookie season.
Am I being too modest for not going with 20 and 10?
"We didn’t go for coffee and this kind of stuff."
-El Dragon on his relationship with Sasha Vujacic
by RMason on Sep 14, 2010 10:26 AM MST reply actions
Last one
Between you and derrick favors, who do you think will have had the better career in ten years?
Sports are ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
by Wichita SunSteeler on Sep 14, 2010 10:27 AM MST reply actions
What's your current favorite song to get you into "game mode"?
Bright Side of the Sun, for all things Phoenix Suns. Twitter: @iamtrevorpaxton
by Trevor Paxton on Sep 14, 2010 10:36 AM MST reply actions
Gani still taking shots on practice court … last one on court
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Sep 14, 2010 11:56 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Gani’s about ready to get going…
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Sep 14, 2010 12:03 PM MST reply actions
Hello everybody,hope all is well,whats going on
by Gani Lawal on Sep 14, 2010 12:08 PM MST reply actions
Welcome!
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
by Justin Burning on Sep 14, 2010 12:09 PM MST up reply actions
Thank you for doing this, Gani.
It’s rare for most of us here to have an opportunity like this to talk to players directly.
by waxmonkey on Sep 14, 2010 12:20 PM MST up reply actions
I think it's safe to say Justin and Wax speak for all of us.
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 12:30 PM MST up reply actions
Gani, what is your post game like?
Are there any moves that you particularly like to use?
by Omaha Sun on Sep 14, 2010 12:32 PM MST reply actions
Welcome to the Suns, Gani!
This question gets asked around here a lot. Do you ever read this blog? I mean besides right now, of course.
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little to no influence on society."
~Mark Twain
by East Bay Ray on Sep 14, 2010 12:38 PM MST reply actions
Gani has left the building
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Sep 14, 2010 12:39 PM MST reply actions
I miss him already
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Sep 14, 2010 12:45 PM MST up reply actions
There, there Scott.
There, there.
by waxmonkey on Sep 14, 2010 12:51 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Seth thanks for inviting Gani to answer some questions!
Unfortunately my job blocks all entertainment/sports sites so I couldn’t follow live today.
by saint13 on Sep 15, 2010 3:56 AM MST reply actions
BTW - Does Gani have a Twitter Account?
by saint13 on Sep 15, 2010 4:23 AM MST reply actions
Yes,he did
I was following him but hes gone,must have deleted his account,anyone else know the deal with ganis twitter acct?
by stevedavis_ on Sep 15, 2010 8:21 AM MST up reply actions
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