I just completed a small private signing with former Knicks guard Allan Houston. You may also know Allan from his recent work as a commentator on ESPN. He is doing an unbelievable job over there. Anyway, we ran another cool contest where you guys had the opportunity to email questions to ask Houston. Here are the details from Dietz who ran than Q&A session.


Q. When you got into the NBA, what was your reaction when you saw players you looked up to when you where younger? Did you ask them for autographs? – William H. Uniondale, NY

A. I never asked but I did have the ultimate respect for the players that I was used to watching on TV. Joe (Dumars) and Isiah (Thomas) were two guys that took Lindsey (Hunter) and myself under their wing and really taught us work ethic and how to become a professional about things. They set the tone for the rest of my playing career and even at the tail end of their careers when I was just a rookie they were still putting in the time to make themselves better as a player.

Q. You won a state championship in high school, you are the all-time leading scorer with the University of Tennessee, went to the NBA Finals with the Knicks and won the Gold in 2000 for the US -- with all of these lifetime achievements, what would be the crowning achievement of your entire basketball career, what are you most proud of? - Matt from Poughkeepsie, NY

A. I can’t really pick just one of those. Each one has had a different impact on my life at that specific time. The State Championship I can say is the one and only real championship I’ve ever won. The Gold medal was a global achievement and playing in the NBA Finals is something I will always cherish because that is the pinnacle of playing your sport.

Q. Given your near perfect jump shot, was there a player that you, as a kid, patterned your game after, and, in particular, used as a model for your shot? - Howard from NY

A: George Gervin. My friend and I back in middle school, before they came out with replica jerseys, went to the store and bought blank black and white tank tops and had Gervin’s number printed on the back.


We got some amazing product signed including photos of the classic game winning shot against the Heat. Allan even inscribed a few 16x20s with both the date and "The Shot"! That basket ranks up there with any of the greatest Knicks moments.
Tomorrow morning I am on the first flight out to Chicago where I am doing a signing with our newest exclusive (and the most recent player to pitch a no-hitter) Mark Buerhle. Check back for updates from Illinois.