Brandon

["Shawn Niles" <shizzjr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is a letter on the Celtics website that Brandon wrote. He addresses it 
to the Celtic fans.



Hey Boston! What a year it's been for me so far, moving to a new city, 
getting to be a part of one of the greatest franchises in all of 
professional sports, and finally getting a chance to show what I can do on 
the court, as we make a final push towards the playoffs.

I just wanted to check in with all you fans out there and let you how much 
we appreciate and need your support. As I travel through all the other NBA 
cities it's obvious that Boston has some of the most loyal and knowledgeable 
fans in the league. It's amazing how loud the FleetCenter gets during a big 
game.

For me, personally, it's been an up and down year, but that's what I 
expected as a rookie. I spent much of the first half of the season on the 
Injured List or on the bench. It was tough not contributing, but I 
understand as a rookie I have to pay my dues. I just tried to grind it out, 
work on my game and just watch and learn from the veterans. I tried to be a 
sponge, watching everything about the game and just learning how to be a 
professional.

Once I got my chance it was amazing. I just wanted to show everybody what I 
can do out there and prove that I can rebound at the NBA level. I think 
rebounding is huge when you're talking about winning games. It gives you 
more shots and cuts down on your opponents attempts, that's why rebounding 
is big to me and I take a lot of pride in it.

The highlight of my season so far had to be the game against Toronto when I 
got my first career double-double. It was just a great feeling to finally 
get the chance to play and come through like that in only my second start as 
a pro. After the game I was given the game ball, which the team is having 
painted in Celtics colors with the date and my stats on it. That's something 
I'll always keep.

I do have to thank one fan from Boston in particular who recently asked 
Charles Barkley what he thought of me in a chat on NBA.com. Charles said he 
liked my game and thought if I worked hard I could be a good player in the 
NBA. That meant a lot to me because Charles was one of the players I looked 
up to when I was growing up, and I try to model my game after his.

Speaking of working hard, I have a lot plans for the summer, and most them 
involve being in the gym. I'm really going to work hard on my jumper and my 
ball handling skills, but basically just try to improve every aspect of my 
game so I can come back next season ready to contribute from the get go.

Finally, I want to thank you again for your support and let you know were 
working as hard as we can to get into the playoffs. Hopefully I'll see you 
soon at the FleetCenter.

With sincere thanks and best wishes,

- Brandon Hunter

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