By Dallas Rosevear
Travis Hansen knows what it is like to be an underdog.
Some basketball publications predicted he wouldn''t be drafted after his senior year at BYU. But Hansen worked hard at his game and played well enough in summer camps last year to get drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks. Now, Hansen''s latest challenge is to solidify his position with the Hawks.
'I am just looking to get better,' Hansen said. 'Hopefully, I can get more minutes next year.'
Hansen and the Atlanta Hawks are one of 11 teams who participated in the Rocky Mountain Revue, which concluded last week in Salt Lake City at Salt Lake Community College. The Rocky Mountain Revue is a summer basketball league for NBA teams to develop and evaluate current and prospective players. The level of a player''s performance in summer leagues many times determines if a player will make the team or how many minutes he will play.
Overall, Atlanta finished 3-2 in a tie for fourth place. Hansen twice scored in double digits, including 13 against the Utah Jazz last Thursday, and averaged 9.6 points per game during the Revue.
Since he is already on the team for next year, Hansen''s role is different from some of the other players who are vying for open spots. This role includes helping out some of the younger guys on the team learn how to come off the bench and still play hard and hit open shots, he said.
The Hawks underwent some important off-season changes this year. Head coach Terry Stotts was fired and Mike Woodson was named as his replacement on July 8. Woodson was an assistant coach under Larry Brown for the NBA champion Detroit Pistons, who are known for their tough defense that Woodson helped orchestrate. The Revue was a good chance for Hansen and others to get to know Woodson better.
'We''re trying to learn Coach Woodson''s new system,' Hansen said.
Hawks coaches have been pleased with Hansen''s skills and progress since joining the team.
'When''s he on the floor, guys really have to respect him,' assistant coach Larry Drew said. 'I am really impressed with his leadership.'
The Hawks also have a new management team this year, which provides the franchise some stability, and gives Hansen an opportunity to learn his role on the team.
'When I first got there, we didn''t have any owners; we didn''t really have anything going on,' Hansen said. 'We finally got owners and a GM that is in charge and free to do whatever he wants.'
With the business aspect of the team under control, Atlanta can better concentrate on what happens on the court.
'We''re going in the right direction,' Hansen said. 'Everything is on a roll from here on out.'
Hansen is at an important stage of his career. He has one more year under contract with the Hawks and next season will be critical in determining his future. For now, however, one of his goals is to have fun. Hansen said his family helps him accomplish that goal, especially his baby son.
'He''s a good boy,' Hansen said. 'Just trying to be like his daddy.'