By: Brandon

Former Florida Gator star forward Al Horford continues to explode in the NBA. Even with very little experience in the league, it still does not stop Horford from being defined as a “beast”.

Friday night Horford and the Atlanta Hawks took on former Gator Udonis Haslem and the Miami Heat in a 4 quarter battle. Horford played 43 minutes and showed no sign of weakness what so ever. He blew up. Like literally to control. Al scored 21 points and collected 22 rebounds in the 91-83 win. Horford also had a block shot on the night.

Al Horford was a monster coming out of the University Of Florida. He was the type of player who you could predict that he would do some damage going into the NBA. Some people might of thought leaving early his junior year was not the right decision and how he should of waited one last year and graduate then move on, but he has proved to everyone he can do it. Horford had a successful career at the University Of Florida, winning back to back National championships as a Gator under coach Billy Donovan. Just imagine how much damage Florida could have done if he would of stayed for his final year, along with Noah, Brewer, and Taurean Green. Shoot, I bet it would have been three championships in a row.

Horford averaged 13 points and almost 10 boards a game his junior year at Florida. As of right now with the Atlanta Hawks, he is averaging 10 points and roughly 9 rebounds per contest. He also played real well in the loss against the Nuggets, putting up 21 points. If you had to compare Al Horford to a former or current NBA player, who would you compare him to? My choice would be Alonzo Mourning. They both play the game alike and have the same athletic abilities. Not to mention they both can bang with anyone underneath the rim, have excellent shot blocking abilities, and they know how to find ways to score.

I am very excited to see what the rest of his NBA career has in store for him. He is already one of the best in the league and should continue to be on of the best. Al Horford will look forward to the next game as they take on Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday March 1st at 8pm.