Had a great time in Norwalk YMCA for the start of our FISLL program Obviously rumors were going around

STAMFORD ADVOCATE

July 23, 2010

Greenwich's Houston Focuses On Kids Instead Of Knicks' GM Rumors At YMCA Event

By Patrick McNamee

With much less fanfare than two weeks ago, another NBA superstar stepped on the floor of a Fairfield County gym. He may not have been making a "decision" but the words spoken by Allan Houston at the Norwalk YMCA helped bring a room and families together.

Houston was on hand to kick start his program F.I.S.L.L. (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership and Legacy) at the Y, a seven session program designed to bring sons together with dads, uncles, guardians or other adult role models.

On a day when rumors were swirling about his candidacy for the job of general manager with the Knicks, Houston -- currently New York's assistant to the president for basketball operations with -- wanted the focus to be on the kids. He did briefly address the issue.

"I'm excited to be a part of (the Knicks) I really am. (Team president) Donnie (Walsh) has taught me a lot of things and we have a great staff, people that I talk to and lean on every day and again I'm just very fortunate to be in a position where I can continue to learn," said Houston, who was wearing a blue Knicks T-shirt and khaki Knicks shorts.

Asked if he'd like to be a GM one day, Houston smiled and said "I'd love to, one day."

Rumors were also swirling about a potential trade between the Knicks and the New Orleans Hornets for All-Star point guard Chris Paul, one which Houston cannot comment on due to tampering rules. He did say that he "likes (new point guard) Ray Felton."

Despite all that is going on with his ball club, Houston truly zoned in on the attendees at the first session of F.I.S.L.L. The program will run for 22 days before it's conclusion on Aug. 12, where Houston will also be present.

"To me, growing up, my dad was a centerpiece and he gave all of us an identity as a family. He honored my mother and they honored each other, and I think that's kind of being lost so what we're trying to do is restore that role of fathers and father figures and build them up and let them know how important their role is through basketball," Houston said.

Each session will begin with a focus on each one of the components of F.I.S.L.L., followed by time to hit the courts and play basketball.

After speaking and a brief prayer, Houston hit court, warming up with the kids and going over shooting drills.

"Every young man or man at some point wants to be a good father figure or a dad and sometimes circumstances change for different people and we want them to be more effective in that role," Houston said.

Norwalker Robbie Robinson, 15, was on hand with his uncle and said he's excited about the program. "It seems good so far. Basketball can help a lot. You usually don't see players like him come to Norwalk, so it's a good thing."

Houston said the experience is one he enjoys immensely.

"I love it. I get to share what my father did for me. What coaches have been able to do for me. At the end of the day, I feel like you want to do what your purpose in life is. You want to fulfill that God-given calling and I've always felt that basketball has been just a tool or a platform for me to do bigger things."

Because of his role on the Knicks, Houston was heavily involved in their much chronicled free agent process. He said Knicks fans should be confident with what they have added to the team -- power forward Amar'e Stoudemire and a trio of youngsters from the Golden State Warriors that came in a trade for David Lee.

"I love what happened this summer. I've been very fortunate to have Donnie and the rest of our staff trust me and all of us. It's a good time," Houston said. "What Donnie has done is a great job of allowing us to be in this position this summer and to continue to build and not just say well we did this and now let's see what happens," Houston said. "The last 10 years have been frightening for a lot of Knicks fans, and now people are excited and I'm fortunate to be a part of it."