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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Jon Horford: Healed, Bigger, and Stronger


Almost six months ago an aspiring sophomore was gaining the attention of Division I programs on every level and then it happened. A routine rebound resulted into a freak accident that left the 6'8 forward lying on the ground wriggling in pain and grasping his dislocated left knee.

Today, Jon Horford is a junior at Grand Ledge High School in Michigan and on pace to become the player he envisioned before the injury ended his summer. He's bigger, stronger, more skilled, and determined to help his high school team win.

"Winning and improving are my goals," the 6'9" Horford told Inside Prep Sports Tuesday night.

One of the big contests that Grand Ledge faces early is a match up in the Meijer Holiday Classic against one of Michigan's premier programs, Detroit Country Day, on December 27th at Michigan State's Breslin Center. Country Day features a senior front court of 6'11" Da'Shonte Riley (Georgetown), 6'9" Donnavan Kirk (Miami, FL.), and 6'5" Jordan Dumars (South Florida). He also has two games against Lansing Eastern who features sophomore sensation, LaDontae Henton

While Horford's injury kept him from competing on the court he's put plenty of time in the weight room as he's bench-pressing 200 pounds and has gained weight in the last year. He has also spent time improving his ball-handling skills, passing, and his shot is becoming more consistent from the perimeter.

He admitted that his right quadriceps is slightly bigger than his left but he expects to be "100%" when the high school season starts in less than a month.

He's also received plenty of encouragement from older brother Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks) who tells him, "Keep working on your game. Do a little bit of everything. 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks." Jon talks with the second year NBA player five times a week and Jon is excited about the Hawks 5-0 record to start the season.

The Grand Ledge junior has offers from the University of Detroit-Mercy and the University of Miami (FL.). He also mentioned that Memphis, UCLA, Big Ten schools, Kentucky, and Florida are also interested. His brother's Alma Mater Florida is in his "Top Five."

Stay tuned as Inside Prep Sports checks in with Horford and others throughout the season.

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