Lightning Lou Strikes a Cord in Phoenix
Posted: April 15, 2009
It was fitting that a player that fans have come to know as “Lightning Lou” wins an award named after “Thunder Dan.”
Louis Amundson, a player that toiled in basketball obscurity the last two seasons, burst onto the scene in Phoenix this season, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Known for his effort, athleticism and energy, Amundson was honored with the Dan Majerle Hustle Award on Wednesday before the tip-off of the Suns-Warriors game.
When the second-year Suns forward first arrived in Phoenix, few outside the inner-circles of professional basketball even knew his name. Now, the entire city of Phoenix chants it when the 6-9 forward enters the game.
It has been a breakthrough year Amundson, who only appeared in 27 NBA games since coming out of UNLV in 2006. The former Running Rebel gained the attention of the Suns front office after an impressive showing at the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League.
Early in the season Amundson received limited minutes, but would thrive in those short spurts despite being ice-cold. While most players take time to warm up, Amundson would come off the bench with an uncommon spring.
When no one was talking about Amundson’s play at that time, then-assistant coach Alvin Gentry could be heard praising the reserve for his attitude and athleticism. The current Suns Head Coach would remark about how Amundson could end up having a 10-year career based on what he
brings to the table.
“I’ve always had that mindset and I’ve always felt that I could do it given the chance,” Amundson said.” I got the minutes and I got some coaches that had some confidence in me early, they appreciated what I did out there and that was the difference.”
Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr also has appreciated Amundson’s ability to make the most of his opportunities.
“There’s a mentality that role players have to have in that the coach has to know what he’s going to get from you every night, whether it is two minutes, or 10 minutes or 20 minutes,” Kerr said. “That’s what’s been so great about Lou. We know he’s bringing energy and effort every single night.”
The lively forward went from averaging 1.1 points 0.8 rebounds and 0.1 blocks in four minutes a game last year to averaging 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks a game on 54 percent shooting in 13.7 minutes a night this season.
Amundson is nearly equally as active on the offense glass as he is on the defensive glass. He is averaging 1.7 offensive rebounds compared to 1.9 defensive rebounds. He currently ranks third in the league in offensive rebounds per minute, attributing his rebounding prowess to his energy.
“That’s my game that’s how I’m effective and I recognize that,” he said. “With me I don’t have to get myself up for the game. I don’t have to psych myself up or drink a Red Bull.
“I just love playing and I’m having fun out there. I’m excited to be out there and a lot of my energy comes with that.”
The most underrated aspect of Amundson’s game might be his shot-blocking ability. With deceptive jumping ability and the penchant for getting off the floor quickly, Lou ranks ninth in the Association in swats per minute.
“I think he’s a much better shot-blocker than people anticipate,” Gentry said. “I think he can catch them a little off-guard and he ends up blocking shots.”
Much of Amundson’s improvement can be tied to his tireless work ethic. Every day after practice one can find him working with assistant coaches Majerle and Igor Kokoscov on his skills. On game days, he’ll participate in shootaround, stick around for individual work, fit in some light weightlifting, go through drills before the game and then play in the game for 20 minutes.
Amundson followed that grueling schedule for months. However, he looked at it as something that he had to become accustomed to in his attempt to earn more playing time.
As a bench player in Philadelphia, instead of taking the team bus to the arena before the game with everyone else, Amundson would hail a cab to the arena to get in some extra practice.
“Doing all that extra work and knowing that you’re not going to get into the game - knowing that you’re not going to get any minutes - that was difficult mentally,” Amundson said. “The easy part is playing, working on my game and lifting weights. There’s nothing hard about that.”
For “Lightning Lou” (the nickname Shaq gave him), this season felt like his true rookie season. After only playing in 64 minutes and shuttling back and forth from the D-League last season, Amundson appreciates the routine of training every day with the same players and same coaching staff.
The daily work with Majerle and Kokoscov has obviously paid dividends on the court. In his NBA coming-out party, Amundson registered 20 points, 10 boards and four blocks on 9-for-11 shooting in a win over the Raptors on February 26 for the only double-double of his career.
“Igor is really great and Dan has been good from the mental standpoint,” Amundson said. “I feel like I can talk to Dan about the mental side of the game while Igor is always ready to get shots up or run me through a new drill. Just to have resources like that when you know you can always get work in is a good feeling.”
The namesake of this hustle award knows the value of what Amundson brings to the table. The young forward credits Majerle with providing him with helpful hints that have provided tangible results out on the court. Whether it is a subtle mental tip or something technical, Amundson has tried to soak all of it in for the former All-Star.
When he was growing up in Boulder, CO, Amundson used to look up to Majerle. In fact, he’ss such a fan of Majerle, that he created a little rap for Ring of Honor Member.
“I was a fan Thunder Dan with the nice tan,” he rhymed. “He was the man.”
The fanfare seems to be mutual, with Majerle praising Amundson for his development as a player.
“Lou has come a long way,” Majerle said. “In this league you have to keep trying to get better and better which he tries to do, while not forgetting that the hustle and hard work has gotten you to where you are.”
“Thunder Dan” believes that “Lightning Lou” and his effort epitomize the spirit of the Majerle Hustle Award.
“Lou has persevered and has been through the trials and tribulations during his NBA career,” Majerle said. “So he’s more than well-deserving of this award.”
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