What a difference a year made for superstar center Amaré Stoudemire.

In the summer of 2006, the former NBA Rookie of the Year was mired in the most frustrating offseason of his young career. After playing in just three games during the regular season following microfracture surgery on his knee, new setbacks due to swelling and inflammation meant being shut down yet again.

But after averaging 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during the 2006-07 season, the pendulum has finally swung back in favor of Stoudemire.

As soon as the season concluded, word circulated around the organization that he was already in the gym and training relentlessly.

When asked what led him to take such a short respite before getting back to work, Stoudemire answered with one word.

“Motivation.”

After the way the playoffs ended, no further explanation was needed. But how did he channel his motivation? USA Basketball practices, four-a-day workouts, history classes at ASU and even Pilates were just the beginning.

“I can’t stop playing basketball," Stoudemire said. "I can’t stop lifting weights. I want my body to be shredded and my game on point.”

Looking lean and limber, Stoudemire credits his eating and exercise habits for his sleek new frame.

“Chicken, fish and turkey," he added. "I think that keeps me very lean. A lot of people are saying that I lost weight, but I haven’t. I’m still 245. But I’m chiseled.”

For five weeks, Stoudemire maintained a grueling training regimen that began with weight lifting in the morning, individual skill development in the afternoon, Pilates in the early evening and pro-am league games at night. He followed this program five days a week, allowing his body the weekends to recuperate.

When running through basketball drills, the 24-year old didn’t just concentrate on developing one pet move. Instead, he took a comprehensive approach in hopes of sculpting a more well-rounded game. Ballhandling, off-the-dribble shooting and 3-point shooting were just some of the areas he targeted.

In addition to everything he has done individually, the All-NBA forward traveled to Las Vegas to practice with USA Basketball. Convinced that the team is more focused and ready for international competition this time around, Stoudemire predicts nothing but success in the FIBA America Tournament later this month.

He also believes that he can serve the team in a unique manner.

“There is no other center in the league that can play on the wing," he said. "That’s the benefit I bring to the USA team.”

For the 2007-08 season, Stoudemire has set his sights anywhere but low.

“Wouldn’t it be great to win a gold medal and a world championship?” STAT said. “Those are my two all-time goals. To be able to have that by the age of 25, that would be huge.”

By judging how ferociously he has pursued those goals, they don’t seem so far out of reach.