March 12, 2015 6:36 am Allan Houston, Bro of the Month, Knick Legend, Incredible Father & Husband
A star basketball player in high school and at the University of Tennessee where his father coached, Allan was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Pistons in 1993, and signed with the Knicks as a free agent in 1996. In the 1999 Eastern Conference Championship quarterfinals, Allan made the crucial shot at the buzzer in the decisive 5th game of the series to beat the Miami Heat. It was the first series in which a #8 seed defeated the #1 seed; the Knicks went on to reach the NBA Finals.
In the 2000 Summer Olympics, Allan played for the U.S. team and won a gold medal. After retiring as a player, Allan became the Assistant General Manager of the Knicks and the General Manager for the Knicks’ NBA Development team, the Westchester Knicks.
Allan and his wife Tamara (Mom of the Week in November 2013) have seven children: Remie, Allan III, Rowan, Jade, Jody, Truth and Asher. Their belief in the importance of fatherhood and family led to the formation of the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, which provides original programs in fatherhood and entrepreneurship. The Foundation is dedicated to restoring a strong family unit and providing economic empowerment through education, life skills and entrepreneurial assistance.
Allan was kind enough to give us an interview…
You’ve had a great life so far. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I try not to think of ‘accomplishments’ because God has blessed me with so many people to help me and be with me on my journey. I’m still growing and trying to be the best I can for what I’m called to do. I’m thankful for the fundamentals and patterns of thinking that I’ve been given through my wife, parents, and people along the way. Of these, the principles of Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy are measures that I evaluate myself on. I’m grateful to have been married to my wife for 18 years, have 7 amazing children, have played & worked in the world’s most famous arena, been to NBA Finals, received a gold medal and have a great team of people who agree that the foundation of family and community are extremely important for our youth.
What qualities do you admire in a father?
One who imparts faith and vision into the family, one who works hard and sets a sound moral example, one who places a high priority on quality time with family, one who teaches and values integrity and ethics in family.
Besides basketball, what other sports do you enjoy?
I play golf and table tennis. I love watching football, track, and thoroughbred racing.
When do you think the Knicks will return to the NBA Playoffs?
I believe wholeheartedly in Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher to help lead the Knicks into an era and culture of a Championship mindset.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms?
ANYWHERE MY WIFE WANTS.