The Atlanta Hawks presented forward/center Mike Muscala with the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy prior to tonight’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. The award, named after the late Hawks center who passed away in 2005, is presented to the player who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off the court as a community ambassador.
During the 2015-16 season, Muscala has been an active participant in a number of community events. In September, the third-year big man represented the team at the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s dedication of a new Learn & Play space at Pittman Park. While at the dedication, he spoke to youth who frequently visit the center about the importance of education, and engaged in friendly basketball and video game competitions.
A regular supporter of the Jr. Hawks program for youth basketball, Muscala attended the unveiling of renovated basketball courts at Atlanta’s Grant Park in December. At the court unveiling, he led players through instructional drills before signing autographs and posing for pictures. In January, Muscala attended the 2nd Annual Jr. Hawks MLK Classic Presented by Georgia Power on behalf of the organization, and toured the Center for Civil & Human Rights with participating youth.
In addition to group events, Muscala hosted a number of personally-directed community efforts this past holiday season. He spearheaded a “Pay Away the Layaway” initiative where he assisted families by paying off their remaining layaway balances. He also surprised patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with gifts with team mascot Harry the Hawk during a December visit.
This is the 11th year the Hawks have awarded the trophy. Past recipients include: Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07), Marvin Williams (2007-08 and 2010-11), Al Horford (2008-09), Josh Smith (2009-10), Zaza Pachulia (2011-12), Devin Harris (2012-13), Kyle Korver (2013-14) and DeMarre Carroll (2014-15).
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