| 29 September 2009
It was a day like no other - a Suns Media Day that gave fans genuine reasons to believe again just as October is upon us. Sure, our disappointing 2008-09 play-off miss brings to mind the old rap song lyric "Don't believe the hype", but coach Alvin Gentry can't be blamed for that. It was Terry Porter who defined the word "awkward" when he coached the Suns during the first half of last season and we paid the price.
No, Gentry has already shown us a talent for true Suns basketball. Just close your eyes and reminisce for a minute about the Suns late season revival in March and April as they tried to land a play-off berth and you will know what I mean. 
If you need more evidence of Gentry's commitment to playing rapid fire "Take It To The Hoop Ball", just look at his decision to add Amar'e Stoudemire to the list of team captains - the first time he has held that honor as part of a trio (Stoudemire, Nash and Hill). Showing real appreciation for the central role this talented All-Star must play if the Suns are going to make a big move this year, Gentry's decision also takes an important step toward separating the 2009-10 campaign from last year's rumor-filled effort to push Amar'e aside. Steve Nash captured the mood best when he he told the press, "This year I think it is going to be much clearer as to who we are and how we are going to play."
Gentry also added some illumination of his own. "I expect Grant (Hill) and Amar'e to step up," he said.
It doesn't mean that the anti-Amar'e speculation has come to an end. No, the Associated Press story that hit the front page of www.NBA.com says Stoudemire's "position is tenuous". It also pushed the storyline that he is "expected to opt out of the final year of his contract after this season, and that could make him a candidate to be traded if the Suns aren't doing well."
Here's hoping we are play-off bound and Stoudemire's fate never becomes an issue. Let's bask in the glow of this Happy Day for as long as possible. 
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