with HULIO
The Atlanta Celtics have long been one of the top AAU Programs in the country but when their legendary coach and co-founder Wallace Prather Sr. passed away a few years ago most people wondered if that would spell the end of the programs dominance. Well like most legendary figures Prather was passing on his knowledge to a young man who was like his side-kick; that man was Corey “Hulio” Smith.

I was able to catch-up with Hulio for a little Street Talk and we disgust some of the things Wallace taught him and the state of the Atlanta Celtics program.

Larry: Hulio, it has been almost 5 years since Coach Prather passed away; how much did that affect you?

Hulio: It affected me very much because he was a mentor and like a father figure to me. Let me go on record saying that it will never be another Wallace Prather but I’m thankful for the road that he paved for me.

Larry: Of the things that he taught you what sticks with you the most?

Hulio: That no matter how difficult a situation seems that it’ll always work itself out.

Larry: The Atlanta Celtics Program has such a rich tradition of basketball excellence, how have you been able to maintain that?

Hulio: The path was already made so I’m just following suit. It’s a total team effort and I have a great group of guys that make my job very easy.

Larry: Was the team that had Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Randolph Morris, Dwayne Day etc the best Celtics team of all, if not which team was the best?

Hulio: NO!!!!, most talented, long-term potential, but not the best. I think the team with Jonathan Hargett, B.J. Elder, Ismail Mohammad, was the best.

Larry: Do you still coach the Celtics as much as you use too?

Hulio: Never, every team kicks me off of their bench. lol

Larry: Besides the Wallace Prather Memorial Tournament what other tournaments do you feel are the best as far as competition and exposure?

Hulio: Real Deal in the Rock, Bob Gibbons, all of the live events in July.

Larry: When I would see a player, playing for the Celtics that I had never heard of before, Coach Prather would always tell me that you can only find players like that if you are out shaking the bushes. What did he mean?

Hulio: Wallace was a trooper and he would beat these streets up and down the highways and back roads looking for talent.

Larry: How does it make you feel when you see your former players doing so well at the different levels of life (not just hoops) after they leave the Celtics?

Hulio: Wonderful! People glorify the NBA guys but we also have Lawyers, Accountants, and Ivy League guys.

Larry: Do you think that taking away camps like the Adidas All-American, ABCD and the Nike All-American camp was good for the game?

Hulio: I think that each kid should have the right to showcase his/her personal skills. It’s America, so I’d rather have the camps back.

Larry: Do you have any aspirations to coach or scout at the college level?

Hulio: No, I was a volunteer at City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation for 5 years and worked there for 7, so I get my satisfaction out of helping younger kids.

Larry: Ok Hulio, I’ve taken it a little easy on the questions up to now but you know how we do on Street Talk, so from here on in let’s keep it real with the UN-KUT version of HULIO.

HULIO UN-KUT

Larry: When the Celtics walk into a gym, tournament etc., are all eyes on you guys?

Hulio: You already know. You can hear the whispers running through the gym, CELTICS are in the building. We represent Atlanta! We RUN Atlanta!

Larry: Have other Georgia AAU programs like the GA Stars, World Wide, Team Georgia Elite etc. taken some of the juice away from the Celtics or are you guys still the best?

Hulio: Just in the last 6 years, 6 McDonalds All-Americans, 5 NBA players, 2 Naismith National POY, just to name a few accolades. So to answer your question: Men lie, Women lie but the Numbers don’t, DO THE MATH……………………….

Larry: Now, that’s UN-KUT, talk to em’ Hulio (lol)

Larry: The last year you had that team with Josh, Dwight and Dwayne did you know without a doubt that when they hit the floor that they were pretty much unstoppable if they brought their “A” Game?

Hulio: Oh, when they came with it they were a problem. I remember in Vegas they were so focused that every team they played was at their mercy.

Larry: From all of the Celtic players you’ve had, give me your starting five and two reserves. Hey I know some feelings may be hurt but I’ve never known the Celtics to do anything but put the best 5 on the floor?

Hulio: Jonathan Hargett, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Dion Glover, Donell Harvey--------------- Javarus Crittenton and Derrick Favors

Larry: What would you be doing now if you weren’t involved with the Celtics?

Hulio: Who knows, right now I’m just happy following gods plan.

Larry: Now when I see you out at a game you kind of have that little GQ thing going on, should I tell Gary Charles that there is a new a Dapper Don on the AAU circuit (lol)?

Hulio: Nooooooooooo, I gotta grow up a lil more and upgrade my suit game to mess with Gary.

Larry: One last question, who is the better baller you or Coach Nard (lol), I’ve seen Nard roll so I don’t know; can you take him?

Hulio: Me, all day. I’m the best shooter in the program, hands down.

Larry: Hulio, thanks for taking the time to be on Street Talk, would you like to give a shout-out to anyone?

Hulio: The Celtics Family!!!!!, without you there would be no me, it takes everyone of us to make this machine work. THE DYNASTY CONTINUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!