Garret Siler is staying close to home.
The former Augusta State All-American center announced Tuesday night his decision to attend the Atlanta Hawks' veteran camp in late September.
He said he expected to sign the paperwork later this week.
Siler also had an offer from Minnesota, but the Timberwolves signed 7-foot center Ryan Hollins, a restricted free agent from the Dallas Mavericks. Shortly after learning the news, Siler's agent, Lance Young, fielded a call from Atlanta. The Hawks offered Siler an opportunity to come up a few weeks early in advance of their training camp.
"It's a lot easier to focus on your prayers," Siler said about now having just one team on his radar.
Young joked with Siler about slipping Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson $50 at the Hawks' minicamp two weeks ago because Woodson speaks so highly of the 7-foot, 278-pound center.
"(Woodson) liked me a lot," Siler said. "The assistant general manager likes me. The regular general manager likes me.
"I guess that Southern Siler smile just kills them."
Siler continues to work on his game with former Jaguars assistant coach Lenny Carlson. Siler's also watching his diet -- Woodson told him to stay in shape.
Siler said he expects to head to Atlanta around Sept. 12. He said he believes he'll compete with about 20 players for a roster spot.
"I'm going to come ready to go to work," he said.
Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.
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i know you can make it garry!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Garret!!!! I'm glad things are coming together for you. Can't wait to see you on TV as an official NBA star!!!!
Way to go G!!! We are behind you all the way!!! :))
Congrats, Garret, and good luck to you! Also, take good care of Josh and my son Neiman up there this week at Dip's Basketball Camp! They're really enjoying your presence.
So glad to hear everythings working out for ya Garrett! I went to ARC with ya and always thought u were a sweetheart! Good luck and congrats!
You can do it. You are big enough and strong. You played super against UGA with ASU, keep in mind. Anyone remember that game? ASU up by 5 with two minutes to go.
Congratulations Garret, it has been a blast watching you play the last 4 years. Good luck in the future and don't let the NBA change who you are.
I remember that game Riverman1. We (ASU) were so good and had them scared there for a while, we gave them a run. They were so scared they wouldn't play us again the following year. :))