The Atlanta Hawks don't begin their potential NBA championship run until October, but that won't stop center Al Horford from staying on the court.

Horford has been donating his time back home at the Dominican Republic this week as part of the 'NBA's Basketball Without Borders' program. This is the first time the program has been in the Dominican Republic, and Horford saw this as a great chance to connect with the basketball youth of the nation.

Horford recently took the time to talk to Latin Post Sports about his basketball career.

Damon Salvadore: In December 2013 you tore your pectoral muscle and missed most of the season due to surgery. Last year you bounced back great making the All-Star team. How do you feel heading into this season?

Al Horford: I feel great going into this season. This is the first offseason in a couple years that I've been fully healthy. I've been able to work on my game, get stronger, and to add some things that a really feel that I need.

Salvadore: You grew up in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. What was it like playing basketball on the island?

Horford: Growing up here in the Dominican Republic was really fun for me playing basketball. I really enjoyed playing basketball at a young age, and it was here that I learned all the fundamentals of the game. Every time I get to play basketball it's just something I enjoy doing.

Salvadore: Your father, Tito Horford, played in the NBA for three seasons. What kind of impact did he have on your basketball career?

Horford: My Dad had a big impact on my basketball career. Watching him is what motivated me to start playing basketball and become interested in it. He always gave me good advice, even to the extent of staying in college for another year so I could refine my game and be more NBA ready. When I stepped in, I was ready to play right away. He was a big advocate of that, and that's why I did three years of college.

Salvadore: Other than your father, was there a certain NBA player you looked up to? Did you have a favorite center?

Horford: I always liked watching Shaquille O'Neal because he was such a dominant player and fun to watch. I liked Tim Duncan, which is very ironic because he is still playing and he's still playing at a very high level. Obviously Michael Jordan because he was someone we all grew up watching and admiring. Going out after his games and then you would try to do the same things he did.

Salvadore: The Hawks traded for Brazilian big man Tiago Splitter this offseason to play with you and Paul Millsap in the front court. How do you think you and Millsap will fit in with Splitter?

Horford: I feel like Splitter is going to fit in very well with Paul and I. I feel like he's a very smart player who knows how to play team basketball. Paul is a great passer who can create plays. I can pass as well. Splitter can do that too. I think we can complement each other real well.

Salvadore: The Hawks have made the playoffs every season since drafting you in 2007. What is it going to take to finally get over the hump and make it to the finals?

Horford: In order to get over the hump, I feel like we need to keep improving as a team. Last year we took a huge step making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. When we got there it was obvious that we still had a lot of work to do to get better as a team. One, we have to stay healthy. Two, we have to keep playing well as a team. We feel like we have what it takes to get to that next level, but health is what's most important.

Salvadore: The last four consecutive years you've increased your three point shots made and attempted. Is perimeter shooting something you want to focus on more going forward?

Horford: With this new system we have with Coach Bud, he's encouraged me to expand my range. So going into this season that is something I'm looking to get more comfortable with and making sure that I work on it. Maybe I can start shooting it a little more. I feel confident in it. It's something that the more I work on it, the better I feel. It's something I'm definitely trying to add to my game: being able to shoot from behind the three point line.

Salvadore: You've spent your entire career with the Hawks so far. After next season you are scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Would you like to stay in Atlanta?

Horford: I've played in Atlanta my whole career, and now I'm facing the fact that I'm going to be an unrestricted free agent. I've built my foundation and home in Atlanta, and we really like it there. We would love to continue to be with the Hawks. Obviously my focus has to be on making this team be the best that it can be and having another great season. Once that's over we'll handle that situation. But for now, my focus is to be the best that I can for the Hawks this season.

Salvadore: In 2011 you represented the Dominican Republic in the FIBA Americas Championship winning a bronze medal. You've already said you won't play in the 2015 tournament, but would you like to compete again in the future?

Horford: I have competed in FIBA Americas and FIBA basketball tournaments before representing the Dominican Republic, and it's something this year I'm not doing. I will definitely be open to it in the future as far as helping the Dominican Republic reach new heights. It's something that can happen in the future if everything works out.

Salvadore: You have the most points, rebounds, blocks, assists and free throws made in NBA history by any player born in the Dominican Republic. What does that mean to you to know that you're the most successful basketball player from Dominican Republic?

Horford: I think it's good. The fact that I'm a Dominican player in the NBA, and I can come right in and have an impact and do some special things. More than anything I don't look so much at my individual statistical category, I look at what kind of impact I'm having in the league. It's about winning, and I want to be recognized for a guy that is a competitor and helps his team win. The goal is always to win an NBA Championship, and that's something I strive for and will keep on working hard to get. I'm very proud to be one of the few Dominican players who is playing and at a high level.

A few photos from Basketball Without Borders in the Dominican Republic:

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Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1