ATL AM: Atlanta Sports News 5/18

Mar 27, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Hawks beat the Raptors 107-88. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning and happy Saturday everyone. I hope you have some fun stuff planned for the weekend, and if you’re just sitting around on your computer, then here is the latest news from the Atlanta sports world.

NBA.com–Micah Hart and Brandon Leak review the Hawks season in their latest podcast:

"Join Hawks.com’s Micah Hart and “Hometeam” Brandon Leak as they discuss the latest news surrounding the franchise."

AtlantaFalcons.com–Jay Adams writes that the Falcons have signed four of their draft picks from this year:

"The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed defensive end Malliciah Goodman, defensive endStansly Maponga, safety Kemal Ishmael, and safety Zeke Motta. The terms of the deals were not disclosed.Goodman, 6-4, 276 pounds, was selected by the Falcons as the first of two fourth round draft picks (127th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft. He started 28 of 54 career games at Clemson, including each of his final 27 appearances, recording 127 tackles (70 solo) with 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, three passes defensed and one fumble recovery."

AtlantaFalcons.com–Adams also writes about the promotion of Mark Olson to their National Scout:

"“Mark is an integral member of the leadership of our scouting department,” stated General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “His tireless work ethic and passion for his job is admirable. We are pleased that Mark will continue to be a vital part of our personnel department in his expanded role as our national scout.”Olson originally joined the Falcons in 1998 as a Scouting Assistant. His past experience has included stints with the Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, and Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Journalism and earned his Masters degree in Sports Management from the University of Minnesota in 1997."

AJC–Chris Vivlamore writes about the interviews of Stan Van Gundy and Mike Budenholzer for the open Hawks coaching job:

"The Hawks have interviewed Stan Van Gundy and Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer for their yet-to-be vacant head coach position. Each has previously been described as a candidate for the position held by Larry Drew until June 30 when his contract expires. However the AJC has learned that Van Gundy and Budenholzer have been interviewed by general manager Danny Ferry.That brings to three the number of candidates who have been interviewed for the position. As previously reported, they have also spoken to Nate McMillan."

AJC–Ken Sugiura wonders if the ACC is actually the best basketball conference in the history of college basketball, and what the ramifications of that could be for Georgia Tech:

"What does having arguably the best basketball conference in history mean? First, it’s a line I am sure each coach in the league will be repeating often in the living rooms of recruits. Second, coaches of teams on the bubble will be bringing it up at the end of the regular season.“We’re the conference that’s going to be getting 10 bids to the NCAA tournament,” Gregory said. “That’s something that we need to utilize on every turn because it is so unique.”For Tech, it means the Jackets have some serious paddling to do."

Well, that’s all for links today, but there is plenty more content to come today on the site, including a piece on Justin Upton’s MVP campaign. Be sure to check back for it and have a great weekend everyone!