Plus, Kirilenko knows he can be the source of good when not playing basketball in a Jazz uniform. He uses his fame and influence to help others in need, especially youngsters. He visits sick children in the hospital, makes appearances to encourage kids to read and recently started a charitable foundation — Kirilenko's Kids.

Kirilenko asked Jazz fans to bring new or "gently used" clothes, toys and other essential goods for babies through children 16 years of age to the March 1 game against the Pistons. The many items donated were then sent to his homeland of Russia to help less-fortunate children.

"It's a very bad situation over there (in Russia)," Kirilenko said prior to the donation night at the Delta Center. "They need everything . . . I have something and I need to share, because I think there's a lot of kids who need it much more than me . . . I have the opportunity to use my name for help(ing) them."

Indeed, Kirilenko had a great month of March both on and off the basketball court.

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Andrei Kirilenko

6-feet-9, 225 lbs.

forward

Born: Russia

Current residence: Salt Lake City

March highlights

• helped the Jazz go 9-6 during month to remain in the middle of a playoff race
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• had 19 points, seven blocks, seven assists, eight rebounds and four steals during a March 23 win over the Wizards

• was 8-for-11 from the field with 20 points and 15 boards in a March 10 win over the Warriors

• made 29-of-29 free throws in three consecutive road games against the Raptors, Cavaliers and Hawks

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Athletes of the Month

January — Nate Harris, Utah State basketball

February — Mark Bigelow, BYU basketball

March — Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com