I managed to get down to the RAC last night to check out the annual Court Club open practice. Overall, it was a great event, made even better by the presence of a ton of former players. I spotted Austin Johnson, Greg Lewis, Marquis Webb, Kareem Wright, Rashod Kent (my all-time fave Knight), Mike Sherrod, Jerome Coleman, JR Inman, and a bunch more.
As for practice, it was "knight and day" different from previous years. Practice was very organized and it appeared as though we have the largest staff we've ever had. All the coaches were wearing the same warm-ups, which I thought was interesting. The start of practice had each position group broken up being coached by one or more of the assistants. It looks like there's a concerted effort to have our bigs able to finish with both hands and constantly be rebounding.
After working up a sweat, the whole team went to stretch under the supervision of our new S&C coach. Health is very important to this staff and Coach said that we were the most unhealthy team in the country last year and that was simply unacceptable.
Coach also mentioned that music was an important part of practice now and that the leading rebounder from the previous practice got to choose the music. He also mentioned the only two things the kids cared about these days was music and their phone. So, if they don't rebound and play defense, he wishes he could take their phones away.
The main part of practice was spend doing situational drills. For one drill we watched, Coach would let the team know if we needed a 2 or 3. This team is super athletic. I can't believe the ups that Nigel has. I think we'll see a lot of our guards taking it to the rim.
Shooting obviously still remains our weakness, but there are some bright spots. The best shooter on the team is Thiam. Mike Williams continues to look streaky. And, Freeman looks like he's improved his shot and extended his range. He also looks like he's slimmed down a bit since last year. Doorson looks great and I'd expect a few monster dunks from him. I also think we'll see him become a presence on the defensive end.
Of the newcomers, it looked like Thiam and Bullock will be a big part of the rotation. Thiam though a little skinny seems to have amazing composure. The game looks like it comes easy to him. I think we're really in for a treat with him. Bullock looks like he's the type of player that will get scrappy and do the little things that might not necessarily show up in the stat sheet, but will make the team better. Getty's just comes across as someone who loves playing basketball. He's not great in any one facet, but he's good in all. I was talking to Corey and he told me that Gettys is a very good passer and a great teammate. I didn't see Eugene at practice. It's possible he was there, but I don't remember seeing him do too much. Sa looks like he'll be versatile.
After practice I spoke to a few of the players and coach. Coach was raving about Thiam. He said he's the best shooter on the team, a gym rate, and a great young man.
Long story short, this staff emphasizes teaching, fundamentals, and basketball IQ during practice. I feel very confident that we'll see a more fundamentally sound team that will have fun and play smart. I don't know how it will equate to victories, but I expect we'll win some games we aren't expected to.
As for practice, it was "knight and day" different from previous years. Practice was very organized and it appeared as though we have the largest staff we've ever had. All the coaches were wearing the same warm-ups, which I thought was interesting. The start of practice had each position group broken up being coached by one or more of the assistants. It looks like there's a concerted effort to have our bigs able to finish with both hands and constantly be rebounding.
After working up a sweat, the whole team went to stretch under the supervision of our new S&C coach. Health is very important to this staff and Coach said that we were the most unhealthy team in the country last year and that was simply unacceptable.
Coach also mentioned that music was an important part of practice now and that the leading rebounder from the previous practice got to choose the music. He also mentioned the only two things the kids cared about these days was music and their phone. So, if they don't rebound and play defense, he wishes he could take their phones away.
The main part of practice was spend doing situational drills. For one drill we watched, Coach would let the team know if we needed a 2 or 3. This team is super athletic. I can't believe the ups that Nigel has. I think we'll see a lot of our guards taking it to the rim.
Shooting obviously still remains our weakness, but there are some bright spots. The best shooter on the team is Thiam. Mike Williams continues to look streaky. And, Freeman looks like he's improved his shot and extended his range. He also looks like he's slimmed down a bit since last year. Doorson looks great and I'd expect a few monster dunks from him. I also think we'll see him become a presence on the defensive end.
Of the newcomers, it looked like Thiam and Bullock will be a big part of the rotation. Thiam though a little skinny seems to have amazing composure. The game looks like it comes easy to him. I think we're really in for a treat with him. Bullock looks like he's the type of player that will get scrappy and do the little things that might not necessarily show up in the stat sheet, but will make the team better. Getty's just comes across as someone who loves playing basketball. He's not great in any one facet, but he's good in all. I was talking to Corey and he told me that Gettys is a very good passer and a great teammate. I didn't see Eugene at practice. It's possible he was there, but I don't remember seeing him do too much. Sa looks like he'll be versatile.
After practice I spoke to a few of the players and coach. Coach was raving about Thiam. He said he's the best shooter on the team, a gym rate, and a great young man.
Long story short, this staff emphasizes teaching, fundamentals, and basketball IQ during practice. I feel very confident that we'll see a more fundamentally sound team that will have fun and play smart. I don't know how it will equate to victories, but I expect we'll win some games we aren't expected to.
