duncan228
10-26-2009, 11:11 PM
Spurs notebook: Popovich trims beard, lengthens practice time (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_notebook_Popovich_trims_beard_lengthens_prac tice_time.html)
Mike Monroe
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich threw a couple of changes at his club Monday, starting practice at 4p.m. and showing up clean-shaven after sporting a full beard for more than a year.
It was the first afternoon practice any of the Spurs could recall, but Popovich shrugged off any significance, other than changing the routine a bit as the regular-season opener approaches.
“Probably for most of the guys, it is different, but I like it,” said Manu Ginobili, who explained that most practice sessions during his seven pro seasons in Argentina and Europe were held in the afternoon. “Actually, I think I'm more awake, so I get a better workout.”
Monday's session lasted three hours. By unofficial timing, it was the longest single session since training camp began Sept. 29.
“We had some film and some discussion along with getting out on the court and trying to finalize some things,” Popovich said. “You get down to game time, and there are about 97 things you know you didn't do, but you can't get them all in there. You try to pick the ones you want to get in for the beginning of the season.”
When it came to Popovich's decision to shave off his beard, Spurs players said they were surprised to see the new-old look.
“We didn't know,” said point guard Tony Parker. “It was a surprise.”
“He looks a little weird without it,” said Ginobili, who started training camp clean-shaven but hasn't shaved since. “Me, I let mine grow for a month, then shave it, then let it go again.
“It's not about style for me. I'm just lazy.”
Blair back: DeJuan Blair, the rookie from Pittsburgh who was the Spurs' No. 2 scorer in seven preseason games, was back on the court for the entire practice after sitting out Sunday's workout to heal a bruised tailbone.
Blair suffered the injury in Friday's preseason finale against the Pacers in Bloomington, Ind.
Roster set: The Spurs were one of 18 teams to keep the maximum 15 players on their opening-night rosters.
Teams also were required to send the league projected inactive lists for opening night, with the Spurs listing guard Malik Hairston, forward Marcus Haislip and forward-center Ian Mahinmi.
Mike Monroe
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich threw a couple of changes at his club Monday, starting practice at 4p.m. and showing up clean-shaven after sporting a full beard for more than a year.
It was the first afternoon practice any of the Spurs could recall, but Popovich shrugged off any significance, other than changing the routine a bit as the regular-season opener approaches.
“Probably for most of the guys, it is different, but I like it,” said Manu Ginobili, who explained that most practice sessions during his seven pro seasons in Argentina and Europe were held in the afternoon. “Actually, I think I'm more awake, so I get a better workout.”
Monday's session lasted three hours. By unofficial timing, it was the longest single session since training camp began Sept. 29.
“We had some film and some discussion along with getting out on the court and trying to finalize some things,” Popovich said. “You get down to game time, and there are about 97 things you know you didn't do, but you can't get them all in there. You try to pick the ones you want to get in for the beginning of the season.”
When it came to Popovich's decision to shave off his beard, Spurs players said they were surprised to see the new-old look.
“We didn't know,” said point guard Tony Parker. “It was a surprise.”
“He looks a little weird without it,” said Ginobili, who started training camp clean-shaven but hasn't shaved since. “Me, I let mine grow for a month, then shave it, then let it go again.
“It's not about style for me. I'm just lazy.”
Blair back: DeJuan Blair, the rookie from Pittsburgh who was the Spurs' No. 2 scorer in seven preseason games, was back on the court for the entire practice after sitting out Sunday's workout to heal a bruised tailbone.
Blair suffered the injury in Friday's preseason finale against the Pacers in Bloomington, Ind.
Roster set: The Spurs were one of 18 teams to keep the maximum 15 players on their opening-night rosters.
Teams also were required to send the league projected inactive lists for opening night, with the Spurs listing guard Malik Hairston, forward Marcus Haislip and forward-center Ian Mahinmi.