Kori Ellis
10-14-2004, 12:24 AM
Brown will attempt to get by without Elie
Web Posted: 10/14/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA101404.11D.BKNSpursBrown.1187ba39a.html
Mario Elie often made Devin Brown stay two hours after practice. He ran him through exhausting conditioning drills. He even once "fired" Brown after he arrived late for a pregame workout.
So when Elie left his assistant coaching job with the Spurs this summer for a position with Golden State?
Brown was disappointed, not relieved.
"All of my success last year was because of him," Brown said. "He was always in my ear saying, 'Be ready, be ready.' I appreciate every thing he did for me."
Elie served as Brown's mentor last season, pushing him when he needed to be pushed, encouraging him when he needed support. Like Brown, Elie first played in the minor leagues before joining the NBA. His advice: Learn how to make shots.
Brown's shooting gradually improved. By the end of the season he had developed into a regular contributor in the rotation. During the Spurs' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, he was the team's most consistent player.
Brown said he hasn't forgotten what he learned from Elie, who was recruited by his good friend, Chris Mullin, to join the staff of new Warriors coach Mike Montgomery. Brown played on both of the Spurs' summer-league teams, then became a regular at the team's practice facility during informal workouts.
"I can feel proud of what I did last year," Brown said, "but I know it's an everyday process. I can't relax."
Despite his success last season, Brown knows his minutes this season aren't guaranteed. The team re-signed Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen and added Brent Barry and Beno Udrih.
To make himself more valuable, Brown worked to improve his 3-point shooting during the summer.
"There were times last year when I got caught going to the basket when I should have been out on the 3-point line," Brown said. "I know it's going to be key that I knock some of those down this year."
With Elie gone, former Spurs forward Monty Williams will help work with Brown this season.
Said Brown: "I still have someone that is going to be watching over me."
Day off: The Spurs did not practice Wednesday. They will work out this morning before flying to New York. They begin their exhibition season Saturday afternoon when they play New York at Madison Square Garden.
Web Posted: 10/14/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA101404.11D.BKNSpursBrown.1187ba39a.html
Mario Elie often made Devin Brown stay two hours after practice. He ran him through exhausting conditioning drills. He even once "fired" Brown after he arrived late for a pregame workout.
So when Elie left his assistant coaching job with the Spurs this summer for a position with Golden State?
Brown was disappointed, not relieved.
"All of my success last year was because of him," Brown said. "He was always in my ear saying, 'Be ready, be ready.' I appreciate every thing he did for me."
Elie served as Brown's mentor last season, pushing him when he needed to be pushed, encouraging him when he needed support. Like Brown, Elie first played in the minor leagues before joining the NBA. His advice: Learn how to make shots.
Brown's shooting gradually improved. By the end of the season he had developed into a regular contributor in the rotation. During the Spurs' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, he was the team's most consistent player.
Brown said he hasn't forgotten what he learned from Elie, who was recruited by his good friend, Chris Mullin, to join the staff of new Warriors coach Mike Montgomery. Brown played on both of the Spurs' summer-league teams, then became a regular at the team's practice facility during informal workouts.
"I can feel proud of what I did last year," Brown said, "but I know it's an everyday process. I can't relax."
Despite his success last season, Brown knows his minutes this season aren't guaranteed. The team re-signed Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen and added Brent Barry and Beno Udrih.
To make himself more valuable, Brown worked to improve his 3-point shooting during the summer.
"There were times last year when I got caught going to the basket when I should have been out on the 3-point line," Brown said. "I know it's going to be key that I knock some of those down this year."
With Elie gone, former Spurs forward Monty Williams will help work with Brown this season.
Said Brown: "I still have someone that is going to be watching over me."
Day off: The Spurs did not practice Wednesday. They will work out this morning before flying to New York. They begin their exhibition season Saturday afternoon when they play New York at Madison Square Garden.