Spurs Brazil
10-29-2007, 05:02 PM
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2007/10/jeff_mcdonald_t_4.html
Jeff McDonald: Things are getting serious
A sure sign that the regular season is just around the corner for the Spurs: After practice let out Monday afternoon, three players least likely to need extra shooting practice hung around for it.
On one court, Tony Parker danced in an arc around the perimeter, firing up shots under the guidance of assistant coach Chip Engelland. On another, Manu Ginobili was working one-on-one with another practice hand. At a third court, Tim Duncan worked alone -- headphones plugged into his ears -- on some of his favorite shots from his favorite spots.
Duncan's solo workout was by far the most interesting. He used a fancy gadget set up under the hoop that would collect his shots and fire the ball back out to him -- sort of like a baseball pitching machine. The gizmo provided two benefits: 1) It eliminated the need for a rebounder/passer; and 2) The netting on the machine stretched so high, it forced Duncan to shoot every shot with exaggerated arc, simulating how he would have to shoot in the presence of a shot-blocker.
Parker's take on the post-practice scene: "It's just the Spurs mentality. We just work, we just try to get ready. I think it's going to be a great challenge for us this season, and we have to be ready."
The Spurs season opens Tuesday against Portland at the AT&T Center.
Jeff McDonald: Things are getting serious
A sure sign that the regular season is just around the corner for the Spurs: After practice let out Monday afternoon, three players least likely to need extra shooting practice hung around for it.
On one court, Tony Parker danced in an arc around the perimeter, firing up shots under the guidance of assistant coach Chip Engelland. On another, Manu Ginobili was working one-on-one with another practice hand. At a third court, Tim Duncan worked alone -- headphones plugged into his ears -- on some of his favorite shots from his favorite spots.
Duncan's solo workout was by far the most interesting. He used a fancy gadget set up under the hoop that would collect his shots and fire the ball back out to him -- sort of like a baseball pitching machine. The gizmo provided two benefits: 1) It eliminated the need for a rebounder/passer; and 2) The netting on the machine stretched so high, it forced Duncan to shoot every shot with exaggerated arc, simulating how he would have to shoot in the presence of a shot-blocker.
Parker's take on the post-practice scene: "It's just the Spurs mentality. We just work, we just try to get ready. I think it's going to be a great challenge for us this season, and we have to be ready."
The Spurs season opens Tuesday against Portland at the AT&T Center.