International Prospect: James Gist

[Obstructed_View]

A top 5 player on Milano team. That is what you meant to say dumbass.

Shut up, you stupid .

[porksword]

Wow, KBP so much hate. You need to look up in an American dictionary the term " " you will more than likely see your picture.

[Manufan909]

Wow, KBP so much hate. You need to look up in an American dictionary the term " " you will more than likely see your picture.

Why is your cat watching mer jack off!?! Not cool, dude.

[Blackjack]

An Interview with James Gist



The Spurs do things differently. We all know this is true, but it helps to stop and check the score once in awhile. One thing that sets the Spurs apart from other teams is there use of the Austin Toros and international leagues as part of their player development. “Yes, I know,” you say. “Why remind us now?”

As we’re busy thinking about the upcoming draft, let’s not forget that Marcus Williams, Malik Hairston and James Gist are better than almost any player the Spurs will draft in the second round. It may well be the case that San Antonio will add youth and athleticism to their 2009-10 roster through the fruit of their 2007 and 2008 drafts, not to mention their work through the Toros and friendship with Angelica Biella.

Last July James Gist captured the attention of Spurs Nation with his strong summer league play, and most fans would like to see a reprise this July. I had a chance to catch up with Gist last week.

TV: How was the experience of living abroad for a year?

JG: I don’t really have any crazy stories about living in Italy. For the most part, things went how I expected. When I first arrived in Italy I was a bit upset–I felt that I belonged in the NBA, not overseas. After the first couple months went by I decided to accept that fact that I’m over here and to make the best of my situation. One thing my agent, Bill Duffy, told me was that “life is like a card game at times, your not always given the best cards, but you have to play the hand your dealt. So why not make the best of it.” Around November I took that into consideration and did the best I could to make the situation positive. Looking back on the decision the Spurs and I made for myself to come overseas, I think it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. This is definitely an experience I will always remember. I am very happy that I made the decision to come to Italy for a year. I grew as a basketball player learning a lot more about the game, but, more importantly, I grew as a person.

TV: Tell me about Biella, the city and the team. From your perspective, how does the level of talent of Serie A compare to the ACC?

JG: The city of Biella fits me because I have a laid back personality and I enjoy relaxing and not always being in the limelight. Biella has about 50-60,000 residents. Everyone I meet or walk by always has a smile, they’re very nice, and say thank you for coming to Biella. The people were supportive whether we won or lost.

As far as the compe ion goes, international basketball is a lot more compe ive than the collegiate level. In college you usually have 1 or 2–if your lucky 3 good players–on your team. That’s enough to carry you to a national championship. In Europe, every person on the team makes nearly a million dollars and they have been playing together for years. Countries stand behind their hometown team. It’s bigger and the compe ion is greater.

In college when a team or player misses a defensive assignment, the opposing team may not be good enough to execute and punish the team for messing up. If you leave someone open in Europe they will punish you every time. Through my experience I feel like individually one person can’t beat a team overseas, as opposed to the States where teams usually have one go-to-guy that will carry the team the entire game. However as a team, Europe is perfect for learning how to play the game right. Knowing when to make the right passes, when to run on a fast break or slow the tempo down, who to get the ball to when the time is right, all comes in to play when you play team basketball. I think in the States we have more of an individual game, not to say that we don’t have great teams. But during NCAA games you see more isolation sets than you do overseas.

TV: Last year, you had a phenomenal summer league. You quickly became a fan favorite amongst Spurs fans–they were disappointed not to see you camp with the team. How has your game improved since then? What specific skills did you work on in Biella?

JG: I became more mature as a basketball player. I had the chance to play with and against some good veteran players. They may not have been as young or as athletic as me, but they made it work and found other ways to be effective on the court. That helped me understand how to play the game and the important things I needed to know, whether a small trick and how to effectively use technique without relying on pure athleticism. I learned how to be more physical, improved my shooting, and worked hard on being at full energy the entire time I’m on the court. But most of all, I improved my basketball IQ. I understand the game much better now than I did even a year ago.

TV: Do you plan to summer league and camp with the Spurs? If not, is a team like Maccabi in your future?

JG: My plan is to play in the NBA summer league this upcoming July, preferably with the Spurs. My overall goal is to be on an NBA team this upcoming season, again preferably the Spurs. If for some reason that does not happen then I’m sure I can play overseas.

TV: One of the things Spurs fans debate amongst themselves is whether you’re a long 3 or a high energy, small ball 4. Assuming you come to the NBA next season, what position do you think is a more natural fit?

JG: I’m a little bit of both. I have the potential to develop into a 3 offensively, but defensively I’m comfortable guarding small and power forwards, as well as some point or shooting guards if necessary. I’ve played in the post area my entire life so naturally I can play the 4, but I can see myself developing into a solid 3 man in the near future.

TV: The Spurs feature a “stretch 4″ in their offense. That is, a forward that is able to knock down threes and create space for Tim Duncan. Based on your play for Biella, it looks like you could fill that role. How does a Robert Horry type role appeal to you?

JG: Robert Horry did great things while playing in the NBA, so those are big shoes to fill. I want to come into the NBA and start my own legacy, if possible. I plan to work hard and do whatever I can to help the team I play with win games. If I work hard enough maybe I will hit game winning shots and win championships too.

TV: I was at the Draft Combine a couple weeks ago. Every player there expected to be on an NBA roster next season. Obviously, that isn’t going to happen. What advice would you give to guys who will soon find themselves in your position? That is, of being asked to play abroad for a season or two to improve their games prior to coming to the NBA. What advice might you give Greivis Vasquez?

JG: I would say that if a team suggest you do one or two years overseas, take that opportunity to learn and grow and experience new things. In the end it will pay off. Before I came over here I thought I knew everything and thought I was more grown up than I actually was. This was my first time living by myself with no family or friends nearby. I had to try and learn a new language so that I could communicate with people here, and I had to adjust to my surroundings. Now that I’ve completed my year I’m better ball player and, more importantly, a better person. As for Greivis, I wish him nothing but luck in whether he decides to stay in the draft this year or go back to Maryland. (Ed. Note: Vasquez has decided to return to school.)

Thanks for your time, James. Good luck.


http://www.48minutesof .com/2009/...th-james-gist/

[urunobili]

http://www.48minutesof .com/2009/...th-james-gist/

I posted it on the main forum too...

[Blackjack]

I posted it on the main forum too...

That's cool.

I checked, but didn't see it.

[urunobili]

That's cool.

I checked, but didn't see it.

I meant that I did it AFTER you posted it on here... so it could have a little more exposure

[Blackjack]

I meant that I did it AFTER you posted it on here... so it could have a little more exposure

Be careful with that "more exposure."

People get arrested for that sort of thing.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if gists doesnt make it on the roster next season.... fo.

gists is irreplaceable!!!

[loveforthegame]

Nice interview.

I hope he has a nice showing in the summer league and the Spurs are forced to bring him over. Even if it will be with the Toros.

[Borosai]

I hope he and the rest of the younger guys get a fair shot this year. He sounds like he's ready.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

James Gist -

"As far as the compe ion goes, international basketball is a lot more compe ive than the collegiate level. In college you usually have 1 or 2–if your lucky 3 good players–on your team. That’s enough to carry you to a national championship. In Europe, every person on the team makes nearly a million dollars and they have been playing together for years. Countries stand behind their hometown team. It’s bigger and the compe ion is greater.

In college when a team or player misses a defensive assignment, the opposing team may not be good enough to execute and punish the team for messing up. If you leave someone open in Europe they will punish you every time."


Looks like A LOT of members owes me an apology here. Especially considering the league Gist played in is maybe half as good as the Euroleague is. So what do all the people here that say "NCAA is better than Euroleague" have to say now?

Gist says Italian League (which is much lower than Euroleague) is much better than NCAA. So where are the apologies for all the insults I have taken here for things like this?

[TheProfessor]

James Gist -

"As far as the compe ion goes, international basketball is a lot more compe ive than the collegiate level. In college you usually have 1 or 2–if your lucky 3 good players–on your team. That’s enough to carry you to a national championship. In Europe, every person on the team makes nearly a million dollars and they have been playing together for years. Countries stand behind their hometown team. It’s bigger and the compe ion is greater.

In college when a team or player misses a defensive assignment, the opposing team may not be good enough to execute and punish the team for messing up. If you leave someone open in Europe they will punish you every time."


Looks like A LOT of members owes me an apology here. Especially considering the league Gist played in is maybe half as good as the Euroleague is. So what do all the people here that say "NCAA is better than Euroleague" have to say now?

Gist says Italian League (which is much lower than Euroleague) is much better than NCAA. So where are the apologies for all the insults I have taken here for things like this?

Many of us are fine with European basketball. It's you we despise. Really, if you vanished from Spurstalk, I'm sure there would be a dramatic decrease in the Euro-bashing that happens here. So please, support your own cause and GTFO you miserable proxy-using Comcast troll.

[tomtom]

Nice interview, he better be on the team next year.

[Obstructed_View]

James Gist -

"As far as the compe ion goes, international basketball is a lot more compe ive than the collegiate level. In college you usually have 1 or 2–if your lucky 3 good players–on your team. That’s enough to carry you to a national championship. In Europe, every person on the team makes nearly a million dollars and they have been playing together for years. Countries stand behind their hometown team. It’s bigger and the compe ion is greater.

In college when a team or player misses a defensive assignment, the opposing team may not be good enough to execute and punish the team for messing up. If you leave someone open in Europe they will punish you every time."


Looks like A LOT of members owes me an apology here. Especially considering the league Gist played in is maybe half as good as the Euroleague is. So what do all the people here that say "NCAA is better than Euroleague" have to say now?

Gist says Italian League (which is much lower than Euroleague) is much better than NCAA. So where are the apologies for all the insults I have taken here for things like this?

I'm sorry you're such an idiot.

[Tully365]

TV: One of the things Spurs fans debate amongst themselves is whether you’re a long 3 or a high energy, small ball 4. Assuming you come to the NBA next season, what position do you think is a more natural fit?

JG: I’m a little bit of both. I have the potential to develop into a 3 offensively, but defensively I’m comfortable guarding small and power forwards, as well as some point or shooting guards if necessary. I’ve played in the post area my entire life so naturally I can play the 4, but I can see myself developing into a solid 3 man in the near future.

This should settle a few debates...

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I'm sorry you're such an idiot.

I KNOW who you are now.

[tp2021]

I KNOW who you are now.

And we know where you live.

[benefactor]

I KNOW who you are now.

http://www.cityofmountainhome.com/

[barbacoataco]

With the current salary situation, and the fact that the Spurs are nearly maxed out and still need 4-5 more players, what are the chances Gist makes it onto the team? As Marcus Bryant pointed out in another thread, once the Spurs sign their big man with all or part of the MLE, they will have to sign cheap players for all the remaining spots. Gist, Hairston, Marcus Williams, Mahinmi and McClinton could all benefit from this.

Also if Gist is on the team, does he fit into the SF/SG part of the rotation, or is he a PF for smallball lineups? If Finley doesn't opt in, and they can't resign Bowen, the Spurs would need either Hairston, Williams or Gist for the SF/SG rotation. If Finley does come back then they have Jefferson/Finley/Ginobili/Mason and don't really need much help, but there would be a 5th and maybe 6th wing who would possibly be on the IR.

Also, if Mahinmi fails to make it, and the Spurs only sign one FA big man, then they could turn to Gist and Blair to fill in at PF. Duncan, bonner and "FA" only makes 3 bigs when they usually have 5-6 on the 15 man roster. Even with Mahinmi that is only 4 bigs. And if thyey sign 2 FA bigs and Mahinmi makes it onto the active roster, there still is room for a 6th big man on the IR/Toros.

[TimDunkem]

With the current salary situation, and the fact that the Spurs are nearly maxed out and still need 4-5 more players, what are the chances Gist makes it onto the team? As Marcus Bryant pointed out in another thread, once the Spurs sign their big man with all or part of the MLE, they will have to sign cheap players for all the remaining spots. Gist, Hairston, Marcus Williams, Mahinmi and McClinton could all benefit from this.

Also if Gist is on the team, does he fit into the SF/SG part of the rotation, or is he a PF for smallball lineups? If Finley doesn't opt in, and they can't resign Bowen, the Spurs would need either Hairston, Williams or Gist for the SF/SG rotation. If Finley does come back then they have Jefferson/Finley/Ginobili/Mason and don't really need much help, but there would be a 5th and maybe 6th wing who would possibly be on the IR.

Also, if Mahinmi fails to make it, and the Spurs only sign one FA big man, then they could turn to Gist and Blair to fill in at PF. Duncan, bonner and "FA" only makes 3 bigs when they usually have 5-6 on the 15 man roster. Even with Mahinmi that is only 4 bigs. And if thyey sign 2 FA bigs and Mahinmi makes it onto the active roster, there still is room for a 6th big man on the IR/Toros.

Mahinmi CANNOT play on the Toros. He's ON the team.

[D-ROB 50]

With the current salary situation, and the fact that the Spurs are nearly maxed out and still need 4-5 more players, what are the chances Gist makes it onto the team? As Marcus Bryant pointed out in another thread, once the Spurs sign their big man with all or part of the MLE, they will have to sign cheap players for all the remaining spots. Gist, Hairston, Marcus Williams, Mahinmi and McClinton could all benefit from this.

Also if Gist is on the team, does he fit into the SF/SG part of the rotation, or is he a PF for smallball lineups? If Finley doesn't opt in, and they can't resign Bowen, the Spurs would need either Hairston, Williams or Gist for the SF/SG rotation. If Finley does come back then they have Jefferson/Finley/Ginobili/Mason and don't really need much help, but there would be a 5th and maybe 6th wing who would possibly be on the IR.

Also, if Mahinmi fails to make it, and the Spurs only sign one FA big man, then they could turn to Gist and Blair to fill in at PF. Duncan, bonner and "FA" only makes 3 bigs when they usually have 5-6 on the 15 man roster. Even with Mahinmi that is only 4 bigs. And if thyey sign 2 FA bigs and Mahinmi makes it onto the active roster, there still is room for a 6th big man on the IR/Toros.

I'm hoping can we sign a quality big, someone who can give us a good 8pts and 7brds per. I also feel that blair and gist can get the job done with youth and hustle. Hopefully with the addition of RJ scoring will no longer be the issue and we can concentrate on a guy who can defend Gasol and get some tough rebounds. Ian has alot to prove this season.

[Marcus Bryant]

With the current salary situation, and the fact that the Spurs are nearly maxed out and still need 4-5 more players, what are the chances Gist makes it onto the team? As Marcus Bryant pointed out in another thread, once the Spurs sign their big man with all or part of the MLE, they will have to sign cheap players for all the remaining spots. Gist, Hairston, Marcus Williams, Mahinmi and McClinton could all benefit from this.

Well, they could still use the LLE and I would not rule out a trade at this point, even if they land a starting bigman in free agency. While I am obviously bullish on Blair's potential, if the Spurs can land a 3rd bigman (ie Foster) via trade, they should do so.

Also if Gist is on the team, does he fit into the SF/SG part of the rotation, or is he a PF for smallball lineups? If Finley doesn't opt in, and they can't resign Bowen, the Spurs would need either Hairston, Williams or Gist for the SF/SG rotation. If Finley does come back then they have Jefferson/Finley/Ginobili/Mason and don't really need much help, but there would be a 5th and maybe 6th wing who would possibly be on the IR.

Gist would fit as a 3/4, giving the Spurs a big 3 against big frontcourts and a small 4 against small lineups. He is potentially a huge asset for the team if he can step out on the perimeter and defend quick players while having 3 point range on the offensive end. He would be the elusive 'big 3' who the Spurs have been seeking for the last 4 years or so. I am quite wary about the Spurs moving Mason, as they could really thin out their swingman rotation by doing that.

Also, if Mahinmi fails to make it, and the Spurs only sign one FA big man, then they could turn to Gist and Blair to fill in at PF. Duncan, bonner and "FA" only makes 3 bigs when they usually have 5-6 on the 15 man roster. Even with Mahinmi that is only 4 bigs. And if thyey sign 2 FA bigs and Mahinmi makes it onto the active roster, there still is room for a 6th big man on the IR/Toros.

Mahinmi as 'made it' as far as an active roster spot goes for next season. I expect the Spurs to sign a starting big in free agency and I would not be surprised to see them make a trade for a '1st off the bench' bigman. Starting the season with Blair and Mahinmi as the 4th and 5th bigs makes a lot of sense.

[barbacoataco]

Mahinmi as 'made it' as far as an active roster spot goes for next season. I expect the Spurs to sign a starting big in free agency and I would not be surprised to see them make a trade for a '1st off the bench' bigman. Starting the season with Blair and Mahinmi as the 4th and 5th bigs makes a lot of sense.[/QUOTE]

I mean "made it" in the sense of actually playing well enough to get minutes, and staying healthy. He has not shown that he can so either. Don't get me wrong, I am hoping he kills, its just that he is kind of a big unknown.

[robot89]

any word on the gist yet???