Training Camp Day 1 Practice 1
Here is a link to the photo gallery from today’s first practice.
10:30 AM Hey gang Dave Johnson checking in..can you believe it…IT IS THAT TIME AGAIN….Practice here at VCU’s Siegel Center officially starts at 10:45 AM…but everyone has been on the floor for at least a half hour…KC Jones and Flip Saunders are here at camp. coaching staff has been here since Wednesday to get everything all set
10:40 AM So many details….Wizards even brought their own basketball court to training camp…Great to see Juan Dixon in a Wizards black practice jersey again….maybe he could be like Roger Mason the last couple of years..a guy who needed a jump start on his career..it worked for Mason and the Wizards it would be cool if it works for Dixon and the Wizards
10:45 AM Team in huddle…here we go…and like last year right into defense… assistant coach Randy Ayers leading the drill…defensive positioning…no middle drive.. no layups
11:00 AM Drill continues…guys are rotating from offense to defense…but the whole point is defensive positioning….Randy Ayers saying see think and react..big emphasis on communication….. Cool watching KC Jones talk to Eddie Jordan…Jordan was Bullets fan in DC when KC was winning games for the old Capital/Washington Bullets
11:10 AM it is very much like last year…emphasis on d to start come a long way from eddie’s first training camp when it was all about learning a new offense….Antawn Jamison’ s take on this training camp
I think there is something different with this training camp. We actually need this in order to really get it going because we were left with a bad taste in our mouth after losing in the first round of the playoffs. We need a lot of guys to get the reps in, understand their role and get some playing time because once the season starts we need to be clicking on all cylinders. We can’t afford for things to take a week or two to get going. We have to be playing pretty good basketball when the season gets started.”
11:15 AM Change things up…Strength coach Drew Cleary leading the team through ladders for footwork
11:23 AM….New young player…Ernie Grunfeld just noted that Jackson Jordan..Eddie’s son made 22 jumpers in a row
11:26 AM…….one on one drill now starting several lines of players going from baseline to baseline
11:35 AM…and now a real treat…my partner Steve Buckhantz is here too!!!…
Dave, I can’t thank you enough…really!!! Seriously, it’s always great to hang with Dave…I do it six months out of the year, much to the dismay of his wife Diane.
We’re both sitting at the scorers table now, watching practice….it’s pretty intense. And as you’ve heard, the emphasis is on defense. Pretty much everything so far has been defensive minded, with Randy Ayers directing traffic. Remember, the Wiz brought him in last season and he made a tremendous difference, I believe.
All the coaches are back, and as Dave mentioned, some “guest” coaches are here. When I see KC Jones, I think back immediately to the old Bullet days when he was coach. He was a hell of a coach, but did you know he’s quite a musician….he can truly belt out a tune, including quite a rendition of our National Anthem….
Good to see Eddie Jordan running the show and I was SO pleased that Mr. Pollin and Ernie Grunfeld rewarded his efforts with the contraction extension. I’ve said it before on the air and never mind repeating it, but I really believe Eddie is the PERFECT person for the Wizards job. He’s local of course, so he grew UP a Bullets fan..like a lot of us… he’s smart… knows the game, was a great defensive player in his day.. had experience, helping to lead the Nets to back to back finals appearances…and he is just one terrific human being. If you could spend any time with him, you could see what a classy guy he is.. As down to earth as anybody I’ve met in this business. Plus, I LOVE the fact that when a mic is placed in front of him, he doesn’t spew forth with the trite, pat answers, instead, he offers you creative, well thought out soundbites.
11:47 AM Change in drill now five giys running the floor and then on the way back two of the five become defenders
11:54 AM…Drills changing..5 v5 emphasis on transition defense.. and then good ball movemnet on offense..
11:59 AM..Just quick observation…Pecherov looks like time in the weight room has paid off
12:07 PM Activity all over the place… 5 v 5 at what end of the court..again focusing on defense.. at the other basket shooting drills with shooting coach Dave Hopla
12:20 PM Flip saunders now in charge of defensive drill.
12:30 PM..Change again…transition offense….Gilbert taking time to offer Dee Borwn some pointers.. and active on the sidelines as well…pointing out where players should be
1:07 PM…They are calling it a practice….finished with ten mninutes of offensive execution…KC Jones is now speaking in the huddle at mid court…we are hear every practice back tonight..spread the word
Posted: September 27th, 2008 under Training Camp, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Oh, yeah, in my excitement I forgot to say “Good morning Dave”, LOL thanks for doing this blog for us!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:05 AM
hey slwiz great to have you… this is our 5th year here…and yes kc jones and flipp saunders are here
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Don’t forget to list who is else is on Black and on the Green team, please! Can’t wait to hear what tidbits KC and Flip have!!
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Keep up the play by play, Dave. LOL Give us more!! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
eddie jordan emphasizing oin defense..important to stay downin a defensive position and slide have dixon pech butler and stevenson working as an offensive unit dee brown nick young antanw and brendan working on d
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM
OOPPS guess it’s white this year not green, LOL.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:23 AM
11:00 AM Drill continues…guys are rotating from offense to defense…but the whole point is defensive positioning….Randy Ayers saying see think and react..big emphasis on communication….. Cool watching KC Jones talk to Eddie Jordan…Jordan was Bullets fan in DC when KC was winning games for the old Capital/Washington Bullets
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:28 AM
And “trust”? That was a big issue, too, learning to believe in each other! I like that: see think and react all in a very quick amount of time; how’s Juan and Dee doing; are they quick? An honor for Eddie? Or does he see KC lots?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:32 AM
interesting question..i will have to ask about kc and eddie’s relationship and how far back it goes…funny you ask about de and juan i was just watching dee guard juan..you have to believe in those two guys..you have to very motivated players eager to cement their spots in the nba
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:33 AM
11:10 AM it is very much like last year…emphasis on d to start come a long way from eddie’s first training camp when it was all about learning a new offense….Antawn Jamison’ s take on this training camp
I think there is something different with this training camp. We actually need this in order to really get it going because we were left with a bad taste in our mouth after losing in the first round of the playoffs. We need a lot of guys to get the reps in, understand their role and get some playing time because once the season starts we need to be clicking on all cylinders. We can’t afford for things to take a week or two to get going. We have to be playing pretty good basketball when the season gets started
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:39 AM
11:15 AM Change things up…Strength coach Drew Cleary leading the team through ladders for footwork
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I like the way you put the comments in the post, too; as well as the top!! Antawn so much wants to get further in the playoffs and hopefully these defensive drills will help. The teams enthusiasm and excitement for the game is very obvious; so hope they all continue to go hard!! With Gil out; I agree they need to get things together now; before Europe and the pre-season; and use those games to even further refine their skills.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:42 AM
How are they dealing with the ladders? Everybody still upright? LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
New young player…Ernie Grunfeld just noted that Jackson Jordan..Eddie’s son made 22 jumpers in a row
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM
nobody tripped on the ladders….one on one drill now starting several lines of players going from baseline to baseline
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Ernie must be proud!! His sons “in the zone”!!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:46 AM
LOVE IT DAVE! Can’t wait to be there on Tuesday.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I didn’t figure they would; but we sure don’t need any more injuries!! I do appreciate your feedback; I am surprised not more bloggers are on!
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Morning SportzWiz; I left you some questions in the Training Camp Dates blog. I know, I know that was a week ago but if you get a chance to reply….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Might be a saturday am thing…hopefully we will spread the word and get mor eon like last year
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Tony Massenburg is also here helping the Wizards drills….he has been Etan’s workout partner last few years
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Wasn’t Tony the 40 year old in training camp last October? Yeah, those bloggers have so much more NBA knowledge than I do; I just love Hoops and of course gotta follow “our, boy”, the One Man Fast Break; and learn more about Nick and JaVale and the list goes on…!!
Comment from Skins_Wiz_Nats Fan
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:57 AM
GM Dave,
Speaking of Etan. How is he looking out there this morning.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Still in the baseline drill? Whose showing the most on one on one? Man now they are wearing orange!! Loved the change of photos; and there he is “our boy”. Is he wearing that superman wrist band? LOL Nice shot of you, too, Dave LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
different drill now..3 guys run the weave up the floor.. and then on the way back..the guys inthe middle a “big” defends
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
hard to singlke anyway out when they went one on one…just very intense.. and that shot of me is my good side
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:05 PM
in case you missed it up top Steve Buckhantz here..All the coaches are back, and as Dave mentioned, some “guest” coaches are here. When I see KC Jones, I think back immediately to the old Bullet days when he was coach. He was a hell of a coach, but did you know he’s quite a musician….he can truly belt out a tune, including quite a rendition of our National Anthem….
Good to see Eddie Jordan running the show and I was SO pleased that Mr. Pollin and Ernie Grunfeld rewarded his efforts with the contraction extension. I’ve said it before on the air and never mind repeating it, but I really believe Eddie is the PERFECT person for the Wizards job. He’s local of course, so he grew UP a Bullets fan..like a lot of us… he’s smart… knows the game, was a great defensive player in his day.. had experience, helping to lead the Nets to back to back finals appearances…and he is just one terrific human being. If you could spend any time with him, you could see what a classy guy he is.. As down to earth as anybody I’ve met in this business. Plus, I LOVE the fact that when a mic is placed in front of him, he doesn’t spew forth with the trite, pat answers, instead, he offers you creative, well thought out soundbites.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM
11:47 AM Change in drill now five giys running the floor and then on the way back two of the five become defenders
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:11 PM
One of the bloggers says 80 of 82 games were watched. They love you and Phil, Steve – and really like the way you gus do the TV coverage. Sigh, I only get to watch national TV! So thanks for letting me share this much; later practices there WILL BE more bloggers!! Thanks for sharing so much about Coach Jordan! So he was a defensive guy; go figure that’s the focus for training camp!! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
drills changing..emphasis on transition defense..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:15 PM
11:54 AM…Drills changing..5 v5 emphasis on transition defense.. and then good ball movemnet on offense..
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM
The more intense now; the more likely to win games and get that home court advantage!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Just quick observation…Pecherov looks like time in the weight room has paid off
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:18 PM
can you explain transition defense in lay terms? Please Good ball movement I understand; crisp passes and looking for the open player! Quick and fast! Not letting the defense set and making them run and tire out. How are they holding up; any shorts pulling?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM
The bloggers will be happy to hear that about Pech. They want him strong to bang in the middle and block his man to get rebounds!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:24 PM
the way one of the transition drills worked…all five guys on offense one way up the court and then two became defenders way back…at that point communication imprtant between the defenders sicne they were at a man disadvantage
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Gilbert Arenas observing the bench
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
make that Arenas observing from the bench
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Alright, Gil is there!! He’s off the crutches? Means so much to the team to have his feedback! Let him know he’s missed by all!! Thanks for transition D info!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
i will pass it on.. he was sitting on the bench.. now standing like he wants to jump in
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
12:07 PM Activity all over the place… 5 v 5 at what end of the court..again focusing on defense.. at the other basket shooting drills with shooting coach Dave Hopla
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Whose on the 5 on 5? whose with Hopla? Will there be video later today and more photos? Hows everybodies conditioning?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
conditioning looks great…i guess easy for me to say i am out of shape…but sincerely all these guys now come to campo fit..they work out a month before we even start here…i remeber when i first started covering nba basketball in 1989…camp was still to some extent a chance to get in shape…not that there fitness can’t improve…but they look good now
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:36 PM
video and photos late
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:37 PM
now standing like he wants to jump in… Cool; so much fun over in Richmond!! Lots of hard work and intensity but they want this camp to go well and are having fun, too!! Guess what we get to do tonight..play basketball!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM
daniels bl;che mcguire dermarr johnson and etan thomas on offnese..dee brown antawn jamison linton johnson taj mccullough and nick young on defense…but they are switching on and off
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM
12:20 PM Flip saunders now in charge of defensive drill.intersting drill coaches are in positions on floor….and players entering on whistle…i can’t begin to describe this
emphasis is on communication
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
So many missing this blog will enjoy the video and photos. Thanks so much for YOUR hard work, too! I know they were doing many pick up games in the gym in DC; Dee talked about going early and late in the same day; also Caron and Gil liked seeing the younger ones there ALL the time. They’ve been going hard now most of the morning so glad to hear the conditioning is great. Must have legs to do the defense; shoot jumpers; make free throws; and anybody SLAM yet?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM
domenic mcguire had a flying jam on one of those transition drills
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Gilbert taking time to offer Dee Brown some pointers
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Just like last years camp then as you’ve already mentioned. Do you feel they are trusing each other better? I wish I could see this drill with Flip and other coaches out there!! Keep up the play by play, Dave, we love your effort! Maybe you’ll be happy for the water break soon!! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM
12:30 PM..Change again…transition offense….Gilbert taking time to offer Dee Borwn some pointers.. and active on the sidelines as well…pointing out where players should be
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM
they di have one water break
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Exciting stuff — when will we have some photos/video? Or did I miss the link?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Way to go Dom! Did he ever get a different nickname or is D-Mac going to stick? Lets see if Dee listens. Last years camp Pete Carril was talking about not knowing if Gil was listening to his advice; yet later on Gil did do exactly what Pete wanted. Any other players giving or receiving advice? They may not get into a full scrimmage this morning?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
photos and video will be up as soon as we can….i was just told NBA is doing somer maintenance so we have not been able to update..will fan is here taking pictures….. and we have video crew as well.. so for now the only thing updating is the blog…. and again we will have the blog going for every practice.,. and if you have questions for anyone…let me know and i will ask them
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:54 PM
doesn’t look like full scrimmage..randy ayers is speakign now….so throughout everything there is a defensive thread….what impress you is just how orchesterted these pratcices are…there is a seamless transition from one drill to the next
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Hey Tom; welcome. It’s been exciting so far!! I was beginning to wonder about a break; they have been intense all practice!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM
drill now is 4 v 4.. as i mentioned before tony massenburg is alos here assisting big men
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 12:58 PM
slwiz you made a great point about pete carrill being here last year…kc jones is kind of in that role..of a coach who has seen it all
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:01 PM
now a game—-.2 points for a score.. 1 point for offensive rebound and MINUS one for a turnover..pass and cut look for the open shot
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I like that they are getting in a game. minus one for TO! How many points for assist?
Comment from Bex
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:05 PM
hey guys. great to have wizards-basketball back! and as usual – great job, dave.
i got one question: I’m from Germany and I’m countin the days till the Wizards will finally play here. But how about Gilbert? Will he fly with the team to Berlin? Does he have any plans for his German fans since he can’t play?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:07 PM
How many more minutes of this practice; my computer time is off from yours. Who’s in the game or in and out? Still looking good on cuts and breaks; any alley oops?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:09 PM
bex…welcome…i believe Gilbert will be coming.. I will check.. I know we are making an apperance somehwere in Berlin as part of an NBA promotion…I will check on that
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Laymen explanation of transition offense? Is that the same as Princeton? What if any is the difference? Thanks for helping me to learn more Dave! Your head reeling yet from all the intensity and enthusiasm and excitement! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:11 PM
it is 12:53 now…. supposed to end around one
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:12 PM
another parctice at 6…..as for transition offense…not the pricneton…just positioning getting up then floor and then getting into sets
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:14 PM
It’s been alot of fun; thanks so much. Tell Dee I think the team won the war this morning and for the team to battle hard tonight. If you can I mean.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:16 PM
thanks slwiz will do..spread the word we are here every practice
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:17 PM
10 minutes of offensive execution
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:24 PM
boy dee brown is quick
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:25 PM
they are calling it a practice…back tonight
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:28 PM
howdy all, im back and ready
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Juans pretty quick though, too, right? Things winding down some now for this first practice?
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:31 PM
man there were two things i couldnt wait for this weekend:
1. Cowboys redskins game GO SKINS
2. WIZARDS TRAINING CAMP
Also, how did Mcgee look??
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:42 PM
sorry i did not make it ill try to be here tonight
Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Sorry, I needed to go do some care giving and I’ve got some stuff to do this afternoon; but I’ll be back later. Dave didn’t say much about JaVale or CB3 or “Tawn”; but they were mainly doing drills, not much actual scrimmaging. Maybe there will be more tonight!! Dave does hope for more bloggers, too!! I was lucky to bend his ear as much as I did and learn more. Hope I wasn’t out of line. My apologies if I was. I too, have just been real excited for training camp to arrive AND the European games, and the preseason, and the regular season, and the playoffs! LOL
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 27, 2008 at 2:54 PM
I love the detail. I’m wondering by the username… is there actually a radio broadcast to listen to? That would be great.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 27, 2008 at 2:55 PM
slwiz, I love the dedication!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 27, 2008 at 3:10 PM
GlingGling Dave is the radio voice of the wizards but there not on the radio from trainning camp but he will be on the air all season long i am sure
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 27, 2008 at 4:12 PM
That’s what I thought.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 27, 2008 at 4:25 PM
It’s so good to hear that Eddie is excited about Dee. If he is as fast as everyone says he is we should see some interesting plays. If Juan is hungry too than I think it’s very likely that Juan + Dee > Roger. (not that that’s what my choice would have been)
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 27, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Are we still waiting for pix and vids????
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 27, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Oh, you hid the pix right there behind the big pic!! 
Who is #43 — one of the Johnsons or Taj, obviously. But which one?
Great to see KC Jones.
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 27, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Hey DJ great to have you back on the blog job.
If you get a chance ask Ayers or Eddie what changes they expect to make to shore up perimeter defense. For all the accolades in our improved defense the team set some records for futility in defending the three point shot. I wonder if there’s any adjustment they hope to make or if they think health and depth (reduced fatigue) will take care of the problem.
Pech looks bigger? Hows’ that manifest. Is he better able to hold his ground in the post? I like to hear DMac actually jammed the ball, he has seemed tentative around the basket int he past like he wants to finesse everything into the hoop.
I love the level of detail you’re able to give on the blog, we’ve been begging for eyewitness input around here, but aside from one scrimmage, it’s rare to get the info. It’s been a loooong time without basketball, some of us need a mainline transfusion…
Comment from Jason C
Time September 27, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Steve Buckhantz??? NOOOOOO!! NOT POSSIBLE!!!!
Yeah sorry it was too easy.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 27, 2008 at 6:23 PM
I saw KC Jones and Bill Russell win the NCAA championship in either ‘55 or ‘56. I was a young’un and my dad took me. I want to say that they played Iowa (?). I don’t remember much, but I can see some moments in my head.
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Comment from slwiz
Time September 27, 2008 at 10:57 AM
How many years running has the training camp been at the Siegel Center? Will there be an honor roll like last year? Any other special coaches today?