Training Camp Day 5 Practice 1
5:28 AM…Dave Johnson here…up early and ready to go. I am taking a cue from Gilbert Arenas…in fact I hope everyone checks out the video of Juan and Gilbert right on the front page.. and in the Wizards TV section on the front page there is my interview with Juan Dixon and others as we try to bring you right here to camp with us. (UPDATE: We are having a few issues with the videos from yesterday but we will get them up as soon as possible)
5:35 AM…As always I go over the comments that were posted after the LIVE Practice Blog…I thought Tom Mandel and Grifonracing really made a good point on how the focus is on players 6-15. It is sign of where this team is. I hope I am able to convery just how organized everything is here and part of that is the veteran leadership. There are leaders in place and a system in place. Juan Dixon noted in an interview yesterday how much Gilbert Arenas has matured since Juan played here the first time. And it is hoot to read all the predictions. I think there are real reasons to feel good about this team. Hey it would be better with Gilbert and the Eastern Conference is probably going to be tougher. Still I watched this team win 43 games without him last year and I am watching players who have just improved. Sometimes we think you reach the next level by adding that supertstar player. Sure that happens (every now and then) but more often than not teams get better if their existing players grow and get better. We have seen that and are seeing that with Brendan Haywood. And Etan Thomas really looks 100%. Dare I say it but Andray Blatche seems poised to have a break out year. Or at the very least he really looks like he has put in the work to be consistent. The pick-ups of Dee Brown and Juan Dixon will add a differnt dimension. Brown is quick and intense on defense and his shot is better and Dixon could be an X factor in games. I think we all go back to the time he scored 35 in the playoffs against the Bulls. I am excited about Nick Young’s progress. He is improving on defense. Eddie Jordan said yesterday that Young is understanding how to be successful at both ends of the floor…
5:55 AM…Going over other questions form yesterday….weclome sgrift17 and to your question about Dee Brown. In short I think Brown has done very well and is working hard to carve out a spot here. sportsjunkie you asked about Dermarr Johnson. I know they have used him as a 2 guard and I will get more for you later..
10:20 AM…Dave Johnson…here in the gym watching the pre-practice practice so to speak… thanks for everyone who is blogging or just reading…we appreciate the response..we want everyone to feel like you are a part of the team…and I do mean that…
10:39 AM…just food for thought…here are some of Eddie Jordan’s comments from yesterday
On Etan Thomas:
“Etan looks great. He’s explosive. He’s physical. He’s in shape, and he is sustaining a high level of intensity. We really missed that presence and dimension on the floor for us.”
On Dee Brown:
“We got a taste of what he can do in the summer. I liked him when he was in Utah. He’s done a lot of growing up. He’s very mature, he’s very in tune, and we’re absolutely very fortunate to have him here.
More on Brown:
“He’s worked on his shot. He worked with Wes Unseld Jr. over the summer. He has a great work ethic, and he’s a tremendous guy. He’s relatively young, but he has some experience. He’s played overseas, and he played under one of the best coaches in NBA history in Jerry Sloan. He’s going to be big for us.”
On what Andray Blatche needs to take the next step:
“Consistency. He has shown flashes of brilliance, and he’s shown flashes of laziness in the past. But this year he has been consistent with his concentration level and his skill level. He can do it inside and outside. He’s been here early to get extra work in, so with his work ethic and professionalism and consistency, those skills will be sustained for a long period of time.”
On Juan Dixon:
“I told him to be aggressive on every possession. He’s a threat. He is an absolute weapon and a threat when he’s on the floor if he stays aggressive.”
10:45 AM…..and some thoughts of Brendan Haywood…
On different line-up options:
“We definitely have a lot of options. We can be real long with me, Twan (Antawn Jamison) and Dray (Andray Blatche) in there. Then we have Darius (Songaila), Etan (Thomas) and Dray…Dray, Darius and Antawn. We have a lot of bodies (and combinations) that we can throw at you in the post.”
10:45 AM….Practice underway….into defense in a half court walk-through situatio. Randy Ayers addressing things he saw in yesterday’s practice scrimmage.
11:00 AM…now groups at either end of the court..in an offensive walk through
11:25 AM…..streeeeetching time
11:50 AM…we are back up…down for a bit—-technical problems…..they comepleted stretching and other warm-up drills…including dribble the court… and moing up and down the court in a good defensive position
11:51 AM…again divided into two groups…one side clearly working on low post defense other end different situations inclduing guard posting up
12:10 PM…scrimmage time..black v white…again coaches involved in calling out plays…and offering advice in siutaions…refs are involved
1:13..that’s it.. it was intense… competitive scrimmage to end with a bang last hour… back tonight..hope you can join us
Posted: October 1st, 2008 under Training Camp, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 8:31 AM
good to hear from you Phemy..not aware o any uniform chnages but i will double check
Comment from truthaboutit
Time October 1, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Morning guys,
Earlier in training camp, you had a quote from Antawn Jamison regarding on-ball defense: “The key was not to getting beaten off the dribble so quickly…when that happens he said we are relying too much on our second line of defense.”
To me, the onus is completely the player in this situation. You gotta have the desire to stop your man. That being said, you also need some quickness to do so.
What specific drills have the Wizards been running, as a team, to develop foot speed? Do the players have any methods in the area when training by themselves, or with their personal trainers? What is Drew Cleary’s philosophy/tactics used to increase quickness and lateral movement?
Apologies if this has been covered already and I somehow missed it….many thanks.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:37 AM
truthaboutit….good questions… and i need time to get some specifc answers..since it is 10:15 am and work has kind of already started..it’s the great thing about this team practice starts at 10:45 but guys have been here since 845 or so…. you are right it is up to the player….help defense is a part of the nba and you need to use it…guys are just too good…but as eddie jordan said you don’t always wnat to use it…as i have watched camp….i have noticed the various slide drills…or randy ayers leading the team through half-court situations….and as you noted drew cleary has had them doing footwork drills including ladders….might be time for a radny ayers interview like we did last year at camp
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Areanas and Dixon Talk, Juan Dixon Interview, and Nick Young Interview links all seem to be to opening up to Andray Blatche Talk. Is this a problem on my end? Thanks for checking it out Dave; and good morning; Early good morning to you, LOL
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Shoot, would help if I read through your comments first. Dah….just excitement, sorry!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:49 AM
tuthaboutit let me clarify something…the slide drills are for the help defense….on individual defending we have seen a lot of one on onne drills in this camp…one thing that is being emphasized is that a player has to go straight back on the fake ( i hope can describe this well enough ..I just had a coach show me)..in other words the defender can not going in the direction of the initial ball fake or foot fake or head fake…he needs to pull back so he is in a position to adjust…..
another thing in general that is being stressed..if the ball is moving alll defenders should moving if not…there could be trouble
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Any players out today with ailments, fatigue concerns, etc?? Love the effort of the players! Go Wizards!!
I have a couple back to back questions here and observation. I realize you are setting up and will get to everybody and I do mean that. I don’t know how you remember ALL the different questions. You, go Media Team!!!
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Much was said yesterday about angles. And a trapping defense on the pick and roll. DJ says it’s hard to describe this defense. Any more thoughts about this or is it up to Coach Ayers to describe in a video or interview:)?
I did see you do have thoughts of Coach Ayer interview per above!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:57 AM
slwiz …some technical difficulties with new interviews….juan nick young…juan and gilbert..will be back up this afternoon
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 10:59 AM
10:39 AM…just food for thought…here are some of Eddie Jordan’s comments from yesterday
On Etan Thomas:
“Etan looks great. He’s explosive. He’s physical. He’s in shape, and he is sustaining a high level of intensity. We really missed that presence and dimension on the floor for us.”
On Dee Brown:
“We got a taste of what he can do in the summer. I liked him when he was in Utah. He’s done a lot of growing up. He’s very mature, he’s very in tune, and we’re absolutely very fortunate to have him here.
More on Brown:
“He’s worked on his shot. He worked with Wes Unseld Jr. over the summer. He has a great work ethic, and he’s a tremendous guy. He’s relatively young, but he has some experience. He’s played overseas, and he played under one of the best coaches in NBA history in Jerry Sloan. He’s going to be big for us.”
On what Andray Blatche needs to take the next step:
“Consistency. He has shown flashes of brilliance, and he’s shown flashes of laziness in the past. But this year he has been consistent with his concentration level and his skill level. He can do it inside and outside. He’s been here early to get extra work in, so with his work ethic and professionalism and consistency, those skills will be sustained for a long period of time.”
On Juan Dixon:
“I told him to be aggressive on every possession. He’s a threat. He is an absolute weapon and a threat when he’s on the floor if he stays aggressive.”
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Yesterday’s scrimmage had little to no defense. Lots of turnovers caused by steals, poor ball handling (that’s a guess not said by you yet?). Of course that’s all wonderful offense with excitement for fans with breaks, layups, slams but is there a concern for better defense in a game like setting? How will Coach address this as they ARE working very hard on drills. Is it just time through the preseason and Europe games to complete the gelling together process? Comments, opinions, anybody? Doc I think you might have more to say? As I said earlier about Nick is it a matter of focus on the good they do do; and cheer them on when the improvement shows and “bite the bullet” when it’s hair pulling time?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:07 AM
10:45 AM…..and some thoughts of Brendan Haywood…
On different line-up options:
“We definitely have a lot of options. We can be real long with me, Twan (Antawn Jamison) and Dray (Andray Blatche) in there. Then we have Darius (Songaila), Etan (Thomas) and Dray…Dray, Darius and Antawn. We have a lot of bodies (and combinations) that we can throw at you in the post.”
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:10 AM
10:45 AM….Practice underway….into defense in a half court walk-through situatio. Randy Ayers addressing things he saw in yesterday’s practice scrimmage
Comment from SPORTSJUNKIE
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Which one of the 3 SF they signed to trainning camp look like they are having the most or are having the most impact thus far
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Good to know my ears where picking up on some defensive problems. Which I could hear what Coach Ayers is saying in that address to the team on yesterday’s scrimmage….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:13 AM
to address yesterday’s scrimmage….i don’t want anybody to get the idea that there a lot of turnovers or no defense… i was only occassionally throwing in the play-by-play…plenty of defense was playe….in the final minute of one scrimmage each team only got one bucket…..that’s not say things were perfect…they are going over things right now…..i throw the play by play in just to give a visual
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:15 AM
sportsjunkie i will check on tghe progress of the invitees….i think you had asked about dermarr johnson…..and we noted he is being used at two……i have seen all of them doing some nice things.. and taj mccullough hit the game winner at the end of yesterday’s scrimmage….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:15 AM
some folks were asking about Dray yesteday… he had some nice low post moves as well as hitting outside shots….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:16 AM
as they go over defense they are in a five on five in half court
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I think I was looking (hearing)at the steals and turnovers and fast breaks; and not getting into sets. Were they getting into sets to work on the pick and roll defense?
Sorry if I gave the impression there was none defense!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:20 AM
oh no worries slwiz….i just didn’t want to give the wrong impression.. and it is camp so this is the time for mistake to be made and corrected..they were getting into sets… and able to execute things offensively and defensively…in fact it was controlled…at times the coaches we stop for teaching or tell the offense to run a specific play
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:25 AM
ah, and it was fast and intense and your fingers couldn’t type all that!!! Bet you’ll be glad for the radio then you can give that out in voice!! I thought the scrimmage was none stop…good to know there were stops cause it is camp and I believe all fans would rather see the most mistakes now rather than Europe or preseason!!
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Many here know your rhythm, DJ, i’m trying to figure it out still and believe I’m doing a fair job; but still need to let your rhythm flow. This is such a cool thing to have for fans!! I did leave a message up on Dee’s forum so maybe others will get the link and check you guys out!! Hope so; I tried to “spread the word”!!
On your radio brodcast; do you and Glen both have laptops going. Seemed like yesterday you and sportzwiz may have both had one?
Comment from SPORTSJUNKIE
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:26 AM
How are the 3 guys looking that they picked up? which of the 3 are making the biggest impact?
Comment from SPORTSJUNKIE
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I apologize for asking the same question again my computer was acting up so disregard
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:31 AM
oh, no, it’s a good question!! I’ve gotten that Demarr is showing good 2 skills but i’m not sure about linton is it. Can’t remember his last name!! Must be an egotistical fan, oopps, sorry!! (see gils newest blog) and Taj had some good plays in scrimmage yesterday, and Dray was out any more info DJ?
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:34 AM
linton..linton johnson:)
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:38 AM
back on line… i was just knocked off….probably a cavs fan… anyone on the radio broadcast…just have the one computer…but it has been fun….bring you into the game as you listen online on radio or on TV
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:40 AM
continue to go through offense….and again as i stated at the top of this page..to me this camp has been smooth.. and that comes from veteran leaders…everyone—except of course gilbert–is healthy..but gilbert is a big part of this camp
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:40 AM
all healthy and playing today?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:41 AM
give you an example of what is going on right now….eddie is running things at one end of the floor ..he is adjusting lineups and then having them run the offense from 8 seconds…eddie is counting down the clock
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:42 AM
right now i am loooking at a lineup of juan deshawn pech caron and darius
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:43 AM
now it is juan caron etan pech and jamison
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:43 AM
other end of the court wes unseld jr leading….dee dermarr domenic brendan and Dray
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:46 AM
health looks good domenic is back at there after missing time with a groin strain…do not see nick young…but doubt that is anything….for example caron did not pratice yesterday….again do not want to beat guys up
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:50 AM
what was “missing the bus”; (Kidding Nick) did the team have a bus to take them to lunch or hotel? Just wondered how the food was being handled with all the energy these men are expending?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Here are some photos from today. We’ll keep adding.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM
they ahve a team breakfast and a team lunch if they want to partake
Comment from doclinkin
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I love the 8-second offense idea to test the chemistry of the line-ups. Smart. You learn about both the 8-second attackers and clutch defenders at the same time.
I think the real question mark on this team is how to juggle line-ups and find ideal # of minutes for everyone. But it’s a good problem to have. And it only lasts as long as every one is healthy (knock wood, cross fingers & pray…)
I’m curious about how EJ develops the rotation or how he envisions suing the players. Would he prefer to keep a starter on the floor at all times, or does he have sufficient skilled veterans (Etan, Dixon, Songaila) that he feels he can afford a bench dump.
Obviously last year the first team wore down with the long grind and heavy game minutes. How many minutes does he envision as optimal for each of the starters?
Brendan responded really well to the increased workload last year. Do his minutes figure to change? Many fans who track defense (via stats etc) advocate Brendan earning even more minutes, but it’s tough to picture that with you know nine other seven footers on the team or whatnot…
Comment from truthaboutit
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Many thanks for the answers guys…..great stuff.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:15 PM
11:50 AM…we are back up…down for a bit—-technical problems…..they comepleted stretching and other warm-up drills…including dribble the court… and moing up and down the court in a good defensive position
11:51 AM…again divided into two groups…one side clearly working on low post defense other end different situations inclduing guard posting up
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:16 PM
You were speaking to truthaboutit about “By the way when are jake and prada joining us 
. Both of your sites do a great job.” Are those two websites http://www.bulletsforever.com/ and http://www.truthaboutit.net? Are they pretty good sites to bookmark, then, for more info on the Wiz players?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:19 PM
doclinkin…glad you checked in… it will be interesting to see…how eddie uses lineups…he clearly gets excited when he talks about options….excuse me nick young just had an alley ooop pass to dray at one end of the court for a slam.. and nick is a part of the practice…. and speaking of nick… eddie has said he liked a combination earlier in the week of juan and nick in the back court…it seems he is looking at all possibilities..though he did say he did not see using caron at two guard
Comment from wiztvpxp
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Dear Dave
I am truly enjoying your reports from Training Camp. Very insightful. But what happened to your Buddy, Buck? I hope he gets back online, he offers some Great Wraps on the team. When you file your reports, I feel as if I’m sitting right next to you, watching practice… I’d love to make that happen some day.
Commander
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:22 PM
and I just think Brendan has gone from strength.. he took criticism two years ago and just responded by imporving last year…that is a professional..i worked with him on Mystics TV games this summer..he did a nice job
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:29 PM
As always without Steve Buckhantz here at camp I feel like a player one a ten-day contract without per-diem…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:35 PM
12:10 PM…scrimmage time..black v white…again coaches involved in calling out plays…and offering advice in siutaions…refs are involved
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:36 PM
The photos are nice. Caron is feeling better today. First one is of him on the jam. I see the wingspread of JaVale in that one very clearly. And Ernie is just there on the sidelines taking it all in….great photos….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:37 PM
lineups will chnage but here goes….
white —- dee brown deshawn darius dray and brendan
jblack—juan antonio caron antawn and etan
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:38 PM
dee brown good cut to b wood in post he fed it to dray top of the key….goood
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:39 PM
in transition haywood flying slam and one… ref eddie jordan called the foul
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I’ll not interrupt and ask a 1000 times which is black, which is white this time!!! but in all fairness that lineup changing yesterday is what thru me off; i’ll just enjoy your play by play;
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:40 PM
wow antawn in transition almost had an incredible reverse layup.. he was foule dby dee brown who did an incredible job to get back… as eddie said good play antawn good play dee brown
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:41 PM
wow this is intense
lineups will chnage but here goes….
white —- dee brown deshawn darius dray and brendan
jblack—juan antonio caron antawn and etan
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:41 PM
white leads 11-9
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:42 PM
dray from top of key to baseline cross over reverse layup good whote up 13-9
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:44 PM
dee brown good quick ball movemnet ended in a stevenson 3…16-11 white
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Dave it’s great to see you back on the blog! Im looking forward to this season……I’m coming home to Richmond on Friday from boarding school to see the scrimmage! Any way I could stop by the blog booth and say hello??
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:46 PM
first segment…ends wth white winning 19-16…caron hit a three at the buzzer
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:48 PM
yeah wizfan4life..give me a shout.. i will be courtside…i am trying to remember did you win tix last year on our richmond radio station
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:50 PM
white now has dee brown DERMARR is 2 guard dariius dray and pech
black is juan antonio caron antawn and javale
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:50 PM
white leads 19-16 but daniels in black is at the line
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:51 PM
not so many TO? better ball control? Are they “D up lock down” as jeffmalone1990 says!??1
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM
off in boudns…good ball movement dee brown jumper right of the key his shot has imporved..agasin he is for the white
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM
oh it is intense… the coach is actually calling out the play so the defense knows waht is coming
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 12:54 PM
dee brown can start a fast break.,.. taj mccullough in for darius just finished it white leads 23-18
Comment from slwiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:02 PM
have to leave; but will BRB when I can; thanks again, Dave for all….can’t wait to see if black catches up….you do make this fun…..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:03 PM
whoite leads 29-24…black just called a time out.. eddie coach the black called a timout…just had to duck a thrown towel by anatwn
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:03 PM
thanks
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:05 PM
dee borwn flys up court white now up 33-24
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:06 PM
The players change from team to team, so its hard to say who’s playing for who.
more pictures are up on the photogallery, a few from the scrimmage.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:07 PM
they put six minutes on the clokc…
black down 33-24
black has—- antonio deshawn caron antawn and brendan
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:08 PM
white has dee brown dermarr linton darius and etan… etan make sone of two 34-24 white
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:08 PM
caron baseline drive to haywood slam….balck down 8
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:09 PM
ad hard drive and one… black trying to come back down 5 with 4:42 to go
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:09 PM
dee brown for three
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:10 PM
white up 37-29
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:12 PM
anaawn hits jay..deshawn had free throws before….four point game 37-33 white
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:12 PM
it is now 39-33… daniels great feed to caron on black ..fouled and now at the lkine
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:13 PM
dray did a nice job working in the low post against haywood ..drew a foul… side out
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:15 PM
41-36 white 1:20 to go
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:16 PM
now 43-36
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:17 PM
swithcing things up now
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:19 PM
black leads 45-38 five minute left now
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:20 PM
dray great drive to the basket and one
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:24 PM
dray has made some nice passes too
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:27 PM
nice reverse layup by twan
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:30 PM
sweet jumper by dermarr
black leads 5–52..on the floor for black dee brown antonio twan dray and haywood
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:31 PM
after free throws by dee brown dermarr just hit a three one point game 4.7 to go black leads 56-55
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:32 PM
that;s it.. back tonight……it was intense
Comment from doclinkin
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Internet conection died earlier when I was leaving this comment, but:
I like the idea of the 8-second offense idea to test the chemistry of the line-ups. Smart. You learn about both the 8-second attackers and clutch defenders at the same time.
I think the real question mark on this team is how to juggle line-ups and find ideal # of minutes for everyone. But it’s a good problem to have. And it only lasts as long as every one is healthy (knock wood, cross fingers & pray…)
I’m curious about how EJ develops the rotation or how he envisions suing the players. Would he prefer to keep a starter on the floor at all times, or does he have sufficient skilled veterans (Etan, Dixon, Songaila) that he feels he can afford a bench dump.
Obviously last year the first team wore down with the long grind and heavy game minutes. How many minutes does he envision as optimal for each of the starters?
Brendan responded really well to the increased workload last year. Do his minutes figure to change? Many fans who track defense (via stats etc) advocate Brendan earning even more minutes, but it’s tough to picture that with you know nine other seven footers on the team or whatnot…
Comment from doclinkin
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:37 PM
“I’m curious about how EJ develops the rotation or how he envisions __USING__ the players”
my fingers fight with me sometmes…
Comment from doclinkin
Time October 1, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Oops, funny, looks like my post got in anyway despite minor internet death. Pardon the repeat.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time October 1, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Everybody look at NBA.com and look at the season previews for every team…NBA Live 09 simulated that the Wizards go 30-52 and dont make the playoffs, that Kobe wins the defensive player of the year, the Heat have the best record in the East and make it to the Finals??!!! I’m sorry but that just sounds completely stupid…..I love NBA Live games and I’m surprised they made the game to simulate those projections; they are just ludicrous! The Wizards will not be a lottery team this year and the Heat will not make it to the finals!
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time October 1, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Dave I did win tickets last season, to the Bucks game where Gilbert came back for the first time since November….I also won the Spaulding Never Flat package as well!! Last year was a lucky year for me …..so to stop by the booth, do I just tell VCU security I have permission to stop by and say hello, and if so when should I?? Oh and will non season ticket holding fans get a chance to get autographs?? last year Ernie Grunfield made a selfish rule that only season ticket holders could get autographs after the scrimmage…..and if only season ticket holders can get them this year, can u try and push for bloggers as well?? GO WIZARDS!!!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Wizfan a bunch of us talked about the EA Sports simulation on yesterday’s thread, its a wonder why they even play this season with sure fire picks like that .
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Hey everyone, the Wizards had a very very intense practice and Head Coach Eddie Jordan was very happy, how happy? Well he cancelled practice for tonight, so a very good sign about how hard these guys are going.
Comment from gbkdc
Time October 1, 2008 at 4:07 PM
DJ Wizards Radio says: “back on line… i was just knocked off….probably a cavs fan…”
HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from mmcin561
Time October 1, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Was practice for tonight definately cancelled? Also, is the general public allowed at any/all of these practices? Thanks!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 5:20 PM
The general public is allowed to come to the scrimmage on Friday at 5. Practice is cancelled but some players might go over to the arena and shootaround and play some pickup, these guys just dnot stop.
Comment from GlingGling
Time October 1, 2008 at 5:47 PM
It just keeps getting more and more exciting. I know we’re only looking at the Wiz’s training camp but things sound so solid out there.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Dave says with Buck here he feels like a player on a ten day contract without a per-diem!! OMG that’s funny!
The Wizards have always had their “FOUR” announcers: Buck and Phil AND Dave and Glenn. Without any of you it just wouldn’t be Wizards Basketball!
That being said (lol) the : that’s it, back tonight, it was intense Does Not Cut It! With a 55 to 56 game with 4.7 seconds left….. WHO WON? lol
I’m officially getting excited…. GO WIZARDS!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 1, 2008 at 11:27 PM
black team won.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Thanks SportzWiz. figures… had all the veterans
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:37 AM
I would not want to be in Ernie’s shoes. Demarr seems to be impressing at the 2/3.. a position we covet. Juan is a hard nosed scrappy player who can shoot the lights out on any given night. I haven’t heard or know anything of Demarr’s defense. I’m sure when the “4″ players were signed to training camp some flexability was included in all deals.
Very Interesting. Either way I think we are going to prove the sport writers wrong as we have for 4 or 5 years now.
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Comment from Phemy
Time October 1, 2008 at 6:44 AM
“morning”,
Quick question: When do we get to see the new jerseys for the season? IF there are new jerseys, don’t really know much about that…but…new alternate one, black with gold/white? c’mmooooonnn
greetz,
Phemy