Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 8:09 AM

Hey Dave, is glen down there with you as well? I cant wait to hear how everyone is doing! Thanks again for all the great coverage and i’ll be checking in through out the day! See you guys on Tuesday!

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time September 29, 2009 at 8:24 AM

Finally. The new season begins. Let the good times roll!!!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM

sportzwiz checking in from vcu…..Just got into the arena and two hours before practice gilbert arenas, dsteve and cb3 are already warming and gearing to go.

The junkies are also in the building and are hosting their radio show live from practice.

Comment from Wizkid79
Time September 29, 2009 at 9:28 AM

Hey is Flip working with the veteran guards? and Sam working with the youngsters?

Comment from jwiles2385
Time September 29, 2009 at 9:37 AM

Is todays practice open to the public?

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 9:51 AM

hey sportswiz does dray look to be in better shape than last year? more bulked up etc?

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 9:52 AM

ps is there a way to stream 106.7 the fan online? i couldnt find a link to it on google :/

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:04 AM

9:50 AM…..here we go at the Siegel Center..just did an interview with the SPORTS JUNKIES on our new flagship 106.7 FM THE FAN…before Flip Saunders took over and added some real susbstance to the show..you can listen online to THE FAN…http://www.cbssports.com/local/dc.. there is a listen link on the front page and there afternoon show with Lavar Arrington will broadcast live beginning at 2…..Guys have been here since around 9….Gilbert Arenas was here at 8…some things never change…and to see Brendan Haywood..DeShawn Stevenson and everyone healthy just makes it…Tim Grover who worked with Gilbert inthe off season is also here…….

10:01 AM…Wow here we go ealry start…Flip just called everyone in…on the agenda defensive concepts….right out of the gate.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM

again listen live link,,,,,for this afternoon’s show..
http://www.cbssports.com/local/dc..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:06 AM

Glenn Consor will be down here tomorrow

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:07 AM

Flip talking D now and demonstrating with assitants Wes Unseld and Sam Casell…..just giving overview

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:07 AM

and now an overview of the offense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:11 AM

back to defense..principles of pick and roll..d

strength coach drew cleary now takes ovef to warm up the guys

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:15 AM

so much talk about flip and his offensive play book

but flip’s teams have also been strong defensive teams..and yes personnel plays a big role and that is the reason why the Wizards should be better this year

Haywood is healthy and we are more versatile….we can have 6″8 guys guard guys in the back court

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:25 AM

alright now things can officially begin CSN play-by-play man Steve Buckhantz is here

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:29 AM

into fast break…communication emphasized…and by the way to the earlier question…Andray Blacthe wokred very hard all summer…and he looks in shape…see how they feel after pratice

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:32 AM

big slam by Blatche at the end of break…gym is alive with chattter…we hear assitant coach Don Zierden shouting if you aint rebounding you are running…..

drills intensity is ratcheting up…now we feel season is here

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM

pratice open to public to answer earlier question but that’s what we here for…to give you a window to what is going on

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:38 AM

let me rephrase what is just posted practice is NOT open to public

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:39 AM

also to an earlier question—–team is working out as a team…they have not broken up into smaller groups yet

Comment from jwiles2385
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:41 AM

i was almost ready to be on my way….lol

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:42 AM

teams into two groups…shooting drill at eahc end of court..losers run…..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:45 AM

yeah jwiles2385…i almost started a stampede…i am in pre-season typing form

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:49 AM

this first practice is always a reminder of how much work goes into the final product…here it is 10:47 and we are really 47 minutes ino a parctice that was scheduled to start at 10

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 10:57 AM

JaVale McGee just unveiled a nice left handed jump hook in the lane

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM

now working on and getting up court and quickly getting into half court offense…no defenders

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:02 AM

nice to see Mcgee out there after having his wisdom teeth taken out yesterday

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Here are some pictures from camp more coming so make sure to check back.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:03 AM

with the prospect of 8/9 man rotation..depth of this team is interesting….we had a lot of guys gets a lot of minutes last year (sadly because of injuries)

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:05 AM

i think a lot of the work flip and cassel did in the off season set the tempo and expectations for the first practice.. a lot of the guys already new some of the basic components and concepts and thus we were able to just jump right in from the get go.. i like how flip said in an interview on CSN that he basically has the whole first month and a half scripted as far as what he wants to install and work on each day and to me that sets the expectations with the guys as far as work ethic and knowing where they should be.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:06 AM

jgarica104 welcome again….train has left the station and javale wanted to be on it

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:07 AM

two teams half court

working on defensive technique…from communication to small details of positioning

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:08 AM

ps from those picture Haywood looks RIPPED…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:13 AM

guys look in shape….and i think we were prepared in previous years….just unfortunate with health situation last year

i think the excietment stems from putting last year behind us..and moving forward and knowing we are capable

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:14 AM

off season good for you jgarcia104

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:17 AM

Oberto has a great energy about him…hard work..but he is out there smiling

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Hello Dave/Glenn/Sportzwiz and to all my fellow bloggers

It has begun, the start of a new season full of optimisim and excitement. Thank you Dave for the reports, and here’s to a season full of health and success!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:22 AM

indeed jeffmalone1990…i hope you and your son had a terrifc summer..

flip again goign over defense..talking about being agrresive and noting thsat the spurs and pistons were on top of the league in fewest fiuls commited

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Definatly good, new house, new job, new car, new faces on my favorite basketball team, AND and Healthy Arenas I cant wait to get my first look up close next Tuesday

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:23 AM

pick and roll defense being covered

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:26 AM

congrats on all that Jgarcia…..and I can’twait either…you know what else i think is worth noting…last year was bad with 63 losses..but this team was never bad to be around….and that says a lot

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:27 AM

Thanks Dave, and believe me he is super excited about the season, and has already said he want to go to quite a few games!

Dave, can you talk about the buzz in the air on the first day of practice?

Do you see more of a professional and focused bunch?

Any thing on the players or coaches that have struck you thus far?

And as always a big THANK YOU for the blog and all that you do (Dave and Sportzwiz as well)

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:29 AM

just a quick note, a lot of focus on communication, all the players talking and learning terminology in different situations. very uptempo

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:31 AM

thats true. the one thing we can say for sure is that this team didnt have a 19 win season bc of a lack of effort or bc of a cancerous locker room.. it was just the way the cards were delt.. and I can honestly say I think we are a better team this time around for it. This hunger, excitement, and optimisim is something that we havnt seen since we got swept by miami in the second round. sometimes you have to take a step back to take the next step forward. look at the spurs and the lakers to name a few.

Comment from Phemy
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:31 AM

… GO ‘ZARDS!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:33 AM

thanks for the kind words…..i don’t think more professional…..Eddie Jordan did a good job with this team… and the core leaders are for the most part the same and their approach is the same….

I think Flip is theperfect fit for this team—he is confident in what he is doing and should be– there is no reason not to believe is track record of incrdible success will continue here and that excites me

I do think our adds are significant….in Miller who has been under the radar since his Orlando days…Foye who is ready to improve evn more and…Oberto has a certain confidence that must come with winnign a Gold Medal and NBA title

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:33 AM

hey phemy how is Germany

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:34 AM

well said jgarcia

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:35 AM

it’s men playing the game but it is so cool to see the winners in a drill get so fired up…like caron butler yelling out in joy and the losers having to run…just like when we were kids

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Thank you guys for the behind the scene updates, and on a side not about being professional. I am and was and Eddie Jordan supporter, and I am in no way questioning that. It was more to do with Nick Young, Andray Blatche and there focus. From the news, and clips that I have seen overall they seem really focused and as a team really eager to not just make the playoffs but do some damage in them.

I really love the additions of Foye, Oberto and Miller. I really think those players will make an impact in the season and more in the post season. Love the vets!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:41 AM

alternating between defensive drills and going over offenisve sets

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:43 AM

well said as well jeffmalone and i know you appreciated eddie….i think in some ways this year is different obviously with a different coach but there is renewal of energy and that has been spurred by good health and the additions we talked about

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:45 AM

Man I really LOVE that Gilbert is down to 209 lbs from 234 lbs, it puts less weight on his knee. And he should be faster and more explosive not to mention the strength and conditioning he did in Chicago.

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:51 AM

hmm… i wonder what Tim Gorver could do for me if i went down there for a month or so… and how much would that cost….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:51 AM

it’s funny you just said something about gilbert’s weight…the difference is striking

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:53 AM

working on talking and rotating on defense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:54 AM

i’ll see if i can’t get you the team rate with tim (LOL) he is a good guy and of course he was here with us when Jordan was here

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:54 AM

Hey Jeff how about we talk Gorver into starting a Tim Gorver Boot Camp.. Once a year for a two week. we can split the profits 3 ways maybe even get our own reality show from it…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Sam Cassell just walked by and said “execution is not rush”….i like that philosophy

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Dave, I totally agree about it being striking. I saw some of the photos and videos and I said to myself, WOW! If he is attacking the rim and not just taking the jump shot (and trying to finish with a dunk???) I am really excited about that, he wants his play to be his talk…..LOVE IT!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:57 AM

jgarcia now that is really funny, lol. Man Sam Cassell will be great on the bench this year, I can already hear him barking now, lol.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 11:59 AM

yeah he is not shy

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:02 PM

just had a shooting drill.. and now he is wrapping it up….it was focused conentrated and now over…..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:03 PM

i will be checking back all day….and we will be here for the night practice

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:10 PM

all this basketball talk is making me antsy… im off to the gym for few to work out this engergy lol. ill check back in later

Comment from M2
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:10 PM

What’s up Dave & the gang…
GREAT stuff so far, glad to have you guys!

Hello Wizards Nation

FINALLY…

Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:17 PM

DJ — Curious who is working with the Bigs on Low-Post fundamentals. Young puppies like Dray and McGee especially.

Comment from rgz
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:36 PM

From the photos – if that’s him with the short hair, Paul Davis can jump.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:53 PM

heading back to the hotel…first practice –two solid hours…as antawn jamison..noted not a lot of standing around

and great to see so many bloggers back..and doclinkin to your question there was no individual work this am….we’ll see what tonight brings

Comment from aznzero
Time September 29, 2009 at 12:53 PM

great pics!!! im so excited for the season. Just got a caron butler autographed all star jersey today. im so ready for this ready.

why is training camp held all the way down in richmond?

Comment from gbkdc
Time September 29, 2009 at 1:10 PM

Very exciting stuff! Good to see all of you here today!! Go Wiz! We’re back, Baby!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 1:18 PM

Will any practices be open to the public?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2009 at 1:31 PM

a quick fun story regardin the wiz last night.

Flip Saunders brought in a hynostist and I guess he got Nick Young and Mike James pretty good.

Nick supposedly was riding a balloon supposedly and Mike James couldnt remember his last name.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 1:32 PM

LOL…Sportzwiz that is really funny

Comment from gray16
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:02 PM

mabye flip can hypnotize nick into giving 100% on defense…

but i really want to see how nick has matured over this summer. mabye all those up and downs last season, along with flip/cassell’s guidance he will put a lot more effort into the game. if he buys into this, i can see him being the backup sg very soon. he has all the tools, its up to him whether or not he wants to use them.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:14 PM

F.Y.I. The LaVar Show is now live from training camp, guys check it out!

Comment from chris_aem23
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:18 PM

Hello everyone! New to the blog…. you guys season ticket holders?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:29 PM

I’m really looking forward to this season! Hey Dave Johnson it’s good to have you back on the blog again! Will the Wizards hold a scrimmage against each other for the public to see? If so, I’ll be there as always!

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:32 PM

How is Blatche looking in practice? He needs to step up this year and be more consistent because we need to have depth and consistency at the 4 and 5 positions this season to keep up with Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando

Comment from VTnWizFan
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Wizfan4life, Dave may confirm this but I have been told by the Wizards that the only thing open will be the preseason game. I called them because I was wondering the same thing since I will be in town over the weekend.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2009 at 2:52 PM

called into the LaVar show, great local topics!

Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2009 at 3:18 PM

DJ — Oberto is a huge Metallica Fan, but has never caught them live, you might mention they have a show on 10/17/2009 in Charlottesville, VA. The Wiz are due in Atlanta on the 19th but still might be a good chance to catch them. Mike Miller I think may also be a fan.