Training Camp Day 2: Night Practice
SportzWiz checking in from the arena…Getting a little look at the VCU Women’s team practice before the Wizards get going. A few players are starting to slowly trickle in about 90 minutes before practice including Gilbert and Caron. Dave Johnson will be checking in before practice, but I just wanted to post some links from today’s first session.
Video: Dave Johnson and Glenn Consor Camp Update
Video: Saunders and Player Interviews
Photos
5:15 PM Dave Johnson checking in……good atmosphere players shooting to get set for the more competetive evening session,..It looks like Gil, Randy Foye, and Nick Young in some kind of “friendly” shooting competetion at one end of the court…
5:35 PM…night practice underway
Posted: September 30th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM
another shooting contest, gil just made 10 of 11 from the 3pt line and won the around the world competition and there are plenty of guys trying to distract him when he shoots 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 5:55 PM
big men working on shots at one end….giards at the other
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:00 PM
losers in the shooting drill with the guards have to do push ups
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:06 PM
forwards working on a loose ball drill coach rolls it out and they go one on one
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:09 PM
shooting fun done…now into a outlet drill
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:10 PM
ran into some great fans today in Richmond..they are pumped about having a pre season game here at VCU next Tuesday…there is just so much excitement for this season and with good reason
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:11 PM
spend some time talking to these players and you get the sense of a team–that while there is a lot to learn with a new coach–it is a team eager to show what it can do
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:14 PM
some conversation after practice this AM with Andray Blatche…he said he had not been as serious about basketball as he should have been in….he said his mother in the of season gave him a stern talking to…he said he chnaged his number to seven to reflect..he wants to be about basketball seven days a week
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Hey Dave, Glenn adn Sportzwiz thanks for the updates!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:16 PM
also nice chat with Doemnic McGuire…who knows he is there for defense and rebounding but has been working hard on a mid rnage jumper so defenders will have to respect him
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:17 PM
That is a great statement by Blatche, it shows his maturity. And that admission is tough, so he should really play with some fire every night since he will never be able to take that statement back. Here’s to a big year Dray!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:17 PM
veryhting good in california or where are you
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:18 PM
I love the talk of championship run, not a playoff run! That mindset alone is HUGE! It seems as though this team is really focused and not into the antics of passed years, and that starts with Gilbert really stepping into his leadership role.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Hey Dave, I wanted to come to Richmond I am local until Sunday. I had hoped that maybe the team would have open practices. And yes all is well and thank you for asking sir. Of course things are so much better now that the Wizards are back on the court!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:21 PM
the other comment…McGuire said with the new additions….have to be more focused…this feels like a train that is ready to leave the station and you need to get on board
Comment from Bex750
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:22 PM
hey guys! once again great coverage…love all those snippets.
any word on new alternative or retro jerseys for next season? the gold ones got “retired” if I remember correctly.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:23 PM
got my ticket, and I am a believer. This season will be a defining moment for this franchise.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:25 PM
no open practice just the pre season game here on Tuesday…..and that talk of making a deep run is said in a very matter of fact way…this team wants to work and then win
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:26 PM
OMG!!! Dave/Glenn/Sportzwiz the retro Bullet uniforms with the red, white and blue they have to bring those back. I remember when Mr Pollin wanted the name change due to the gun violence in the city, so maybe we keep the name Wizards and dawn the red, white and blue uni’s??
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Flip passed out hats and t-shirts that had what slogan on them?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:27 PM
gold ones are gone….and welcome bex750 not aware of reto or alternate this season
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:28 PM
lot of energy in building 3 on 2 drill….shots are falling…and players are talking…..DeShawn’s shot looks on
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:29 PM
it said “OUR TIME” on the hats and the shirts.
Comment from yurifury
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Hey Dave, who has looked better Nick Young or Randy Foye…How has Nick looked playing along Gilbert?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:33 PM
very good to hear about DeShawn I am sure he has a chip on his shoulder. And him giving up his starting spot will not come without a fight. I like “Our Time” my translation “NBA Finals”! Maybe we should ask what the meaning was huh?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:33 PM
It’s interesting because Antawn said he was energized by putting championship out as a goal…he said it is not about 40 wins and just making the playoffs
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM
In your memory do you remember this team talking championship? I love it, the swagger and the statement. There must be a something in the air in the gym and around the club, and I love it.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:40 PM
no…. and as I talk about this year…I am not trying to put down previous years …..This is a new team and a new time….I believe the Miller and Foye additions are already proving to be huge with their talent and approach to the game….and I think this is the year we could be rewarded for the patience and development with Young and Blatche
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Dray seemed really energized over the summer and in workouts, has that also carried over on the floor thus far?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:43 PM
JaVale sure alters shots
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:44 PM
3pt shooting was a real issue last year, this year that and defense will be a strong suit! Man if we can get any kind of low post threat from Mr Haywood, Jamison or McGee to kick out to all of our shooters?? WOW, what a year!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:45 PM
yes in fact Dray just had a terrific baseline move right after you posted that
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:46 PM
and a smike miller also said he may help the offense witout even shooting but by just being on the floor
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:46 PM
go Dray, it was never talent IMO about him, it was between the ears. Go get it big fella!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:47 PM
sitting next to my partner glenn consor and he just smiled and said we are playing some good basketball…we are seeing foucs… terrifc passes and then finishes
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:48 PM
How did Ernie pull of getting Foye and Miller?? Wow, and I am with Mike, being on the court will open things up and open up driving lanes for Gilbert and Caron to attack the rim.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:48 PM
amen jeffmalone1990….two of my season ticket holder friend tom and patti have been dray supporters through thick and thin and i think this will be their year…and therefore our year
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Hey Glenn, welcome to the season! Let’s have the 3 P’s, purpose, passion and pride!! Go Wizards!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:51 PM
role-player for this team will take on a different meaning this year
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:54 PM
refs are ready..8 mintes on clock
white jerseys right now inlcude…brendan…nick..dom antawn and mike james…
blue jerseys v grier paul davis ranndy foye caron butler and javale mcgee
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:55 PM
On a side note….Did DeShawn really get a tattoo of the $5 Dollar bill across his neck?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:56 PM
like the mtach ups for both
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Charles,
Glenn here: how was ur summer, hope u are well!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Glenn, great to hear from you!! It was great, how was yours? You did a great job with the basketball camp, as for me this is my favorite time of the year, Wizards basketball.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 6:59 PM
you know i saw the pittsburgh pirates logo by his eye..and apparently he did get a 5 dollar bill on his neck for the abe lincoln connection
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:01 PM
DeShawn…WOW…Speechless…..Here’s to a comeback year and healthy one DeShawn!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:02 PM
fun watching brendan and javale battle in the post
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:03 PM
That sounds like a fun match up
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:06 PM
there have been some good match ups…mike james shot has also been on
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I have seen many predictions on the blog about the line-ups and rotations, Ihave no clue. I think all of them will play because we are that deep, and whether it’s an in game decision or match up as it relates to another team, it really will be fun!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:09 PM
white jerseys won that match up
black jerseys —javaris deshawn mike miller fabio and dray…..deshanw just hit another shot
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:10 PM
and nick young just hit a fade over dray…guys are playing shots are falling
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:12 PM
deshanw red hot
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:17 PM
c’mon Deshawn and Slick!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:20 PM
mike james has looked explosive…dray has hit some tough baseline shots
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:22 PM
again who will get minutes, should be really good!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:23 PM
white jerseys with another win having a good night
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:27 PM
white team is HOT!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:29 PM
white is playing blue now…..we talked about miller rebounding…made some nice passes as well…..and we know about that shot which is smooth
Comment from Rook
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Gilbert not playing? I don’t remember you mentioning his name…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Gil was playing earlier…but they have 16 guys so like last night…when they divide by three at times someone sits out…. that is a wrap on practice…. just one tomorrow in the afternoon.. they just finished with some running…and by the way Rook welcome back this year
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Note that the team Dominic McGuire is on has not yet lost one of these 5 on 5 games. He’s a winner.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 30, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Tom I would have to agree with you
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 30, 2009 at 8:36 PM
dominic, nick and haywood are all undefeated i believe.
Comment from ChenierFan
Time September 30, 2009 at 9:51 PM
A few random thoughts…
1) Remember last year when EJ scheduled the first practice for a Sunday morning. Just in case you need some devine intervention (or luck avoiding injuries) that would be the absolute worst time to chose to begin the season.
2) Is Andray really up to 260 lbs?
3) Did anyone catch the irony of Ed Tapscott conducting clinics in China this summer? He probably sent Chinese basketball back 30 years.
4) Remember last year how we started a backcourt of Dee Brown and DeShawn (with a herniated disc) with a washed up Antonio Daniels and Juan Dixon in reserve? This years team looks absolutely loaded in comparison.
5) I continue to devour the poetry of our very own Tom Mandel. For those of you who missed the blog a couple nights ago, it was discovered that Tom is a renown poet and also a company start-up whiz. What an amazing combination! I am still pining to collaborate with him about a book of poems on the Wizards. It would sell like crazy when they win the title this year. I was thinking one of the poems could be an adapted “Casey at the Bat” (”There was no joy in DC… Mighty Brendan’s shot rimmed out”). The sky is the limit!
Comment from ChenierFan
Time September 30, 2009 at 9:52 PM
I meant “divine” intervention
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 30, 2009 at 10:02 PM
This blog is bumpin’. Sorry I could not participate today because I had hernia surgery. But I read through the Day Two posts and I love it. The bloggers we have here are second to none!
Tom, I am surprised you did not comment on Flip making the finals/championship the teams goal. I know you have been very conservative on your predictions/expectations.
I hate to give into all the hype, but the coverage on this blog generates all sorts of excitement. I’m not doing any predicting, but as the 8 ball says, “All signs point to yes.” There are a lot of factors that make this season unique for this franchise.
I am stoked to just watch this deep and talented team play and so excited that we are being directed by a coach with an elite track record (and great assistant coaches).
I’ll do my best to stay grounded during this preseason, even though deep down my heart is saying, “Zero to Hero!”.
Now, as a fan blogging team I think we have a responsibility, and that is to knock on wood. I’ll be scheduling a “stay healthy” dance/chant when we get closer to the start of the season, I expect everyone to attend.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 30, 2009 at 10:08 PM
ChenierFan, where does it say Andray is up to 260? Cause that would be great if that was all muscle! I knew Tom was a poet, the link is right there in his name.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 30, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Chenierfan — yes, I’m pretty sure a combo of Gilbert Arenas and Mike Miller is an upgrade over Dee Brown and a gimpy DeShawn Stevenson!! We have a potential problem backing up the point, but it’s way too early to worry about that. Foye’s turned out to be a better 2 (which is what he was in college, btw) than 1.
Who knows; Dominic may have the skills to play point forward. He’s got good handles, passing skills, and doesn’t turn it over.
It’s exciting to hear about Nick playing Reggie Miller style ball. Lets see if he can keep it up.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 30, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Dominic is always looking to set people. Last season he got a great opportunity to really show how well he can pass the ball. If we needed some instant offense I’d put Dom on point and have two guards shooting off of screens. With all the confusion the 4 and 5 would open up for some easy layins/dunks.
Comment from CB3
Time September 30, 2009 at 11:40 PM
i like our potential starting line-up options.
Comment from GlingGling
Time October 1, 2009 at 12:05 AM
The training camp injuries are starting to come in from across the league. Let’s hope they stay out of the Washington area.
Comment from Babakism
Time October 1, 2009 at 3:25 AM
Andrays Momma lol
Momma said, my my my my momma said, my m m m m m m m m momma said Issa gots ta plays a better! And she don’t like the fuzzball!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 1, 2009 at 7:38 AM
Now we’re sitting here waiting for video every morning and afternoon.
Soooo….. where is it?
Comment from aznzero
Time October 1, 2009 at 7:53 AM
good morning dave, wizards, and fellow bloggers.
its great to see all this blogging. my goal this year is to be more involved as i been MIA the past couple of seasons since i started college. Working full time and going to school every evening is not helping out 
its going to be tough for flip to figure out the minutes this year.
Comment from neal
Time October 1, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Sounds terrific. Has anyone not looked good?
Does anyone know what happened to Juan Dixon? You gotta like him but he was a marginal NBA player. Did he ever become a starter anywhere? I never saw such a meltdown as when Tapscott played him in a couple of games at the end of last year to audition for this year. He was so bad I was embarrassed for him. He obviously was pressing and everything went wrong.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 1, 2009 at 7:56 AM
So far the most fun stories from camp are ‘Dray being more serious because his mother told him he had to be (you tend to forget how young these guys are), Dom being happy because now that he has his Touch he doesn’t have to ask Nick/Dray when they need to be at the bus (more kid behavior), and…
*especially* Nick having actually *studied* video of Rip and Reggie and embracing that kind of offensive role. If he comes through on that effort, I’ll be *happy* to eat crow about slick nick and happier yet for him, as he is a nice (very goofy) kid.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 1, 2009 at 8:03 AM
Juan worked out for Memphis. Not to worry about that young man, however. I would bet he’s kept his money and is set — and that he’ll surface as a coach. He was a great college guard but never really had the size for the NBA 2 spot and wasn’t really a 1 either.
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Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 30, 2009 at 5:28 PM
for those wondering about gil shooting from long distance, he just had a little shooting competition with Foye and Nick…
They shot from 5 spots along the 3pt line and shooting 5 times from each spot. Gil won the competition without shooting at the final spot, he made 17 of 20.