Open Basketball Practice was today; video updates inside

Go AJ Go

I am completely okay with that. I honestly think a ton of it has to do with the trend we are seeing in the NBA where teams are pushing the pace and shooting a lot of 3's. The main reason I feel this way is because I went back and looked at his Mav's teams that were so good. They were near the bottom of the NBA in pace when he coached, which surprised me because the main coach he learned coached under was Don Nelson. I think Pop adopted the Pace & Space type stuff has had an impact on him.

If we have any one named Curry we could run the Golden State O.

Tuscaloosa News did a write up of practice

LINK

quote:

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From the 20-second shot clock to the rapid-fire delivery of the head coach, everything about basketball practice at the University of Alabama seemed to be moving briskly on Thursday — but Avery Johnson was quick to point out that it was still “baby steps” for the Crimson Tide as it learns Johnson's system and his expectations.

“We're just trying to build confidence right now,” Johnson said after the Thursday practice, the first that has been open to the media this fall. “Sometimes, you've got to take baby steps.”

Johnson, whose head coaching experience has been entirely at the NBA level, said his own transition has been helped by two years of AAU mentoring and the “enthusiasm” of his Crimson Tide team.

“They've worked hard and been very coachable,” Johnson said. “We had a 6 a.m. practice on the first day and they've been full speed ever since.”

The Crimson Tide does have several players working through health issues. Arthur Edwards, the fifth-year transfer from New Mexico, sat out Thursday's practice with a fever but is expected back soon. Forwards Michael Kessens and Shannon Hale both participated on a limited basis. Hale had foot surgery in the spring, while Kessens has been sidelined for much of the summer with a sports hernia.

“Mike couldn't do much this summer,” Johnson said. “He's slowly working back into shape. We've broken his body down and now we are putting it back together so he will be in the best shape of his life. Hopefully he'll be there soon because we really need him for some of the things we want to do.

“Shannon has been a little slower to come back. Today was the first day that he was able to go through some of the half-court practice. His weight was down earlier and we've got it up to where we want him to play (at 233 pounds.)”

One point of emphasis was the interior offense, particularly with junior post player Jimmie Taylor.

“You've all heard of the movie 'Finding Nemo,'” Johnson said. “Well, we're 'Finding Jimmie.' We want to play fast, but in such a way that he doesn't get lost in the flow.”

Taylor was one of the players that Johnson mentioned as “showing leadership,” along with guards Justin Coleman, Dazon Ingram and Retin Obasohan.

Ingram, a freshman from Theodore, “has been doing well,” Johnson said. “But he also probably has the toughest job, the most to learn, because he is playing point guard.”

“All the freshmen (Ingram, Brandon Austin and center Donta Hall) have been very competitive, but it's a lot to throw at young guys,” Johnson said.

Alabama will host its Fan Day at Coleman Coliseum on Oct. 27.

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That's not an open event is it? I'm at hotel capstone. Would love to go check out some of that action.