By Christina De Nicola

Every player hears mention of it after a successful rookie campaign: Will he fall victim to the sophomore jinx?

Don’t expect that from Miami’s two second-year players, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers.

For the pair, improving upon their game is all about repetition – 10,000 dribbles and shots to be exact.

“They were both very committed this summer to spending time and not just being complacent about last year and really trying to improve,” said Erik Spoelstra, who also was in his first year as head coach of the HEAT.

Spoelstra said that both of the young stars practiced fundamentals. In addition to that, Beasley worked on conditioning, perimeter skills and defense.

“Michael is already a different body type than last year,” he said. “He’s quicker, and he has to play a couple of positions now and he’s made the adjustment. He’s doing well.”

Chalmers focused on strength, ball handling, three-point shooting and getting to the paint.

“Everything’s getting better,” he said. “It’s just the little things that are going to help me.”

Daequan Cook, who is entering his third season, remembers the transition he made between his first and second years that made him into the 2009 NBA Three-Point Shootout champion.

“You’re a lot more mature each year you come in. You work on something better on your game to improve for the following year,” he said. “It’s always a progression. My rookie year was kind of tough. It was about being a lot more mature as a 20-year-old.”

This is something that’s already evident with Beasley.

“I’ve been focusing on defense, but overall just staying in the game,” the 20-year-old forward said. “I’m keeping my composure and talking, being a participator on defense.”

There’s also a lot to be proud of for the former Kansas Jayhawk. Chalmers started all 82 games and averaged 10.0 points and 1.95 steals last season.

“Just the records I got and being part of a team and going to the playoffs, I think that’s the most memorable thing,” he said.

As for that supposed sophomore jinx? It’s an added bonus thing that Chalmers doesn’t believe in it and Beasley had never heard of it.

“No, never that,” the HEAT point guard said. “You’ve got to get a feel throughout preseason for the regular season. Just be ready. It’s a long season and make sure you take care of your body.”

Beasley sees the hard work paying off. He hopes to continue playing like he did toward the end of last season when he finished averaging 13.9 points.

“I’m more vocal on the floor; I talk myself into the rotation,” Beasley said. “I’m early not late on most rotations defensively. It’s a big difference. I feel like a leader sometimes.”

His head coach agrees.

“They have a different focus, you can tell. You can see it right now they’re both getting their extra shots, extra work,” he said. “They both understand they have a great opportunity and they don’t want to take it for granted.”