the greenbrier

Jim Eichenhofer

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – As players stretched or fired jumpers Tuesday, preparing for the first practice of the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2015-16 season, speakers blared recent hit songs from artists such as Drake and 2 Chainz. With steady rain falling outside on an exceptionally gloomy morning, the upbeat music helped energize the proceedings from the get-go. Borrowing from his Golden State head coach last season, Steve Kerr – who borrowed the concept from the NFL’s Pete Carroll – Alvin Gentry has vowed to play popular, upbeat music at his team’s practices this season. That began in earnest Tuesday, even before the first whistle blew at The Greenbrier.

“Just trying to loosen it up and make it a fun environment, getting us ready for practice,” Pelicans two-time All-Star Anthony Davis said. “Playing music. The biggest thing is to get us loosened up for practice, but at the same time, working hard and having fun.”

“He’s a lot more relaxed and relatable than most coaches, because he’s so hip to a lot of things that are new,” forward Quincy Pondexter said of Gentry and his approach. “He probably listens to Drake more than us. He’s a great guy.”

Shooting guard Eric Gordon said the pre-practice playlist was a combination of the preferences of coaches and players. Gentry favorite Drake made a few appearances over a 30-minute span.

“It’s a little bit of the players’ (favorites), too,” Gordon said. “We enjoy it. That’s why I’m glad they have a good playlist. It’s good to have music, period.”

Other notes from the team’s initial practice day:

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Pelicans Day 1 training camp notes: A musical beginning

Pelicans.com

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans today announced the team’s training camp schedule at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2. Prior to departing for camp, the Pelicans will hold their annual Media Day on Monday, Sept. 28.

The Pelicans will practice inside The Greenbrier’s indoor tennis and recreation center, where two regulation-sized courts are being installed along with bleacher seating for spectators.

*The practice schedule is subject to change.

pelicans-announce-training-camp-schedule-at-the-greenbrier

Pelicans Announce Training Camp Schedule at The Greenbrier

admin

The Greenbrier Owner Jim Justice, Saints QB Ryan Griffin and Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry on today's Black and Blue Report.

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Black and Blue Report: August 17, 2015

Vice president of digital media for New Orleans Pelicans.

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team will hold their 2015 Training Camp at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.V.  Times, dates and locations for practices will be released at a later time.

"Once again I'm really delighted to be able to bring an exceptional experience to the deserving people of West Virginia,” said Chairman and Owner of The Greenbrier Jim Justice. “For West Virginians to be able to enjoy seeing first hand practices of an NBA team within our state is very rewarding to me. I have special thanks to Mr. Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis and all within the Pelicans and Saints organization that have played an instrumental part in making this happen."

The team will conduct Media Day on Monday, September 28 in New Orleans prior to leaving for White Sulphur Springs, W.V. The Pelicans 2015 Training Camp will take place at The Greenbrier from September 29 through October 2.

“For the past two years, Mickey has raved about The Greenbrier and all it has to offer,” said Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps. “Coach Gentry and I visited The Greenbrier last week and it is better than I could have ever imagined.”

Demps added, “We believe The Greenbrier will provide an excellent environment for the Pelicans to prepare for the upcoming season. This is the ideal place for our coaches and players to focus on basketball as they bond and learn about each other.”

Entering their first season under Head Coach Alvin Gentry, the Pelicans most recently held training camp at the team’s practice facility in New Orleans. This marks the first time the team has moved training camp outside of New Orleans since 2009 when it took place in Lafayette, La.

“When Dell and I visited The Greenbrier last week, I was blown away by their first-class facilities, amenities and staff,” said Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry. “The Greenbrier provides all the accommodations we need to have a productive training camp and also gives our players a great opportunity to grow closer together off the court. We can’t wait to bring our team there and get ready for the upcoming season.”

new-orleans-pelicans-to-hold-2015-training-camp-at-the-greenbrier

New Orleans Pelicans to hold 2015 training camp at The Greenbrier

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