Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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With 13 new players and a completely different coaching staff, the Wolves started from square one on Tuesday morning in Mankato. The team will focus on implementing the offensive and defensive philosophies of head coach Kurt Rambis to prepare for the first preseason game on Sunday.
Head Coach Kurt Rambis
DOWNLOAD MP3 Al Jefferson
DOWNLOAD MP3 Jonah Ballow with Jonny Flynn
DOWNLOAD MP3 Kevin Love
DOWNLOAD MP3 Corey Brewer
DOWNLOAD MP3 Jonah Ballow with Jack McClinton
DOWNLOAD MP3 John Focke with Devin Green
DOWNLOAD MP3 Quick thoughts from camp on Tuesday:
--Big Al ran the floor with ease. The Wolves’ star post player returned to the court in his first official practice session after suffering a season ending knee injury last February. The svelte Jefferson dropped 30 pounds during the difficult rehab process and his hard work should result in improved quickness inside the paint. Oh, and he also dunked several times to prove there is no hesitation in his game.
--Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions looked comfortable running drills together in the backcourt. Most fans are intrigued to see if the two guards can co-exist this season. Both players displayed extreme speed on the fastbreak and should develop chemistry throughout the week.
--Ryan Hollins is an athletic freak. The seven-foot center threw down the hammer countless times during the practice session, which was impressive to see in person. Fans are going to love the energy and athleticism that Hollins possesses.
--Assistant coach Bill Laimbeer jumpstarted drills by shooting free throws so the team could practice transition basketball from the dead ball. By my count, Laimbeer only missed one free throw attempt and had the quote of the morning, “All day, everyday.” The mix of Dave Wohl, Reggie Theus, and Laimbeer immediately brings credibility to the practice court with their vast NBA experience.
--Wohl made subtle but important points on Tuesday by stressing the emphasis on the “little things.” Championship teams in any sport are fundamentally sound and Wohl made that abundantly clear to the players. He also expressed the importance of gaining numbers on the defensive side of the floor to halt any easy opportunities from the opposition.
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