NCDS: Steve Robinson, Assistant Coach - North Carolina
By: Steve Robinson, Assistant Coach - University of North Carolina
On Oct. 16th college basketball officially began. We kicked off the hoops season in one of the most entertaining ways you can. Our players performed skits and dance routines to a variety of songs (speaking of which, my nephew, Cadi-mac, did the rap on a couple of hot tunes for the event). Lots of laughter and a great crowd for the event. UNC and Late Night with Roy continues to be a big hit with the Tar Heel Nation.
Practice begins - Saturday morning, October 17th, practice began at 11 a.m. We started out with shooting form. We do this before every practice. We tell our guys that if they work on using the correct form that it can help them improve their shooting technique. Then the pace starts to pick up with our warm-up and then right into our post perimeter work. We have five freshmen that are trying to pickup on new drills and the pace at which we want it done so they are a little confused at times.
We hit them pretty hard with some defensive drills. They're pretty basic but what we will need to be a sound defensive team, covering areas like how to defend a ball screen, boxing out and denying a pass to the wing area.
The veterans like Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson have been through the paces before so they know what to expect and they really do a outstanding job of leading the team through the drills. From the breakdown drills we move to our group work drills working 4 on 4 defense. Just bringing it all together . It is always fun to watch the freshmen trying to adjust. At this point in practice we have worked up a big sweat and the guys are looking for that water break!
After the water break we kick it up a notch with some full court work. We have to get that running game going. Carolina basketball is a high-octane offense and we have to teach those guys to run every time, all the time. Guys say they want to run but most only want to when they think they can get the ball! So you better get in shape to play at our pace.
I think all of us coaches will have to be patient with the young guys. They are getting a lot of info thrown at them in a short period of time. I like that they a very eager to learn. All of our freshmen show great spirit and a desire to compete.
Competition for playing time is starting to heat up and we have some good battles at every position. Marcus has looked great! He has his body in good shape and is playing like the veteran leader he is. Deon has really worked hard and is battling every practice and having great results.
Ed Davis has put on some good weight and is playing at a high level along with his partner Tyler Zeller who also has added a few pounds and continues to run the floor.
Well that just about covers the front court and next month I will update you on the progress of our guards and our rookies.
