http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/digest_061003.html
By Conrad Brunner | Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006
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Carlisle
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Playing a faster-paced offense sounded like a good idea to most of the Pacers players. But they're quickly learning that run and fun aren't necessarily intertwined when it comes to preparation. Coach Rick Carlisle has made it clear he will not relent from his commitment to strong defense. In other words, the players need to be ready to go full speed in both directions, making this, in the coach's words, "the most difficult style they've ever played in terms of physical demands." That was apparent in the first practice of training camp, a sprint-heavy session that left the players dripping. "There's no standing around anymore," said Jermaine O'Neal. "It's up and down. That was tough. I worked out all summer and I'm tired. I'm really tired."
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Baston
DUNK YOU VERY MUCH
One of the main highlights of Tuesday's session was an exchange of dunks. Newcomer Maceo Baston, who developed quite a legend as a dunker in the EuroLeague, threw down on O'Neal. On the next trip, O'Neal took the opportunity to return the favor. "I thought we were going to have to stop practice after that," said Stephen Jackson. Alas, no such luck; the running continued.
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O'Neal
NEW BALL ROUNDLY CRITICIZED
The NBA's decision to change to a different basketball this season is 0-for-O'Neals. After Miami's Shaq roundly criticized the ball Monday, suggesting whoever came up with the idea to change should be fired, the Pacers' Jermaine offered his opinion. He told the story of a recent Nike commercial shoot involving several premier players, "and nobody liked the ball." J.O. said the new ball tends to be overly sticky when dry and gets slippery when wet. "But it is what it is," he said. "They're not going to change the ball so we've got to get used to it."
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Armstrong
D.A. GIVES YOU WINGS
Darrell Armstrong hasn't been around very long but the hyperactive 38-year-old already has earned a nickname from his new teammates. "We call him Red Bull," said Jackson. "Whenever we need energy, we'll just take a drink of D.A. and we'll be good to go."
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Person
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Yes, it's true Carlisle announced Chuck Person as the defensive coordinator for the coaching staff this season, but don't panic. Though long-time fans may remember Person as something less than a stopper in his playing days, he has demonstrated a sound knowledge of defensive concepts as well as the ability to communicate with the players in his tenure as an assistant coach. Carlisle said he has "a lot of faith" in Person, who will share defensive responsibilities with veteran assistant Dan Burke.
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Bzdelik
FACES IN THE CROWD
Training camp visitors Tuesday included former Butler and current Ohio State coach Thad Matta; Southern Mississippi coach Larry Eustachy, who coached Jamaal Tinsley and worked with current Pacers assistant Leonard Perry at Iowa State; and former Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik, currently the Air Force Academy coach.
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Harrison
BIG MEN ON THE MEND
David Harrison joined John Edwards on the sidelines after stepping on Josh Powell's foot, resulting in a sore left ankle. Harrison is listed as day-to-day. Edwards is out indefinitely with a sore back. Harrison reported to camp in superb shape, carrying a chiseled 265 pounds on his 7-foot frame.
By Conrad Brunner | Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carlisle
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Playing a faster-paced offense sounded like a good idea to most of the Pacers players. But they're quickly learning that run and fun aren't necessarily intertwined when it comes to preparation. Coach Rick Carlisle has made it clear he will not relent from his commitment to strong defense. In other words, the players need to be ready to go full speed in both directions, making this, in the coach's words, "the most difficult style they've ever played in terms of physical demands." That was apparent in the first practice of training camp, a sprint-heavy session that left the players dripping. "There's no standing around anymore," said Jermaine O'Neal. "It's up and down. That was tough. I worked out all summer and I'm tired. I'm really tired."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baston
DUNK YOU VERY MUCH
One of the main highlights of Tuesday's session was an exchange of dunks. Newcomer Maceo Baston, who developed quite a legend as a dunker in the EuroLeague, threw down on O'Neal. On the next trip, O'Neal took the opportunity to return the favor. "I thought we were going to have to stop practice after that," said Stephen Jackson. Alas, no such luck; the running continued.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O'Neal
NEW BALL ROUNDLY CRITICIZED
The NBA's decision to change to a different basketball this season is 0-for-O'Neals. After Miami's Shaq roundly criticized the ball Monday, suggesting whoever came up with the idea to change should be fired, the Pacers' Jermaine offered his opinion. He told the story of a recent Nike commercial shoot involving several premier players, "and nobody liked the ball." J.O. said the new ball tends to be overly sticky when dry and gets slippery when wet. "But it is what it is," he said. "They're not going to change the ball so we've got to get used to it."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armstrong
D.A. GIVES YOU WINGS
Darrell Armstrong hasn't been around very long but the hyperactive 38-year-old already has earned a nickname from his new teammates. "We call him Red Bull," said Jackson. "Whenever we need energy, we'll just take a drink of D.A. and we'll be good to go."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Person
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Yes, it's true Carlisle announced Chuck Person as the defensive coordinator for the coaching staff this season, but don't panic. Though long-time fans may remember Person as something less than a stopper in his playing days, he has demonstrated a sound knowledge of defensive concepts as well as the ability to communicate with the players in his tenure as an assistant coach. Carlisle said he has "a lot of faith" in Person, who will share defensive responsibilities with veteran assistant Dan Burke.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bzdelik
FACES IN THE CROWD
Training camp visitors Tuesday included former Butler and current Ohio State coach Thad Matta; Southern Mississippi coach Larry Eustachy, who coached Jamaal Tinsley and worked with current Pacers assistant Leonard Perry at Iowa State; and former Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik, currently the Air Force Academy coach.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harrison
BIG MEN ON THE MEND
David Harrison joined John Edwards on the sidelines after stepping on Josh Powell's foot, resulting in a sore left ankle. Harrison is listed as day-to-day. Edwards is out indefinitely with a sore back. Harrison reported to camp in superb shape, carrying a chiseled 265 pounds on his 7-foot frame.
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