Defensive Wiz

The Wizards opened training camp with a major focus on defense. Head Coach Eddie Jordan said that he was happy with the defensive focus and intensity in yesterdays opening practices. Over 2 1/2 hours out of a scheduled 3 hours were spent on learning and implementing new defensive schemes and plays. Surprisingly Jordan said that former UVA Cavalier Roger Mason Jr. was one of the top three defenders in camp, increasing his chances of making the team. DeShawn Stevenson who was brought in mainly for his defensive abilities was pleasantly useful in the offensive workouts.

Antwan Jamison said that the team was far more focused yesterday than in previous years. It appeared that way as the normal joking and meaningless rhetoric, were replaced with the calmer voice of Eddie Jordan. It’s not that they were walking around like stiffs; it just wasn’t relaxed and laid back as it has been in previous training camp openers. Jamison attributes this to the team’s growth and maturity. He also said that the goal this year is the Finals, which gives more meaning and purpose to the things accomplished in training camp.

Jamison and Jordan spoke highly of former GW standout Mike Hall. Jamison said that he has a great set of skills that will help him succeed in camp. Jordan said that his best advice to Mike would be to remain noticeable. Often times in camp rookies, especially undrafted drifters, hold back thinking less is more. In the case of Mike Hall, D.C., offers a particularly unique opportunity to not only make the team but somehow find a way into the starting lineup.

With that said, most of the players spoke highly of Center Brendan Haywood. His effort and aggressiveness have improved drastically. Haywood, sporting a newly acquired headband and beard, was nearly invisible last season underachieving in almost every statistical category. Haywood seems to notice that the success of the Wizards, depends significantly on the production he gives from the center position.

Caron Butler said that reports of Arenas’ “thinner air unit” make him feel like he needs to up the ante. Butler said that he might have a hill installed in his back yard for workout purposes.

Butler also said that second year player Andray Blatche looked much better than last year. He says that Blatche is far more mature and his skills improved over the summer. Blatche was shot last summer in the wrist and chest, so this is his first training camp experience.

The players that practiced with the first team today were:
Gilbert Arenas
Caron Butler
Antonio Daniels
Andray Blatche
DeShawn Stevenson
Calvin Booth
Andray Blatche
Mike Hall
Brendan Haywood

Notable second team players practicing on a different court were:
Jarvis Hayes
Roger Mason Jr.
Etan Thomas

Injuries:
Gilbert Arenas sat out of the second half of the first practice with back pain. Arenas has been suffering from the back issues since the World Basketball Championships over the summer.

Darius Songalia did not practice today because of pain in his back. He too is experiencing a hangover from the WBC.


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