"Every player in this room is 22 or under. We have a starter in here, we have some guys with starting experience in here, and a rookie. Can anyone in here tell me why I am meeting with this specific group and not the whole team right now?" Coach Pio Reina was looking to see who was observant.
Datler, Mann, and Garcaa shared a knowing glance. It was obvious to them. Reese nodded. He knew, but wasn't ready to speak up. Tovar knew, but then his brash confidence led him to think he knew a lot as Pio would quickly come to discover. Only Reynolds wasn't sure, but as the rookie, that was to be expected. Deer in the headlights and all that.
Reese was about to speak, but Tovar was quicker on the trigger.
"Coach, we're gonna play a lot, aren't we? The bigs in here either start of have started. I've started before I got here. That leaves the quiet guy and the rookie. I'm guessing quiet guy has started a time or two, but not really that experienced." Tovar was prone to state the obvious.
"You'd be wise to tone down your words. That quiet guy can play better defense than you. Outside of your rookie teammate, everyone in here knows I put emphasis on defense, and Mr. Reynolds you just learned that didn't you?"
Rolland Reynolds spoke. "No sir, I watch and listen. Nick and a few of the other veterans have told me a number of times. Harrison is working with me to get me up to speed, too." That last part was a surprise to Pio; he'd known that Mann was working hard, but he hadn't heard about the mentoring bit from his assistants yet. Maybe time for a meeting with them.
"Tovar is right. You're going to play a lot. I want you prepared to work. Much is expected of you. I know you're all at different levels in your development, so we don't expect the same from you, but there are three things I do expect. You will be prepared, you will work hard, and you will defend. Now your season objectives. Shooter, you’re first. Your defense needs work. So does your passing. You’re weak inside defensively and you don’t finish at the rim. By the end of the season I want you to be able to play and be comfortable playing both guard spots. You’re the worst defending guard on the team. Change it.” Tovar was taken aback. He wasn’t used to being challenged like that.
“Reese, we need to find out if you have the ball skills to stay at the small, of if we need to transition you to the power. I want you to be able to play both. so your passing and inside game will be points of emphasis. You’re getting trained up everywhere.” Reese was excited, not that he ever showed it.
“Datler, Garcaa, and Mann, you all have to improve your ball skills and shooting. Mann, hit the boards, and be prepared to step outside on defense. I think there might be more to unlock there. Garcaa and Datler, I want more shot blocking and rebounding. Show me what you’ve got. Make life inside a living hell for the other team.” Mann was dumbfounded. Outside, he asked himself. Didn't see that coming. Garcaa just smiled. He took it as “just do what you, but better.” Datler just nodded. He knew he had work to do.
“Coach”, asked Reynolds, “what about me?”
“Well, truth is Rolland, we can see you have the foundations for being a rebounder and shot blocker. You’re going to move around with Reese and train all over the place. We need to build on your strengths and find out what else you can do. I think you’re a prime candidate to develop into a small forward. Think you're up to it?"
"Gentlemen, to get to where we want to be, your development is crucial. I want to run, I want to press, I like to switch on defense. I demand defense. If you want to play fast, we have to defend and rebound. If we can't do that, we won't play fast. On offense, I hate turnovers. We share the ball, but we also protect the ball. If I can't trust you, you're gone. Got it?"
"Week one is jump shot week for forwards. Take 'em and make 'em, guys!"
Last edited by Speedtraps at 02/10/2023 04:46:23