Aldridge Preparing for NBA Season
posted: 8/16/2006 at 10:11 PM
One of the big themes for us in the past month has been the off-season work NBA players put in to get ready for the start of training camp. We've been focusing mainly on the veteran players, but rookies, obviously, have the most to learn. Not only have the Trail Blazers been sending staff members around the country to assist in the preparation for the returning players, but the education is well underway for first-year players as well.
In July, I got a first-hand look at what the summer sessions are like for players, when we flew to Atlanta to watch player development coach Bill Bayno work with Zach Randolph and Jarrett Jack. Also on that trip was Portland's strength and conditioning coach, Bob Medina, who is recognized as one of the best in the business. That Atlanta trip was just one of several for Medina, who was just in Dallas, where he was working with rookie LaMarcus Aldridge. Blazers video coordinator Kaleb Canales, who's more like an assistant coach/strength coach/player development coach, was also on hand to help Medina out.
Medina has just returned from Texas, and I spoke to him at length about Aldridge, and his development process. Medina and Canales spent three full days with Aldridge, and raved about the rookie's worth ethic and desire to head into his first season physically fit.
"The good news is, Aldridge hasn't done much strength training," Medina told me. "At Texas they mostly worked on speed drills, and his quickness. I went down there to show Aldridge how to train the NBA way, and got the ball rolling on getting some weight on his already-impressive frame."
The best news to come out of the experience was that Aldridge already possesses the desire and attitude to improve himself. Following Aldridge's pre-draft workout in Portland, the team was sold on this professionalism, and it's great to hear that Medina's experience with him did nothing but add to that notion.
"LaMarcus already knows the structure of working out and being a total pro," said Medina. "Everyday we went to workout Aldridge was there early. He did absolutely everything we asked of him, and wants so badly to improve. He was so appreciative that we took the time and traveled to Dallas to get a jump start on his conditioning."
Aldridge, who just turned 21 in July, got an idea of how physical the NBA will be when he competed at the Las Vegas Summer League. He was impressive, but continually was asked if he's ready to take the pounding he'll see on a nightly basis in the regular season. He almost felt as if people were already questioning his strength. Medina simply sees this as a challenge, and is taking it upon himself to add muscle to Aldridge's impressive frame.
"In college LaMarcus learned how to be an elite athlete, now we're going to work putting weight on him, mainly upper-body strength," Medina said. "I didn't have to sell him on this, and he's totally bought in.
"The one thing I did, right after summer league, was I sent him suppliments and a blender," said Medina. "I know it sounds funny to have to buy a millionaire a blender, but a lot of guys just aren't up to speed on nutrition, and what it takes to get their bodies ready to accept muscle. It's my job to show them everything. Now he has everything he needs, and I'll continue to educate him."
The daily workouts will continue for Aldridge, both in the weight room, the track, and on the court. The goal of Medina, and his staff, is to build healthy habits, and once again, to educate these young players on the importance of taking care of their physical condition. It's all about preparation, starting right now.
"I went down to Dallas just as a follow up to summer league," said Medina. "I wanted to get a feel for where he's at, and to get him acclimated to our training system before he arrives in Portland in September. We're committed to this, and wanted him to know what we expect of him. The great thing about Aldridge is he is so willing to do whatever it takes. He wants to be coached, wants to work hard, and wants to be great."
RSS FEED
It's great to see the young guy having that dedication and ambition on improving himself. Hopefully everyone will have that same kind of will and mindset. Keep it up LaMarcus.
Its nice to see Aldrige workin hard ot get redy. I see Aldrige as a more offensivly gifted theo ratliff. Much more offensive. Cant wait to see them play. by the way mike i saw yoiu and kevin at club sport. How was the shot falling?
The Blazers have done an excellent job picking up firstrate talent and firstrate people in LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster, Joel Pryzbilla and Jamal Magliore. All will be for not, though, if they don't take care of the elephant in the room-- Darius Miles. It is obvious that the only trade we could make right now is for a bad contract (or two) or another problem child. The way Darius and the Blazers can get out of this is for him to come in and play well and hard, which would open up opportunities to move him (look at Bonzi), but does anyone know if he is working out and does anyone on the Blazers have his ear?
Do people say great stuff like "I know it sounds funny to have to buy a millionaire a blender" to you every day? If so, do you need an assistant? I can't pay you much, but I'd be willing to sell my truck if I had to...
This is what i expected we were getting in LaMarcus Aldridge. I'm not sure that his ceiling is higher than the rest of the top prospects coming from this year's draft, but i wanted him because i believed he had the attitude and work ethic that would get him there. This is no surprise. He was 2 on my list going into the draft, and my number 1 went #1. Bargnani wasn't for sale, so i think we did as well as we could.
Is Darius the elephant in the room, now? We have rotating elephants. For some reason, i think Darius could still be having trouble with his knee. Do you know anything about this, Mike?
Conner,
It wasn't. But, KP has no problem attacking the rim, and was impressive for a man pushing 40. I elect to just stay on the perimeter. He's Wade, I'm Piatkowski. And, I never played with Larry Bird, so he's got that on me.
Reff,
I do know that Darius has been working out in Chicago. The last time I talked to Zach, he said he had been spoken to Darius a few times and he says he's in good shape.
Hyper bully,
Yes, I could use an assistant. But, I was thinking more along the lines of a Miss Moneypenny-type. Not a dude from Albany. Nothing against A-Town. I was just there a couple of weeks ago.
mrblazer,
I don't know about any problem with Darius' knee, but I'll check on that. I agree with your thoughts on Aldridge.
When Aldridge bulks up He's going to be unstoppable. With our line up. The only way we'll get into the Oden lottery is if we trade up. You'll see us in the 2007 NBA Playoffs Baby! BUST A BUCKET BUST BUST A BUCKET
Thanks, Mike, for taking the time to respond to comments and look into certain things. It's much appreciated.
hey MB,
despite the fact that what I'm about to say will give way too much credibility to the bald clownshoes, how hard would it be for the team to go
"Hey Pritch, you want to be GM?"
It seems that the longer it takes for them to make a decision, the less likely he'll be the GM. Are they planning a coup like they did with coach McMullen?
Trade Darius Miles, Rafe Lafrents, and a second round draft pick for New Yorks, David Lee and Jaleen Rose expiring contract.
hmmmmmmmmm...interesting...i guess that now that we have jamaal, we have two centers capable of playing the game, we really don't need another center/pf. however i personally think that we should give miles a chance...sure he messed up last season, but maybe he's changed? i still happen to remember the days when he was a blazer that busted his butt on d and ruled the court on the offensive end....i say we give him a chance this season, so far i haven't heard him whining for trades anymore...
Another vacation, Mike? Boy, it must be tough to be you. These Vegas and Alanta trips must be killing you.
Post a Comment
<< Home