Rookie Orientation Underway in the NBA
posted: 9/14/2006 at 9:45 PM
With rookie orientation now underway, the number of players involved in the pre-training camp training at the Trail Blazers' practice facility was reduced by several. The pick-up games continue, but Blazer rookies Brandon Roy, Sergio Rodriguez, and LaMarcus Aldridge, will be gone for the next six days. There will be plenty of time for them to catch up on things when they return. Training camp, as you know, doesn't begin officially, until October 3rd.
I've mentioned rookie orientation several times this week, and it came to my attention, thanks to a couple of e-mail questions, that many of you don't know a whole lot about what this week entails for these rookies. I've asked some questions, and have done a little research, and will take a moment to try and explain what this is all about.
Let me first say, that in talking to veteran players, it's obvious this program is extremely valuable, and the NBA does a great job in getting these young guys ready for life in the big time. The NBA's rookie orientation is the most extensive, longest-running program of its kind in professional sports. It started in 1986, so this is the 20th annual rookie orientation in the NBA. Honestly, I had no idea it was as detailed and complete a program as it is.
Without boring you too much, let me just say it basically was developed to help young players make better decisions, and fully understand the challenges that are going to come with being a professional basketball player. It gives these rookies the tools and knowledge they need to deal with the pressures they're going to face. Afterall, no background prepares players for life in the NBA.
It's a very detailed six-day seminar, and sessions normally run from 9am to 9pm. The league addresses character, image, ethics, and relationships. Players union officials explain the support system that is currently in place for the players. Referees speak, and try and prepare the players for NBA basketball.
There are presentations, role-playing exercises, skits, interactive workshops, group breakout sessions, and interactive activities. The players are taught life skills, including advice on their finances. Other topics include driving safety, drugs and alcohol, anger and stress management, nurtition, professionalism, and how to deal with the media. All in all, it's about education and awareness.
The orientation doesn't get a lot of attention, because, obviously, it's not that sexy or interesting to people, but the NBA should get a lot of credit for its efforts to prepare its young people for this new world. I'm looking forward to talking to our rookies when they return to find out what they thought of the program.
Speaking of getting set for the season, off the court, more Trail Blazers will return to Portland this weekend. Joel Przybilla arrives on Sunday. Juan Dixon is headed back to town, and Jamaal Magloire is expected any day. Joel, and his wife, Noelle, will be moving into a brand-new home on Sunday, and they're going through the same things we all do when we move. I spoke to Joel today and he's handling all the details of the move himself. Not suprisingly, he sounds a little stressed. Raef LaFrentz recently purchased, and moved into a new home himself. He'll be living across the street from Dixon, and less than a mile away from Joel. Earlier this week, Sergio spent a full day searching for a place to live, and was successful. Now, he's got to furnish the place. Add that to his list of learning the language, the culture, and his new team's system.
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Hi everybody!!!Thanks a lot for give us information about your new "magician" rookie,Sergio, there's a lot of people thinking how is his new life like a Portland Trail Blazer player. The beginnings in a new different country are really hard,but at the same time really exciting!! I see that he is working a lot in his brand-new team (just look his face at the picture!!).... I can't wait any longer for see his first mach!
Can we send Zach and Darius back through the seminars as a refresher? And can you tell us where the orientation is held, or is it at some secret location that you could tell me but then you'd have to kill me?
Hi everyone. I´m Fernando and writing from Tenerife, the island who saw Sergio born 20 years ago. Tranks so much for the information about the first days of Sergio in Portland. This blog is very interesting for follow his movements at the Blazers. I knew a lot of things about Sergio cause I was referee for a long time and saw Sergio playing since he was minibasket player (long time ago!!!). It´s exciting and nice to see a player from this island on the most important basketball league in the world. If someone want to contact me, mail me at fefillo2004@hotmail.com.
Take care everyone!!.
Bah! i missed first comment, but anyhoo...what are ya'lls thoughts on Sergio's turnover count... i found it pretty high... thoughts? comments?
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