Training Camp

[ammofan]

I do want DJ to get a shot here to be the starter.....I just think if we can upgrade we should.

I think were gonna be fine this season tho if we keep the current team. Really, the new guys we have brought in can do just as good as anyone we had last year.

[BlockParty]

Videos with Nazr, Gana and the rookie Collins, along with a write-up from Rochinski on http://www.bobcatsbreak.com/?p=2653

some of the exerpts:

STEPPING UP
There is no question that Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson are the leaders on this team, but with Raymond Felton having moved on, it’s time for D.J. Augustin to take on a larger leadership role. Two days into camp, Jackson is already seeing progress in the third-year point guard.


“He’s taken that leadership in the huddles when we’re going over plays. He’s stepping up and speaking,” said Jackson. “This wasn’t the same D.J. last year, so by that, it’s showing us that he wants to be good at this role and is going to take the challenge. That’s all me and Gerald are asking him to do – to be confident about himself and lead this team.”


DUNK OF THE NIGHT
For the second-straight night Gerald Wallace left a lasting impression on a camp newcomer. After nearly jumping over Darius Miles on Tuesday, Wallace drove the center of the lane and threw down a one-handed jam over rookie center Matt Rogers.


SPECIAL APPEARANCE
It was great to see University of North Carolina great Dean Smith in attendance at Wednesday’s night session. Prior to camp, Brown mentioned how he was hoping Smith could make it to Wilmington. I know it means a lot to him considering what a huge part Smith has played in the man and the coach Brown has become.


INJURY UPDATE
Tyrus Thomas was held out of both of Wednesday’s practices with a right ankle sprain, as was Eduardo Najera (hernia) and Kwame Brown (ankle). Sean Livingston (knee) and Darius Miles (knee) both missed the morning session but took part in the evening practice.

[TattoodCats4life]

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"DJ, get it through your head, you have a chance to start, or a chance to fail...LOOK AT ME WHEN I TALK TO YOU!"

[ND22]

I snuck a peak today while they were practicing, unfortunately they were all on the far court. Still, I think I got a few of them to turn and look at me.

[BlockParty]

Only one practice today in Wilmington...3 videos (DJ, TT and Rookie Collins talking about his hazing).

http://www.bobcatsbreak.com/?p=2660

Best line in Rochinski's blog:

one thing has become evident to me. There are three guys out here right now who appear to be playing on a level above everyone else. That’s not to say the other guys aren’t busting their humps, but Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson and D.J. Augustin are bringing it to at least the portions of practice that the media is allowed to watch every day. There is no doubt that these three are ready to take this team to that next level and are trying to bring their teammates along with them.


It’s a role that’s different for Augustin as he enters his third year.


“As a point guard, (Head) Coach (Larry Brown) wants me to be vocal and talk to the players on and off the court to help everybody out,” he said. “If I have to get out of my shell and do that, then I’m going to have to do it. I’m a shy guy, but on the court I have to turn it off and turn it on. I just have to be loud and vocal to make sure everybody hears me.”

[dav7z]

Glad to see DJ busting his ass. Steping up and trying to lead by example. Im hopeing that floter hes talking about is down pat . I might have under estamated DJ and his game . I hope he continues to prove me a dumb ass as he has so far in camp,. Hears to you taking it up a notch Keep inproving................

[BlockParty]

Same theme in article in the observer...DJ's becoming a vocal leader at Training Camp. Earning Capt Jack's praise should be seen as a big accomplishment:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/201...o-bobcats.html

exerpt:

Augustin says he takes no comfort in Brown saying he'll be given every opportunity as this team's starter. He's more concerned with earning teammates' trust.

"I'm going into this training camp not thinking I'm getting anything,'' Augustin said. "I want to earn anything I get, in minutes or anything. I think my teammates respect that.''

Jackson does:

"You can't teach guys to lead; it's just in you from when you're born. But D.J. wants to be good, wants to help this team, wants to be a leader. Anything we need him to do to be successful, he's going to do that.''

[BlockParty]

Today's videos from Bobcats.com:

Hendo and UPS: http://www.bobcatsbreak.com/?p=2671

Capt Jack: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video/201...972/index.html

Larry Brown: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video/201...973/index.html

Also some fun Twitter updates from tonight:

bobcats Charlotte Bobcats
Watching tyrus thomas at @bobcats practice tonight makes me question if certain people really can fly and don't tell rest of us10 minutes ago

mikecranston1 Mike Cranston
Miles, Livingston and Collins practicing tonite after taking the morning off. LB has been a bit cranky. Made everybody run earlier16 minutes ago

mikecranston1 Mike Cranston
Tyrus Thomas putting on a clinic on athleticism tonite. Blocks, steals, spin moves, dunks. Playing with Diaw a lot in small lineup20 minutes ago

bobcats Charlotte Bobcats
Plus most centers got no shot at guarding @bobcats diaw outside the paint - will tear them up with his court vision
23 minutes ago

bobcats Charlotte Bobcats
Like the mismatches @bobcats small lineup presents - boris can prob cover most centers and has tyrus and gw providing help in paint26 minutes ago

BobcatsBballPR B.J. Evans
Bobcats working with small lineup 2nite of DJ, Jack, GW, Tyrus and Boris...offense efficient, defense aggressive and trapping!
34 minutes ago

[SWedd523]

Just watched most of the videos on the Bobcats page, here are some thoughts (sorry for the length):

• Really interesting that LB compared McGuire to Gerald Wallace and said he's going to work on turning him into the same type of player he is. That would be fantastic.
• In general, LB seems really "somber". I think this year has the potential to go really sour if we start the year badly and his attitude doesn't get better
• Tyrus made a comment about training camp being "intense as he expected it" was funny. Makes me wonder how tough LB really is compared to other coaches
• Sherron isn't fat. The dude is just SWOLE. Think Jameer, or any current day Running Back
• Shaun won't ever be a starter. He can't go through two-a-days so I have doubts that he'll be able to handle the starting load for long stretches. I'm sure that has something to do with our unwillingness to trade DJ
• Diop might be a bit of a surprise this year, he's lost a lot of weight (20-25) and seems to be impressing LB some
• LB says he LOVES second chance players, saying "I don't think it gets any better than that" since they're so willing to play hard and do the right thing.
• LB has major man crushes on Crash, Jack, Boris, and McGuire
• Apprently Darius doesn't do a damn thing, at all
• Matt Rogers being in camp is a total favor
• LB saying a lot of DJ's slump last year had to do with him not being healthy until the end of the year, continuing to say that he has his confidence back
• Boris sounds like such a doofus
• Crash looked good in BP for the Knights--hit a couple homers
• LadyCat Lacey is BEYOND delicious

[CatNation]

ND22 I assume you're going to the scrimmage? Take some notes! Tell us how everyone looks. And take some pics haha