Lance Speaks!

Forget the fact the game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is tonight, with survival on the line for the Pacers and a fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals on the line for the Heat.

Forget that Paul George is coming off one of his better games as a pro - scoring 21 point in the 4th quarter of game 5. And that LeBron, conversely, is coming off his worst playoff performance (ever), scoring 7 points in 24 minutes of play.

Forget Hibbert vs. Bosh.
Ray Allen being defended by David West......
Yada yada yada.

You must be thinking about the necessary adjustments to be made for tonights game.....right???
WRONG!

Of course, you're still thinking about this:

By the way, LeBron's facial expression is the best part of that whole exchange.

And his reaction to it after the game was pretty good too:

Ah yes, the old blowing in your opponents ear (in front of millions of viewers) routine!

Guaranteed to throw the best player in the world off their game!

(If only John Starks knew about this in the '90s).

May I personally say, thank you "Born Ready" for providing us with the most entertaining moment of the playoffs thus far (I mean, who knows what he'll do in game 6 tonight, right?).

So, do you think now would be a good time to unveil my interview with Lance when the Pacers came to town a little while back? Would you be interested hearing his thoughts on playing ball in New York, the street ball summer leagues, and how it helped prepare him for the NBA???

Okay:

You'll notice a bit of laughter during Lance's answer to my first question: "growing up, who did you watch play and is there anyone's game that you tried to emulate?" The laughter comes from none other than Rasual Butler himself, the man whom Lance claimed to watch growing up and tried to emulate......

If case you're wondering, Rasual has played for 6 NBA teams in 11 seasons and holds career averages of 7.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists a game.

Well, while we still don't know who Lance grew up watching and practicing like, we at least know that  Lance doesn't act like a knucklehead only to LeBron......he also acts like a knucklehead to biomedical scientist/NBA writers!!! Wow, what are the odds that I hold something in common with LeBron???

I feel so lucky to be in such great company!

But in all seriousness, after that initial response, the interview did become somewhat interesting and informative. In particular:

What about New York basketball culture, summers leagues...which is the best summer league?

Rucker Park, Gersh, Kingdome....so many parks.

Growing up and playing in the street ball gets you that edge, that toughness.

The crowd being there - they can say whatever they want. They're on the court, they try to get in your head. You have to be real tough to go through that and still play hard.

That's what I know, that's the type of way I like to play. I like to talk to the crowd and it just gets me motivated.

How has that helped prepare you for the NBA?

It definitely helped prepare me.

Playing with the older guys and learning the game at a younger age. Being big and strong enough to do that....playing with the older guys at Rucker Park.....it helped me learn the game more. 

In the summer, when you're trying to get better, what's a typical workout for you like?

Never really practice ball handling. I think everybody from New York has a handle.

The hardest thing to do was learn how to shoot, when I'm open.  I'm used to just catching the ball and going. I wasn't a set shooter. Learning how to shoot being set is the toughest.

I probably take 500 shots. I don't count, I just shoot and try to get a lot of shots till I get in a rhythm and feel I can make it every time.

Words of advice for young basketball players?

Just stay humble, work hard. Go to school, learn the game.
Stay motivated, try to word hard every night and try to be the last one on the court.

You can think whatever you want about Lance Stevenson's antics in game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the reality is that Lance is 24 years old and is still not only learning to play/think the game, but also learning how to be a professional. That's not to justify what he did, but it kind of makes sense considering his background and the type of environment he grew up playing in. I've played in Rucker park. While I've never had my ear blown into on the court.....I have had people in the crowd talk trash to me, and even an opposing player pull my jersey over my head in an attempt to embarrass me (by a  dude named "White Chocolate".....and in turn I threw the ball off him on the next play).

There is definitely an edginess and toughness.....and holy sh*#! factor playing NY basketball.

And I guess, if that's what you grow up with, it becomes engrained in you. And if you learn how to survive that style of play, you then learn how to feed off of it. 

Lance even said himself: "That's what I know, that's the type of way I like to play. I like to talk to the crowd and it just gets me motivated."

I know, you're asking yourself: What type a player needs to talk trash to get motivated???
Especially when playing against the best in the playoffs?

Well, can you guess who said this:

"70% of me talking on the court, is personally to get me motivated and going. The other 30% of the time, it was to see if I could get in the opponents head."

That's Reggie Miller. 

The hall of famer that talked so much trash, he got John Starks to head butt him in a playoff game. He made Spike Lee the most famous Knicks fan. And even got Michael Jordan to lose his cool.

(By the way, this is great).

So trash talking, and doing things to get under an opponents skin are tactics that have been around a long time, and employed by some of the best in the game.

And consider this:
What would you do if your team was outplayed on the court for three straight games and currently faced elimination? What would you do if "basketball" adjustments proved futile? Would you not do anything in your capacity - including resorting to non-basketball taunting - to try and turn the series around?

Right or wrong, or whether this ultimately helps Indiana win the series is almost irrelevant at this point. What Lance has done has already worked because it's all we're talking about (rather than how much better Miami has been this series, how much Spoelstra has out coached Vogel, or the fact that Miami can become only the third franchise in NBA history to go to four straight Finals). And he's managed to turn this into a Lance-LeBron one on one matchup (at least in our minds).

That's NYC street ball at it's finest.

**********

Speaking of perpetuating NYC basketball mythology, I love how Lance further propagates the stereotype of NYC basketball players:

"I think everybody from New York has a handle. The hardest thing to do was learn how to shoot."

Man, ain't that the knock on every NY kid coming up, especially NY point guards??? I guess that's just the breaks of being from the city. But for you non-NYers out there, it's not like we're born with a ball in our hands - a "handle" is something we develop. Part of it is due to the flashiness associated with street ball. But, if you really want to know the impetus for developing ball handling skills - go watch a game of "21" at Riverbank state part in Harlem. You literally have 20 kids on the same court and the only way to score is by dribling through all of them. Form fits function.
Now, if only there was some sort of selection factor for learning how to shoot.....

Having this skill set certainly has it's benefits (there have been serval times in which Lance has had LeBron on skates defensively).  But it also has it's draw backs. As a coach, one of the challenges is teaching kids how to use their ball handling/one-on-one strength within a team framework - in particular to get their teammates open as well as get themselves open mid-range jump shots. Another challenge is teaching kids to stay involved in the game when they don't have the ball. You heard Lance say he is used to "catching the ball and going," and that learning how to shoot when he's playing off the ball is the toughest thing. Yes. This is hard. In fact, there have been serval times in the series in which Lance has kind of drifted into a corner and do nothing when he's not involved in the play. Lance, you were Born Ready, so you have to stay ready (and active) even on the weak side. Think about what Shane Battier does. It's important for young players to know that they can affect the game in many ways and help their team win even when the ball is not in their hands. And part of being an effective player is being able to make a play even when a play isn't draw up for you. 

**********

What's great about the Lance-LeBron matchup is that you have a young street baller going at and using street ball tactics against literally the best player in the world. That's kind of crazy when you think about it. I'm sure Lance is a hero back home in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Using ear blowing is an interesting approach to take.......especially when you can't beat your opponent with basketball. But I'm not sure how effective it will be against a guy who has evolved to drown out all the the noise and distraction from millions of viewers and hundreds of media members that follow and critic his every move (including all the vitriol that ensued after "The Decision").

Actually, what's equally as enjoyable as Lance's immaturity, is seeing LeBron being the adult and ultimate professional in this situation. Think about how far he has come. Kind of cool to see LeBron transformed into the older vet that has to deal with all these petulant kids.
(By the way, in the interview there were signs of potential growth for Lance - I really enjoyed his comments directed towards young basketball players. And it's cool to note that during the all-star break, he was back home in Brooklyn watching his high school team. Seems like there is an opportunity to be more than a basketball player. What will Lance be like when he is 30?).

But before we go, waiting with anticipation to see what Lance will do tonight, let's consider the last two times in this year's playoffs LeBron has reacted to comments made by an opposing player.
1) Paul Pierce, after a BK Nets game 3 win says: "I want the responsibility of guarding LeBron."
Result: LeBron scores 49 in a game 4 win.

2) Lance Stevenson, after a game 3 loss, says LeBron talking to him is a weakness.
Result: LeBron scores 29 points in 3 quarters (32 for the game), in a blowout game 4 win.

I'm just saying.
Lance said the benefit of playing at the Rucker at a young age was competing against older players, enabling him to become physically and mentally tough while learning the game.
Sounds like he is primed for another lesson tonight.....

Unless you think these tactics really can be effective......

But rest assured. No matter who wins or loses tonight, both in the actual game or in the mind game........ Just by getting to see it play out, in real time, with so much on the line.........we all win!
Thanks to Lance!

BROOKLYN.....YOUR MAIN MAN IS BALLING TONIGHT!!!!!!

Streaking With Kyle Korver

Dirk on Dirk

Spin moves for elbow jump shots:

Around the world with one-legged mid-range shots:

Typical summer for Dirk (early in career) & confidence behind fadeaway shots:

Point Guard Project - John Wall

Welcome to another addition of the Point guard Project!
As always, it's great to have you back.

As you know,
Past participants:
PGP1 - John Lucas
PGP2 - Luke Ridnour
PGP3 - Jrue Holiday
PGP4 - Ricky Rubio
PGP5 - Royal Ivey
PGP6 - Damian Lillard
PGP7 - Derek Fisher
PGP8 - Stephen Curry
PGP9 - Chauncey Billups
PGP10 - Derek Rose
PGP11 - Ty Lawson
PGP12 - Sam Cassell
PGP13 - Mike Conley

Today we are joined by John Wall.

The PGP questions:

1) Who did you watch play growing up? And whose game did you try to emulate?

2) What was your first memorable point guard match-up, when you first got into the league?

3) What is your definition for the job of a point guard?

4) How do you determine when to shoot vs. when to pass?

5) What is a typical workout for you like?

6) Do you have any words of advice for young aspiring point guards?


I should say: joined by newly minted all-star John Wall.
That's right, in his 4th year in the league averaging 20 points and 8.5 assists a game John is on his way to NOLA. And rightfully so - is there a better point guard in the East, right now? Even better than boasting those individual stats, how about the fact that Washington is currently sporting a record above .500 for the first time in over 4 years (no, seriously).

Okay, you might say "that's not hard to do, they are in the eastern conference!" You might have a point. But, how about the Wiz's last two wins, over OKC and Portland? Two of the top teams is the West? In those games, John put up 17 points & 15 assists (& 6 steals) and 22 & 5 assists, respectively.

At 6'4" and 195 ibs, John is only 23 years old. After being drafted #1 overall in 2010, he averaged 16 points and 8 assists his rookie year in the league..... and didn't win rookie of the year (thanks Blake Griffin injury rookie year make-up!).

John played at Kentucky for 1 year, leading them (with Demarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe) to the elite 8. Plus, for his first NBA game intro, he did this:

Mr. Wall, welcome to the PGP:



Summary of answers:

1) Grew up watching Allen Iverson. Allen Iverson was his person.  Saw Isiah Thomas and those guys be good. Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Derrick. Those are the guys when he was in high school and college. Magic and all those guys.

2) First memorable point guard match-up: Steve Nash - he went like 10 for 10, shooting one legged shots. Was contesting him and running around - playing the best D he could. And was still staying with him - (Nash) was just making tough shots. Had to chase him all the way under the basket. Had to watch his pocket passes cause he came off pick and rolls. Learned how to come off pick and roles and do a better job guarding him.
Was like "whoo!"
(Nash) Showed how a point guard can dictate the game. Showed how a point guard can do it without really scoring. Didn't take many shots but was 10 for 10 when he took them.

3) Definition for the job of a point guard: Be a leader. Lead your team. Get your team involved. Some point guards are scoring points, but he is more of a pass first point. If it's a night he has to score he is blessed to have the ability to do so. Really likes to get teammates involved (early), because when going into the 4th quarter and teams start to double and triple team him, teammates need to be in a rhythm (when he passes it to them). They can't be taking their first shots in the 4th.

4) Pass vs Shoot: Being aggressive. He's an aggressive type of player. His teammates know for their team to be their best, he has to be aggressive. Sometimes it's being aggressive and getting in the paint and finding people. Sometimes it's being aggressive and scoring. When he scores it makes it tough for the defense (because) they help off a shooter. If the defense wants to help, he's willing to give it to a shooter and have them knock down shots.

5) Typical workout: It depends. Spot up shots from mid-range. Catch and shoot. Catch and shoot threes. 10 (shots) each spot. 5 spots, sometimes 7 spots (total). Then do all of those same things coming off the dribble, like in the game. A lot of pick and rolls. Seeing how team's trap him and getting out of traps. Isolation situations. He's working on ball handling when doing those drills, because he has to do it at game speed. Very fatiguing and tough.

6) For aspiring point guards: Just work. That's the thing he did. Any young point guard coming into the league that's fast and athletic, not really known as knock down shooters. And it's something we all have developed, Derrick Rose, Westbrook, himself. Adding it to their game and making them tougher with all of the stuff they are able to do already.





I must say, out of all of the PGP interviews that I have done, this is was one of the best.
I mean, to talk to an all-star and number 1 overall pick and to have all of his answers be so informative.
Where do I start?

How about his first memorable match-up with Steve Nash? How funny is it that after listing six point guards non-chalantly that he grew up watching - without hesitation and in all seriousness Nash was the guy he remembers going up against his rookie year? Let me paint the picture of that match-up for you: raw, youthful talent and athleticism against the essence of skill and finely honed craftiness. Hearing John speak, you realize that skill and craft won out.

Hearing that story and having John convey how much he learned was a real treat. How one of the most athletic guys at his position learned from Nash (two-time MVP mind you) to use & include teammates to gain position on the court, how to control the game without even shooting, and how to be super efficient. You must realize, everyone in the league is super talented. But knowing how to do the three things above, especially as a point guard, can really separate you from the pack.

Of course, efficiency is something John is currently working on and is still trying to improve. For his career, he shoots 43% from the field and 28% from three. Compare that with Steve Nash's career numbers of 49% and 43%, respectively. Okay, you're right. That's not really a fair comparison.
So, here are Derrick Rose's career numbers: 46% & 31%, respectively.
And here are Russell Westbrook's:  43% & 30%, respectively (almost exactly the same).
One thing that is interesting is that even though John Wall has essentially the same skill set as Rose and WestBrook - John considers himself as a pass first point guard.

Maybe different types of points are just prone to shoot differently. But, let me say, a lot of what goes into efficient shooting is taking higher percentage shots, and knowing how to get them. Sounds straight forward no? But that's something you have to learn. Think about it, John has the ability to probably create and take any shot he wants. That is a great attribute to have and it certainly comes in handy in certain situations. But it's not something you want to do all the time (is it?). Learning how to utilize your teammates, both to keep them involved and get yourself easier shots, helps your efficacy. It also keeps you under control, and gives you rhythm and confidence.

Kind of cool (and beneficial) that John currently has Sam Cassell as a coach and is working with him to develop his shot, both in the mid range and pick and roll type situations (see video below). Remember Sam's PGP interview? That was a good one too. And it was interesting to hear Sam speak about mastering the mid-range and using his teammates to get shots - because he couldn't create on his own. Something tells me that sort of mid-set will be very helpful for John's game.

Finally, I love John's response for when to pass vs shoot: BE AGGRESSIVE.
......That's it!

Sometimes, as a scientist I like to overanalyze things and complicate them. But what if these things really are more simplistic? Simplicity can be profound. And simplicity certainly can be effective.
And guess what, this is almost exactly what Steve Nash said when I had a chance to interview him! 
Remember that one? When Steve said about when to pass vs shoot: "Always put pressure on the defense," and "be prepared to make the defense pay - shoot when they drop off, pass when they step up."
Sounds pretty aggressive to me.
And sounds pretty simple too!
How ironic is it that the guy John remembers most when he first got to the league, essentially gave the same answer for when to pass vs shoot?

I guess now we've come full circle.


But before we go, how about a couple of videos of John Wall doing some pre-game drills???
Peep the speed and technique for the ball handling!

And some mid-range shots off the dribble with Sam:

What more can I say?
Want to be an all-star with crazy skills?
Just work!


Much thanks to John Wall for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Doing the Durant

Hey, want to get lessons in scoring form the world's best, Kevin Durant?
Do you?
I mean, why wouldn't you?
For the month of January he did average 38 points on 55% shooting from the field and 44% from three (to go along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists) while leading OKC to a 12-4 record. Not to mention a 10 game winning streak that included a thrashing of the two-time defending champs on their home court. And oh yeah, all of this done without Russell Westbrook.

I've said this before (at least two years ago): Kevin Durant is the best offensive player in the world. Right now, you can even say that he is the best player in the world period.
But sticking with the offense, it truly is mind boggling the battery of moves Kevin Durant has in his offensive repertoire to choose from.


For instance, take a loos at this move he put on the Kings:

Now, for educational purposes, why don't we break it down.

1) Catch the ball at the of the key facing the defender and the basket. Notice how Kevin has his left foot planted as a pivot while starting to swing his right towards the defender. By the way, is this an isolation play? How can any team in their right mind allow Durant an iso on only one defender?!?

2) Now with his right foot fully swung around - look at how Kevin's right side of his body, including his shoulder, serves as a shield to protect the ball in his left hand. And notice how tall Kevin is.

3) This is where he starts to execute his move. As Kevin bounces the ball on the floor, he starts to lean in lower into his defender, yet jabs his right foot into the ground and actually uses it to push off in the opposite direction (see insert). if you go back to the video, this is a fairly quick all-in-one motion.

4) Kevin's initial move, leaning into the defender while bouncing the ball, is towards the basket. And in reaction to this dribble move, the defender's momentum is carrying him in that direction (red arrow). BUT, having pushed off with his right leg, Kevin starts to raise up (along with the basket) and steps back into the opposite direction.

5) Even if it only takes a second to execute his move, look at how much space Kevin has managed to generate between him and his defender. Also, notice how Kevin has managed to swing his body and right foot around, while stepping back, to face the basket again. You can also see that Kevin's left foot is slightly off the ground. This is because after his dribble, Kevin release it from being a pivot and actually uses a little hop to back into this shooting position.

6) Did I say shooting position? Off a dribble/jab-step/step-back from the three point line?

Yep. Too much space. Too much skill. All kevin has to do is rise up into his shot.

First thing to note......wow.

Second thing to note......many of these moves run parallel to the one's displayed by LeBron when he did the Dirk. Go ahead, compare and contrast. But this move is different. It's Kevin's own that combines many mini-moves: Face-up, pivot, jab-step....of the dribble, step back....all from three. 

Think about the evolution. Dirk (face up, pivot, fade away), Melo (jab step), and LeBron all can perform different components of this entire move. But here, Kevin is packaging all of them.

And just to let you know, this is something Kevin has worked on for a while now.

And it's something he is able to perform on even the best defenders/players in the world. 

See for yourself.

So, now that we've gone through all of that, are you ready to do the Durant?

Jealous

Don't worry LeBron, you're not the only one.

Ever see 54 points in ~1:30 min?

My goodness, is there any way KD can't score the ball?
Oh, you wanted a break down of the types of shots he made?
Sure you did.

Post up jump shots: 2 mid-range face ups, 1 mid-range fadeaway, 1 from three = 4 total
(9 points)

Dunks/layups: 3 total, one off dribble drive (6 points)

Mid-range pull ups off dribble: 6 total, 2 step backs (12 points)

Pull up threes: 1 in transition, 1 off dribble = 2 total (6 points)

Mid-range off down screen: 1 total (2 points)

Threes off screen: 2 total, 1 off dribble hand off (6 points)

Free throws: 11-13 (11 points)


FYI, this guy is averaging ~37 points a game (on 49% shooting) in January!
For the year? ~31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists a game, on 49% shooting.
Yeah...... I'm gonna say right now it's looking like KD = MVP.

Point Guard Project - Mike Conley

Happy New Year!
And finally, welcome to a new edition of the Point Guard Project!
Did you miss us?

In case you forgot, previous participants:

PGP1 - John Lucas
PGP2 - Luke Ridnour
PGP3 - Jrue Holiday
PGP4 - Ricky Rubio
PGP5 - Royal Ivey
PGP6 - Damian Lillard
PGP7 - Derek Fisher
PGP8 - Stephen Curry
PGP9 - Chauncey Billups
PGP10 - Derek Rose
PGP11 - Ty Lawson
PGP12 - Sam Cassell

Today we are joined by Mike Conley.

As a refresher, the PGP questions:

1) Who did you watch play growing up? And whose game did you try to emulate?

2) What was your first memorable point guard match-up, when you first got into the league?

3) What is your definition for the job of a point guard?

4) How do you determine when to shoot vs. when to pass?

5) What is a typical workout for you like?

6) Do you have any words of advice for young aspiring point guards?


Mike was drafted 4th overall in the 2007 draft by the Memphis Grizzles. At 6'1" and 180 ibs, he boasts career averages of 12.7 points and 5.6 assist per game. However, this year (his 7th in the league) Mike is averaging a career best ~17 points a game to go along with 6.3 assists.

You might remember that he helped lead the #8 seeded Grizzles to upset the #1 seeded Spurs in the 2011 NBA playoffs (only 4th 8th seed in history to do that). Not to mention helping the Grizzles get to their franchise first conference Finals last year. And in case you didn't know, he also made the NBA All-Defense 2nd team last year as well.

Mike played one year at Ohio State, helping them reach the 2006 title game. He was also a 2006 McDonald's All American.

Mr. Conley, welcome to the PGP:

Summary of answers:

1) Grew up watching (was a big fan of) Gary Payton and Allen Iverson. Pick and choose different parts of their games and put them into your own.

2) First memorable point guard match-up: Deron Williams in Utah. Very tough matchup and opened his eyes about what this league is about. He (Deron) had a lot (of points) on him......it was an eye opening experience.

3) Definition for the job of a point guard: You want to be a leader, a facilitator, and make sure everyone is in positions to win and be successful. That's his biggest goal as a point guard.

4) Pass vs. Shoot: Read the flow of the game, if you got it going early and made a few shots, might want use that time to be more aggressive offensively. But most of the time, you can pick and choose when guys are in good position to score, read the defense and know who to pass it to.

5) Typical workout: Wake up at 6:30-7:00 (presumably am), right bike to gym. Get in a good weight lifting session in for ~1h & 15 min. Get on the court and do a lot of ball handling then at least 400-500 shots and then be done for the day. Take a lot of shots off the dribble. On days feeling more fatigued or over worked - do more spot shooting, just to keep the rhythm.

******

Bonus: Have you ever seen your youtube video "Ball on a String"......is that something you still do?
It is. It's really really good for you. The guys who work me out at Ohio State university come up with new drills. Every summer when I come back to something new and I try to figure them out.

******

6) For aspiring point guards: The biggest thing for young point guards is always believe in yourself. A lot of us are smaller guards (6 foot guards). You have to believe in yourself and try and stand out in any

way you can

Wow.
Was it me, or did Mike Conley seem like the consummate professional?

As per usual, let me mention a few things that come to mind.
Isn't it great how you can be 6 feet, but in the NBA, a small guard? I remember growing up, for some reason 6'2" seemed to me to be the magic number with regards to height. I told myself, "if I can grow to be 6'2", I'll have the necessary height to play PG in the NBA!" (I actually made it to 6'1" aka 6'2" with sneakers! - so why aren't I in the NBA? Oh, you mean there is more to it than just height?).

But actually in Today's NBA, there are tons of smaller guards. Ty Lawson, Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson, Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, Kemba Walker, Eric Bledsoe & Trey Burke are some that come to mind off the top of my head. Still, I can see how running into a 6'3" 210ib D. Will as a rookie can be a learning experience upon first entering the league.

And how about the leaderships qualities this guy exudes?
"Make sure everyone is in positions to win and be successful."
"choose when guys are in good position to score. Read the defense and know who to pass it to."
So basically, the guy on your team that handles the ball most of the time should know the strengths of every player on the team, where on the court they are most efficient, and then assess if the defense is allowing them to be in a position to be successful when they get the ball???
Sounds like the type guy you want running the show!

But what do I love most about this interview? It's how fairly detailed Mike's response is for his daily workout. Out of all the PGP questions, I kind of feel like this might be the most important one - mostly for educational purposes. And it kind of irks me when I hear players give half-hearted or vague descriptions of their workouts. But not Mike!
Bike to the gym (seems like a good warm-up)
Lift before going on the court
Start on the court with lots of ball handling
Then get up 400-500 shots a day (shot type varies depending on energy levels).

Okay, it might have been perfect had he described what weight lifting exercises and shots off the dribble he really focuses on. But hey, this is a great blueprint and I think providing an actual number of shots is important. Rather than some arcane/random routine, you are focused on a goal every day. Ask Ray Allen or Steve Nash.

You can also say that Mike didn't provide details for his dribbling drills either.
That's because you can find them online!
What is "Ball on a String" you ask?
Well, let me blow your mind:

You're welcome.

Crazy, isn't it? Well, now you know what a pro ball handling practice routine is.
Three things:
1) This might be the opposite of what Sam Cassell and Ty Lawson say in their interviews, as far as practicing ball handling. But, what Mike is doing provides you with a skill set, strength, and endurance. A lot of times practice is supposed to be harder that the games. Trust me, if you can master dribbling two balls at once, handling one ball will be fairly straight forward. You won't use most of these moves in a real game. But by doing them, your confidence in you ability to handle the ball in any situation will be fairy high. And, you will feel like you can pretty much do anything with the ball, like it's an extension of your body - complete control, like you have it on a.....string!

2) When I was a freshman at St. John's university, Erick Barkley - who was a McDonald's All American, All Big East point guard, and eventually drafted by the Portland TrailBlazers - told me I should practice dribbling two basketballs at a time. Kind of cool he dropped that knowledge on me, considering I was a walk-on. Erick is a coach now, by the way.

3) You might hear me tell Mike Conley in the interview "I can't tell you how many times I reference that video when I was training." That's no lie! When I was getting ready to try out for professional teams a few year back, this was something that I incorporated into my workout. I used it as a way to warm-up. I would go through all the variations in the video for a specific amount of time or a specific amount of reps. And better than that, this is also a routine that I put a lot of my high school players on to as well. As a 15 minute warmup before getting into shooting (but after lifting), it's really beneficial!

And I'm glad that we all get to benefit from having the video (and this PGP interview) readily available online!

Much thanks to Mike Conley for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!