Going back to last year, Justin Coleman, Brandon Williams, Ira, Jeter, and Smith are awesome. I mean, just stand-out people. So was Luther by the way. You take them and add Zeke, who is this really nice guy who hangs out with the team managers and student assistants. Green and Koloko are quiet, but in a really relaxed way, and definitely with the group and not at all aloof. I’ve seen Doutrive quite a bit, but he’s always been alone. Outside of McKale, I’ve never seen Nico, Baker, Gettings, or any of the others.billk78 wrote:I love this post. I don't know how much you got to see and/or hear....but do you get the impression the chemistry is real good with this team off the court?Longhorned wrote:I just a personal behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, just for me alone. With the Doutrive thing, the players don't seem phased in the slightest.
On the court at McKale, they lowered the baskets and let me hang on the rims. I fondled the nets.
Is it okay that I typed that out loud?
I also got to go inside the "Experience Room" they use to recruit the players. It's a panoramic wall of video and sound, and a visceral display of all things Arizona Basketball.
I also got to run around on the football field.
They all thought I was weird. Someone in the know had to explain to one of the interns that I'm always like this.
I don’t know if this means anything, but the Athletics staff and interns LOVE these guys. They’re the ones behind the scenes all the time, so yeah, it’s a good sign.
And just my impression, but Smith is exceptional. Really funny, too. People here wouldn’t be so exasperated by his dribbling if they talked to him off the court. I imagine that in practice and in the locker room, he’s as fully bought in as they come.
