Practice? We Talkin’ About Practice?!
Words. Aron Phillips
So after some down time at the hotel, we headed over to the gym for the team’s first practice. Although the weather wasn’t great, our drive through Douai was nice. We saw lots of little cars, a mailwoman delivery via motorcycle, and lots of low buildings and rotaries. Little history lesson for you: During World War I and World War II, Douai was occupied by the Germans, and upon their retreat, they tried to burn the city down.
But with no intentions of occupation for longer than a week, it was time to hit the gym. I was a little late after I had to make a stop at Leroy Merlin (which was basically a French equivalent of Home Depot) to try and get as many converters as possible for the team. In case you didn’t know, not only is the power at a different current speed, but the pluds are completely different. That was the one thing I left in New York, but I sure wasn’t the only one.
When I finally got to practice, the team looked good. With 11 guys, everyone was getting a lot of touches and seemed to be picking up the offense rather quickly. Ray McCullam looked solid at the point, while Jordan McRae looked like Travis Outlaw out there as a 6-5 shooting guard. I was definitely impressed with Jared Sullinger and his moves down low, but even more with his ability to really push the ball up the court.
After speaking with Tournament Director Jean Pierre Ciesielski, he told me that there are going to be 12-14 NBA scouts in attendance and that the competition across the field is going to be fierce. With around 60 guys having played in the World Basketball Tournament and in the NBA as well, you knew someone had to see them play. Coach Ed Schilling was doing his part as well while teaching the sets, equating it to learning a playbook in the League during training camp or after you’ve been traded.
At the end of the practice though, the player I was most impressed with was point guard Ryan Harrow. Despite weighing in at 150 pounds dripping wet, Ryan seemed to control the game and dictate the tempo the whenever he had the rock in his hand.
Good luck, All-American Team. Enjoy yourselves!
Where is Jason Morris? How is he doing over there?
Ryan,
Make Aunt Nedra proud!
Look at our boy Ryan Harrow looking like he is already getting along with everyone. Everywhere he goes he seems to make new friends and I for one can not wait to see him here in Raleigh. Go get em Ryan and good luck.
MAKE US PROUD USA TEAM! RYAN RASHARD SAYS HELLO AND REP THE A BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NC State is getting a great one in Ryan Harrow
GOOD LUCK USA TEAM! RYAN, JORDAN, TRAE MAKE US PROUD!!! LOVE U DARLINS’