Coach Pitino Recaps Summer Practice

Rick Pitino published his second blog post in the last five days earlier this afternoon. In today’s post coach Pitino gives us a rundown on what the Cards need to improve on from last season. Pitino also recaps this week’s summer practice and gives an update on each player. Below is an excerpt.

How do we improve from last year?

Four Key Areas:

1) Improve assist to turnover ratio

-Key players in this area:
-Russ Smith 76asst/90t.o.
-Chane Behanan 32 asst/72t.o.

2) Improve FG %

Key Players
-Russ Smith .356
-Peyton Siva .402

3) Improve 3pt%- Hancock and Marra will help

Key players
-Russ Smith .306(41/134)
-Peyton Siva .246 (17/69)
-Chane Behanan .167( 6/36)

4) Improve FT%

Key Players
Chane Behanan .594(82/158)
Zach Price .267(4/15)

Practice Recap – Two one-hour practices

Russ Smith- Continues to create steals at a very high rate. Has to learn what Peyton did last season. When nothing is open in the lane, keep dribbling and stay on the ground. His turnovers are mostly from leaving his feet when nothing is open. Rusdiculous steals and scores. He must cut-down on his turnovers.

Kevin Ware- Will play multiple positions. Last year he was trying to learn and play without any reps. Different player this year. Long and athletic. He has improved his jumper with some minor changes in form.

Tim Henderson- Conditioning and shooting are his nemesis. We are trying to get the basketball out and up. Shoots like you would throw a dart at a dartboard. Needs time to get it. Working on his conditioning. He is cutting down to 3 cigars per day.

Montrezl Harrell- Just a little lost. Needs individual instruction and repetitions. Great athlete who will improve with each practice.

Zach Price- Stronger but have not seen the rebounding and shot blocking. Waiting to see.

Stephan Van Treese- Just out of shape. To be expected from missing that much time.

Peyton Siva- Shooting well and has cut down on his turnovers. Underrated guard, one of the best in college basketball.

Wayne Blackshear- Must improve his left hand. Shooting well with an adjustment to form. Great practice on Tuesday.

Angel Nunez- If he just understood the game better he would be a lethal weapon. Improving slowly in all areas. Will play this year.

Chane Behanan- Two terrific practices. Still comes off the lane to much with post ups. Careless passing at times but dominated both practices.

Gorgui Dieng- Steady but nothing special. Trip home to Africa always sets him back from a conditioning standpoint. He will be ready come September. Better second day of practice.

Synopsis (BTW, only kidding with the cigar joke)

*Great attitude
*Improved shooting
*Quickness on defense, outstanding!

Russdiculous told me he is watching a lot of Rajon Rondo- must have been his 40point game. Russ didn’t pass the ball in two practices (jk).

Really like the makeup and work ethic with this team.