The Miami HEAT continued to get after it at The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Below are some tidbits you need to know from Day 3 of Training Camp Presented by Baptist Health South Florida.
A Thinking Day
After a slew of defensive-focused practices, Coach Spo slowed things down on Day 3 to put in some offense. As a result, Thursday was more of a teaching day for the team.
“Today we actually had to slow down and put some install in, so it was a thinking practice for the first three-quarters of it. And then we tried to apply that and scrimmage some.”
“Now we're starting to teach, so we're trying to find that balance of teaching. Moving forward, but still keeping the intensity that we had with the first two practices.”
Speaking of intensity, that's the first thing Wayne Ellington mentioned when asked what has stood out to him about HEAT practices.
“Intensity, will to win. got to have a strong work ethic, and mentally you've got to be tough too. Coach Spo, he's going to challenge us. He's going to challenge us, and it's going to be for the better of our team and we all understand that. We're in here working everyday. It's definitely challenging. It's going to be worth it, though.”
Fellow newcomer James Johnson had some similar things to say about how Miami conducts practice.
“We're all in shape, a lot of conditioning and a lot of mental things. You've got to learn how to play under duress and when you're tired. I think that's what we're doing. We're getting tired, and we'll see what we can do under duress.”
Ellington Brings It On and Off the Court
While Ellington is mostly known for being a sharpshooter, he feels there is more he can bring to the team.
“When I'm out on the floor, I feel like playmaking as well line. Coach is trying to run me off the line so if it happens I'm able to get into the paint and make a play. Whether it's throwing it up to big fella or kicking it out to one of the other perimeter players.”
Otherwise, the former North Carolina Tar Heel stated that he'll definitely bring leadership since he's one of the veterans on the squad.
That leadership isn't exclusive to basketball, as Ellington has been active in the community trying to curb gun violence. In fact, the 28-year-old participated in WPLG's “My Future, My Choice” Town Hall Meeting at Miami Jackson High School on September 16.
” was great. Since last season ended, I've been doing different things to try to make a change, a difference, and try to cut down on some of the violence. When I came to Miami, I didn't know what to expect. Just to see that there's so many programs and so many people already involved and doing so many things, that was awesome for me. I'm excited to get involved even more.”
