Oden and summer school
by Dragonage on May 5, 2009 9:58 AM PDT
Email
PrintI really thought there would be a post about this last night. On courtside coach Nate was on and talking about the growth of the blazers this offseason, when asked about Odens offseason schedule Nate changed his tone and talked about Greg needing to really work on his lateral movement and offensive post moves. Nate also talked about Oden going to Ohio state for summer class's he did not sound very happy that Oden would do this, this off season. Nate did not come right out and critisize Greg but he sounded like he had concerns.
Later on during the same show KP came on and he was asked about players offseasons after a little rambling he was bluntly asked about Odens growth this summer and if going to school was going to fit in with the offseason plans. KP talked about flying Bobby Medina and ??? Brain cramp the coach that came back to us from Loyola Marimount. to Ohio this summer to work with Greg.
I dont really have a firm opinion on what the Blazers should do with there off time obviously they are going to take some time to decompress after the long season, but Oden is a huge part of this team going forward I would think he could could go back to school a couple seasons from now. I really wanted to hear about him going to a big man camp(if they have those anymore after Pete Newells passing away)or just working his tail off on his continued rehab and just overall conditioning.
Great news about Jay Bay and Batum, they started working out the day after the playoffs were over. Incredible.
103 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Great news about Jay Bay and Batum, they started working out the day after the playoffs were over. Incredible.
Does Rex working out the day after the season ends surprise anyone?
bayless leaves over my dead body
by thomasikehara on May 5, 2009 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
No, I guess not
Jerryd has a Kobe mentality, minus the massive ego.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
There's no game yet onto which an ego could attach itself.
I look forward to the day such a happy symbiotic relationship exists.
I would
I met a girl who is a waitress at The Agency and said of all the Blazers Bayless is by far the biggest jerk and the most arrogant. That said I want to see Rex on the court.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
Kinda, I would think even a rookie would decompress a litte and just get away from it for a week or two.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Zach Randolph arguably had his best season after a summer with Bayno
I hope he can do the same for Oden.
Life is not by chance. Basketball is life.
Thanx Norsktroll
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Greg will have plenty of time to work on basketball items over the summer...
I think it’s great he’s going back to school – I wish Travis Outlaw would join him.
And Martell and Bayless and LaMarcus
Rudy and Nic don’t need to go to college, they can get by in life with their good looks.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on May 5, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
As long as GO doesn't take too many classes... lol
these next few summers will decide wether Oden wants to be a top 5 center in the league or just another 20 minute a night big man like Kwame.
You can work in serious conditioning and workouts along with classes...
Let’s not jump to conclusions and assume Oden is gonna flake out this summer. He has shown an incredible work ethic in his rehab, and he knows he needs to improve. We’ll see.
Finishing school is admirable.
I like the whole team.
Yeah, people are reading too much into this
Last summer Greg took one class that met three days a week for the first half of the summer. I’m not even sure he took classes during the second summer term — seems like I remember he spent time in Portland, LA, and with his family in Indiana.
I posted about Nate's interview last night
The talk about Oden’s classes was only a part of my post but it absorbed the majority of comments.
It’s clearly a matter of priorities. Obviously our priority as fans is to win first and personal development as an afterthought. Clearly Nate feels the same way, and that’s the way he has approached his career as an athlete and coach (is it true he doesn’t live with his family during the season?!?). I certainly appreciate that dedication.
At the same time, I also can appreciate and even applaud Greg’s desire to continue developing his mind. He’s shown himself to be extremely intelligent and if that’s what motivates him I think it’s great. There’s definitely a benefit to taking a step back before re-focusing later in the summer.
Funny, I never compared the two
But if you compare each of their most recent seasons, you’ll see they were virtually identical, down to percentage points in every category!
If he's truly smart
He’ll be workin’ hard this summer with Bayno.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
When does the summer term start?
If Portland is going to be playing for championships starting next season would Greg even be able to sign up for summer terms?
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
i think late june
bayless leaves over my dead body
by thomasikehara on May 5, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
There are two terms
Late June to late July, and late July to late August. http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu/ourweb/more/Content/bigcal.html
This is an absolutely crucial summer for Greg
I don’t care where he works out, but Bayno and or Medina need to be out there with him all the time.
I bet those guys travel all over the place in the summer
Poor John Townsend. He had to go all the way to the Canary Islands last summer to work with Sergio. I wonder who’s going to have to bite the bullet this year and go to Mallorca to work with Rudy.
Raises hand
I’ll take one for the team. Hey Rudy, what color swimsuits go best over there? Or will I even need one? :-)
2 hot 2 stop it
I doubt Rudy needs a shooting coach (that is what Townsend's job is)
I would rather he worked with Bayless or Batum on their jumpers.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on May 5, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I have to admit that I'm kinda disappointed in Greg
He finally is to the point where he has an opportunity to really improve his game this offseason and it sounds like school is more important to him. I can’t really fault him for that, but it’s unsettling. You don’t see Jerryd going back to school. I love Greg and he can do whatever he wants, but I’d love to see him focusing on basketball this summer.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
Of course, I have totally selfish reasons
I want the Blazers to win as soon as possible so that I can run up and down my street naked screaming Blazers Win!!!!
Greg- You are totally allowed to do whatever you want with your off time.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
once again
this is not going to completely engulf the man, he will have plenty of time to work on basketball, and the school ends in july, 3 months before the season starts.
- Sam
Job first - school secondary
Greg Oden is an employee of the Trail Blazers and his first responsibility should be to earn his paycheck. His job is to make this team successful. That’s what he is paid to do. We’ve seen from this season he has a lot of work to do to come back by next season in outstanding shape, more polished post moves and better athleticism. Those are the things he should be working for as hard as he can to meet his job requirements.
I understand his desire to seek an education. But he needs to understand that he has chosen a career path and signed a contract that requires him to focus on his physical conditioning and basketball skill rather than a career that requires a degree.
To me, his decision to return to Ohio State this summer tells me that he is putting his job secondary to everything else. Why did he have to go to Ohio to pursue his education? It seems that if he were really serious about improving his game he would’ve stayed closer to the Blazer Org and taken summer classes from PSU or even online classes from Ohio.
Not a good sign…but as Wheels mentioned, we should only pass judgment come October. If he isn’t healthy, athletic, better refined by the start of the season, I think we can safely say Oden was the wrong pick.
I didn't mean to turn you on
by dukedee on May 5, 2009 11:54 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe Ohio is his safety blanket.
I don’t blame him for going back to his roots to reconnect with friends and family for a little bit. Now if he’s slackin’ on his workouts thats a different story. I’d be pissed if he comes back out of shape huffin’ and puffin’. Medina and Bayno better keep him in line!
"The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way." - Dale Carnegie --- Same goes for the Blazers. Thanks Houston.
by blazerbeliever on May 5, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
You nailed the ethical aspect perfectly
People keep saying he’s doing a good thing. I can’t hardly agree. This is about him. Sure he’s given a lot, but when you make the commitment to go pro, you pretty much make the commitment to do everything you possibly can to improve.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
As a fan
I have the same queasiness about Oden taking even a minute off during the summer to do anything but basketball.
But on a purely business scale, there are no legal obligations for Greg Oden to “improve himself” during his offseason time. If Oden averages a 20-10 next year but was in school all summer, would you say that he wasn’t meeting his “job requirements”. A critic could easily say, “but if only he had worked all summer, he could have averaged a 30-20”. If effort was the only thing required, Jerryd Bayless would be the GOAT.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
If Artest can say it, so can I. Broy>Kobe.
My argument is where his focus is...
I’m all for him taking time off. I’m not saying he should spend every minute of every day training. What I’m miffed about is that during a VERY important offseason he’s decided to distance himself from the resources that are readily available to help him achieve success in his profession.
It was apparent in Nate’s tone during his interview w/ Wheel’s on Courtside that Greg’s priority this summer was to attend school at Ohio and improving his game was an after-thought. To which I think Nate was noticeably disappointed.
I didn't mean to turn you on
We need to spam
Greg’s Facebook site and Yardbarker site with this info. And point out it’s in Hawaii but do so in a positive manner. I will start. Let’s make it a mission to get him there!
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
don't do that
way to disconnect him from the fan base…
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
I didn't do it yet
I was only going to mention it once. I said something along those lines awhile back so I will leave it at that.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
Thanx Merlyn
I was wondering if it was still going to be around.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Has anyone here been to summer school in college?
The summer courses schedules are usually 2-3 classes 3 days a week, this would not impact Oden’s training this offseason, even if you include study time for the classes. I think it is great that Greg wants to continue his education, infact Greg has said many times that he loved his time at college, so if he can go back to school and get his mind right again, while working out and improving his game, then that is a great idea in my mind.
by usmcr3049 on May 5, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree 100%
Summer school classes don’t need to conflict with his development. And there’s an added benefit — he can work on his game without worrying about the scrutiny of the Portland media and fans.
by Corvid on May 5, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes
that added benefit could be huge! Not to mention the added benefit of relaxation due to Ohio state ladies…
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
That's about the only plus I can see with him going.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
Totally agree
This is about both his mental state and physical state. If the Blazers are sending a couple of coaches to Ohio St. then no worries from me. Should be a good thing.
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on May 5, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
word
totally agree. I’d leave too if I were him. A breath of fresh air and time to regroup.
"The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way." - Dale Carnegie --- Same goes for the Blazers. Thanks Houston.
by blazerbeliever on May 5, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
yes, exactly
furthermore, everyone here is aware that college sports exist, right? There are plenty of people who take FULL class loads and still have all the time they need to work out and be at an elite level. Yeesh, people, you’d think Greg just said he’s taking the summer off to backpack around Europe.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
Thats Rudy and Sergio's jobs this offseason.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Call me crazy
but I also would like the Blazers to be a group of well-rounded people. I’m all for him taking a couple classes this summer. I wish more Blazers would do it.
Yellow Mamba FTW!
+1, Summer College scheudles are pretty easy...
Not only will only be “obligated” to go to class 3 days per week for a total of 6 hours per day max, Oden will be in a familiar training environment.
At colleges and universities during the summer, seemingly the ONLY people around campus are athletes. Ohio State will have all their athletic fascilities available to Greg Oden, they will have their trainers-table and physical therapists available to him, Greg can work out with the Ohio State hoops team, and at shoot-around, and, if need be, Portland can send a personal coach out there to keep him on track.
Just by knowing that Greg is dedicated to “chipping” away that education every summer is a good deal for him and we as fans of his should embrace it. Oden definitely has the time and the environment to get into better shape and work on his athleticism and technique. No, Coach Mac is not going to be able to watch him all the time… but I am also sure that the emotional roller-coaster of this season took its toll on him and that Greg needs to be in a comfortable place to train… rather than being in Portland where over-Zealous media’s and crazy fans have had him under the MICRO-SCOPE on everything he does.
by Portland Dynasty on May 6, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't he only take one class last year?
I want all the Blazers to relax this off season, stay healthy and work on their 3 point shots.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
Especially Joel
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
Rudy moved back to Spain
and people here have issues with Greg going to summer school?
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 12:32 PM PDT reply actions
excuse me?
What are you talking about moved back to Spain?
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
link
age?
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
He said in his last blog
He was heading home yesterday,I hope he finds a weight room and puts on a couple kilos of muscle
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Rudy or Greg?
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
He's clearly talking about Rudy not Greg
and your advice to Rudy is akin to telling Calista Flockhart to drop a dress size or two…
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.
The Bhagavad Gita
That's how it works with players in almost all Pro teams in any sport
people go home and attend to their lives outside the game
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Only Frye lives in Portland during the offseason
Everybody moved back home.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on May 5, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Steve Blake Lives near Portland
Steve moved his family to West Linn and lives there.
"Do or Do not there is no Try"
Yoda
Correct
Forgot.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
Rudy will be playing
for the spanish national team he will be in good shape come training camp. Rudy is actually the guy I most want to see get a rest, he has not had a break from the game in about 1 and a half years.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
I hope Rudy gets to relax in Ibiza
and let his back heal
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
The idea that a guy cant
Take a light class load and still meet his weight and conditioning goals seems pretty far fetched.
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 12:32 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
McMillan was pretty specific about back to the basket offense, footwork, and get alot better conditioning.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
The real concern is:
What happens to Charles Barkley McLovin?
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
Dorm life
(lol, like Greg lives in a dorm)
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on May 5, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn't CBM is blind
I bet Greg has someone take care of him.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
his 7'0 behind
starting june.15.th should be in a hot gym,with a bigman coach.teaching him some serious lowpost moves.forget the classroom dude.hit the damn gym also lose about 20.lbs will yeah kid.
Yeah, It would be terrible
If Greg learned how to write. I’m sure that taking 1/6th of his summer and improving his brain while relaxing will be good for him. I don’t want him to burn out. Isn’t he only 21 years old? You need to have a bit of fun with kids your own age when your 21, or else he’ll just resent the organization. He shouldn’t work 365 days a year.
Summer assignments
I agree that summer school and staying in top physical shape shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. You cannot work out 16 hours per day.
I want to give Greg some assignments:
Pass your classes. You know his momma has been on him to finish his degree. Keeping momma happy will help Greg, and us by extension.
Tell yourself “I will keep my hands up on defense.” Repeat it until you believe it.
Talk to Pryz daily about blocking shots and dominating the D glass.
GO TO THE PETE NEWELL CAMP!
Dominate the summer league. I’m sure the Blazers will have JBay there with instructions to feed you continuously, I don’t care if there are no decent post players. Crush whoever is in your way and remember the feeling.
Chillax! No matter how much we BEDGERS obsess and ruminate about this stuff, it is just a game. The guys who enjoy it and their lives achieve the best results.
Who needs college?
it is just for bums and idiots.
i'm an idiot
acta est fabula plaudite -- Thanks for a great season.
by prezofdeath on May 5, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Considering the guy didn't know what the electoral college was
he could probably use the schooling.
Oden seems determined to prove all his pre-draft detractors right on every point.
1) injury prone— check
2) foul trouble— check
3) raw— check
4) goofy and/or aloof— check
5) lacks passion and commitment to the game— well, he seems to be checking that off the list.
Relax, people.
He will get more work this summer than you can possibly imagine. Any any work he gets will exceed the amount he got last year, which was exactly nothing.
He needs court time. Lots of it. He will get it.
I wonder if Oden
accepts the bid oppurtunity to be on the Olympic team roster for the world championships. I understand that Greg, BRoy, and LaMarcus have all been invited to participate in workouts.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
From my front page comment:
Brandon: No comment yet.
Aldridge: "They told me last year I would get invited back (for this year). I’m going to be there."
Oden: He has not heard from USA Basketball yet. "Nobody has said anything to me. I’m interested and would go."
According to Oregonlive.
Even though Oden probably wouldn't make the team
I would love to see him try out. Being around the best players in the league would be great for him.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
Three Blazers
invited. The goal should be for them all to want to start. How cool would that be? USA basketball would be introduced as the the Portland trailblazers and USA basketball vs the world.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Might be a little late but....
Aren’t Kevin Durant and Jeff Green going to summer school. Sure Durant could be working on his D if he’s gonna be as great as he is supposed to be…..yet this is a non issue.
Why is it different for Oden? Commitment is the same no matter how quickly you develop so why the pass for the famous #2 but not for our guy?
Just seems weird that people are so worried about this when it is not that uncommon
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Roy Hibbert tap-dances to Maine
- Grizzlies Valentine’s Day cards are the key to love
- Kevin Love would like the NBA to take the MLB’s approach on All-Star games
- Kobe Bryant fires a few hilarious salvos at Jeremy Lin
- Brandon Jennings states the obvious regarding his 2014 free agency, everyone goes nuts
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
