Greg looking better.

http://www.iamatrailblazersfan.com/Home/Photos/OfficialGalleryAlbum/tabid/165/GalleryView/MediaView/AlbumID/5099/MediaID/2997/Default.aspx

Here is the video of Greg at camp, day two.

Just some thoughts...

1. I have heard people mention he looks lost in this video.  This however is not the case.  The guards are dominating the ball.  I counted 4 times total, I think, where the post player on EITHER team was passed the ball with the intent of scoring, i.e. in scoring position.  Therefore, his role as to what he should be doing is ambiguous.  The guards are rarely passing, leaving it to whoever bring it up the court to barrel at the basket, or dribble until they shoot.  There is no real roll for big men.  This is more reminiscent of AAU basketball than actual NBA/FIBA basketball. 

Most importantly, he did NOT shy away from contact, running STRAIGHT to the rim when he came down on offense.  If there was anyone in his way, he simply moved them out of his way.  This was great to see.  Although he may not be dominant on the block, this will get him some really easy buckets and give us a real that physical dynamic.

2. Greg is moving very well.  In videos from both days of scrimaging, Greg has looked sharp.  He is hustling and looks much quicker than last season.  He knows what to do on the screen and roll as opposed to last year.  he bust his but to show and get back.  His speed during those plays is much better than most centers in the league, it appears.  This is also a testament to his decision making, when to show and when to get back.

3.  Greg is in great condition, especially considering its the middle of the summer.  His stamina looks to be in good standing.  The game speed is remiscent of a Phoenix Suns run when they would go up by 15 in 2 minutes, before the other team called timeout, about two years ago. But this time, it was for the entire time they were scrimmaging.  This was, again, just like an AAU game, played at break-neck speed.  There is a point in the video where the man he is guarding is holding his knees gaspnig for air, while Greg looks like he's doing fine.  This is good to see, considering how hard it is for bigger people to get into great shape.  Big men always have a hard time playing at those levels, especially centers.  Therefore, it is great to see Greg running with the best of them.

4. Greg looks like he can really run the floor, so pushing the ball will be no issue with him.  He has really good speed for a center and didn't appear to ever be in a flat out sprint, or going more than 65-75%. 

5. Something Greg really needs to improve on is setting screens.  He still sets some really soft screens.  He does not put his body on the opposing guard, often setting it at an angle, almost giving the defender the chance so slide around without hitting him, unless the ballhandler goes off shoulder to shoulder (as they should, but often don't).  He also leaves to early on the screen, not forcing his man to show.  This makes his roll to the basket far less effecient.  Since his defender doesn't need to show, Greg cannot get a lane to roll to the basket.  Therefore, the opposing help defense does not have to compensate for him, and it diminishes the opportunities for the ballhandler to pass to.  Thus, the offense is less efficient. 

This is about as much as you can take form this video, since, as i said before, this scrimmage is not that well run.  Neither team is playing to its strengths.  The guards are doing whatever they want, not utlizing the big men or working for great shots.  Notice the lack of outside shots taken in the scrimmage.  That is telling to what type of style this is.  Players are mostly driving until the defense stops them, then shoot.  If they used their big men, it would allow for more open shots, by forcing the defense to react and collapse.  I am surprised by the poor basketball played here.  I would think that this style would be left for the rec gym, and AAU.  In college, you definitely learn a more disciplined, effective, game of basketball.  Likewise with the NBA, so I am surpised that in our USA Senior basketball minicamp, it is not being reinforced.  This is especially significant, considering the way the international game is played.  Simply sprinting at the rim with the ball, like a fullback, will not cut it.  You wil not be bailed out by refs; there are no superstar calls.