Oden Story from Las Vegas Review-Journal

Interesting to get a third-party perspective.

For a first-party perspective, Casey has a nice summary:

More Oden

over 2 years ago PoliSam 8 comments 1 recs |

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Interesting quote

from the LV R-J article:

“People forget he’s just a kid,” Bayno said. "He’s going to be fine. He’s still maturing, and you can’t rush developing a big man. But he’s one of the best people I’ve ever been around, and he works as hard as anyone I’ve coached.

“Sure, his career hasn’t started as quickly as everyone hoped because of the injuries. But trust me, he’ll be fine.”

While one could easily write this off as Bayno mouthing the company line, I tend to think he’s speaking honestly here. Bayno has an established record of success developing big men (see his work with one Aldridge, LaMarcus two years back) so I think he knows whereof he speaks when it comes to assessing frontcourt talent.

Another subtler aspect to Bayno’s mentoring of Oden is the emotional bond. Bayno just went through a well documented bout with depression last year (that caused him to step down from his head coaching gig at Loyola Marymount) Of all the coaches on the Blazers’ staff, he is probably the one best suited to understanding how the pressures and expectations of a high profile sports job can play havoc with one’s psyche. I have no doubt that Bayno’s own experiences have – at the very least – given him an insight into Oden’s psyche beyond what someone like Nate of KP may have. If Bayno is confident that Oden will ultimately be fine, then I’d say that’s encouraging news.

by knickfan on Jul 26, 2009 11:30 AM PDT reply actions

add Zbo to Bayno's accomplishment no?

granted it’s Z … and …. well…. he has his complaints, but who takes someone like that with that attitude and turns em into a as productive as Z was baller? (unless bayno didn’t do squat with z, but I think he did)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jul 26, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

you’re correct. It was Bayno who taught Zbo his low-post game.

life is better as an optimist

by Cablinasian on Jul 26, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Yep

I’ve been banging this drum for a while. Bayno working with Oden over the summer means Greg will be more than a defender and rebounder this year. Book it.

When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.

by jscot on Jul 27, 2009 4:53 AM PDT up reply actions