Blood, Sweat, & Tears, OH MY!

I just found this column by Nate Bishop in Hoopsworld from the 6th .

Point guard Sebastian Telfair couldn't be happier with how things are going, "You know just from not knowing him, a lot of guys said Nate was a tough guy, a mean guy, but he comes in and gets the job done," said Telfair. "But he likes to have fun too. He smiles, he laughs, but he gets down and gets whatever we need to have done, done everyday. When it's time to work, it's serious. Whatever he's trying to do that day, we're going to come in on the court and we're going to do it."

Telfair wasn't done. Being the point guard, he has a real understanding of what the team is supposed to be doing, and an appreciation for a quality system. It's only been three days, but the second-year man out of Coney Island likes what he sees, "The first day when we put the offense in, I was like 'this is some good stuff,' said Telfair. "We can make a turn around with the plays and the coaching staff that we have right now... These are some great plays that (McMillan) brings to the table.... I think we're starting to get a handle. The coaches are really drilling it into our heads, the things that we need to do in our offense, as far as being patient. So we're definitely getting a feel for it, and it's working for us."

I really like the emphasis on hard work and conditioning that I'm hearing from these guys. Especially when compared to Allen Iverson's comments today about how laid back Mo's practices are... I always thought that was one of Portland biggest problems during Mo's tenure.