Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Aug. 10, 2006, edition 1 / Page 18
Part of The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
2C >0 SPORTa^e CJattotte ^ost Thursday, August 10, 2006 ihMmvw looks 10 foUw dad. hiodier Continued from page 1C hard,” he said. ‘You have to put in that much more effort than someone else and I think that I’ve carried that with me all the way up to this level.” For Metcalf to make the Panthers, he’s goit^ to have to put forth maximum effort, because Carolina is deep at recaver. Wth the oflfseason signing of Keyshawn Johnson and the improved play of Drew Carter and Keary Colbert coupled with superstar Steve Smith, com petition is heavy But Metcalf said that he brings a lot to the table that can help the Panthers make a run for the Super Bowl. “I bring speed, a deep threat and good hands and a good route,” he said. ‘I’m a good blocker and I’m a bal anced receiver aU tiie way around.” If making the team means said he’s willing to do it. “Any way (I can contribute) I’m willing to do it,” he said. “I feel like I can compete at this level and I’m ri^t ha:e so I have to changing positions, Metcalf knock the door down.” From players to schemes, it’s an extreme makeover at JCSU Puryear Continued from page 1C “A majority of our kids we’re depending on the first couple of games are definitely the kids who’ve been in our system a year,” he said. “What we’ve been able to do is put them in with scane good junior college guys, some D-I transfers who know the game. Bhtzir^ is blitzing, catchir^ the football is catchir^ the football, running the football is run ning the football. You just give them thingsi they can do right now and gradually biir^ them aloi^.” There will also be changes on the sidelines. McNeiH brought in seven new assistant coaches, and promoted Eric Puryear from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator. Puryear scuttled the 4-3 sdieme in favor of a 3-4 set that relies on the linebackers’ speed. McNeill, who’ll run the offense, brought in more speed to spread the field. “Offensively, it was a matter of getting (receiver) Marquis (Belton) some help,” he said. “Defensively, it was changing our scheme to a (scheme) which best fits the linemen we have and best fits the great linebackers we have who can run to the football. You can’t win averaging 10 points a game unless you have a great defense.” Smith’s losing streak, which started in 2003, isn’t a motivation tool, McNeill said. Few of this year’s players have been around for all 24 losses, and McNeill wants Ihem focused on the present. From two to three years ago, you only have two or three of those guys left, so it’s been a complete turnover, a complete makeover,” he said. “0\ir motto is 180 degrees - a complete turnaround. We’re going to start from the bottom and make our way to the top, and I think that’s what we’re going to do.” Johnson C. Smith head coach Daryl McNeill watches the Golden Bulls run in an agility drill. McNeill expects to participate in preseason camp. PHOTOAlVADE NASH as many as 95 players Sting rookie class looks back and ahead after adjustments Wl}t Cljarlottc ^o«it Bond Continued from page 1C season. “I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Fluker. ‘Ever since I was younger when I fiirst started playing basketball, I wanted to make it in the WNBA, so it’s a dream conie true, but it’s a different brand of basketball. “It’s just a learning experience knowing this is now my job. In college, Tm playing for a national champi onship. and getting my educa tion at the same time. Here this is my job, and they’re expecting me to play at a certain level every night.” Fluker, who saw the least amomt of playing time of the three ipokies who suited up for every game, said she met her own goals and ejqjectations by being willing to learn. “Anytime I was called on I would try to work hard, better my game to fit in with the stjde of play in the WNBA, and I thiii I did an OK job of that,” she said. Head coach Muggsy Bogues said the rookies played well and added depth. “As far as contribution, it’s been hioge for us,” he said. “I’m just pleased to see their develop ment and looking forward to seeing them when they have a year imder their belt entering next year.” Currie, who’s averagir^ 25 minutes and 10 points per game, is also looking forward to next year, after making the sometimes rocky adjust ment to the WNBA. Thou^ similar in length, the pro schedule was more strenuous, she said. ‘Early on it was hard, especially playir^back to back games, and the travel, it wears on you,” said Currie. “But your body gets used to it, and it’s ready whenever you need it.” Not only is the schedule more compressed, but the players no longer have academic respoitsibOities, which Currie felt made for a Fluker somewhat easier adjustment. “That helps a lot. You have a lot of fi«e time to rest and take care of your body and it takes a lot of other pressures off of you.” Knowing what to do with that extra time was important to the adjustment at the next level,” Bond said. ‘You just have to know when to get your rest and everything...you can’t be out all night. I think I adjusted well,” said Bond. Beyond the external changes, Bond, averag ing 18 minutes, 5 points and 2.5 turnovers per game, felt her first season went as expected. ‘Tretty much the first season was what I expected: competitive, aggressive, physically and emotionally” she said. “[I tried to] just go out there, leave it all out there on the court all the time, play hard and stay focused.” Though Bond’s WNBA expectations were met, the season didn’t quite come together the way Currie ejqjected. ‘We definitely didn't do as well as we would have like to have done. I think I’ve developed as a player and I think this team keeps devel- opir^,” said Currie. ‘Tmreallylooktngforward to working on my game in the oflT-season and playing next season.” And the off-season, according to retired WNBA veteran Andrea Stinson, is important to their development. “It’s aU about learning,” she said. ‘You come in as a rookie and you’re learning the game of basketball over again. You’re playing with girls that have been playing basketball 10, 12 years professionally and you come in and you just have to learn and get better.” ‘T think the rookies here have so much poten tial, once they get built for being in shape for the WNBA,” Stinson added. It’s aU about being in shape and gettii^ that veteran experience, and theyll get the experience overseas, and I think theyTl come back next season ready to go.” The rookies and the Sting will play their last game of the season at Bobcats Arena, on Saturday at 6pm against the Chicago Sky Hornets games in New Orleans Continued from page 1C national team is playing a pair of warmups for the World Championships in Japan later this month. ‘We ultimately decide where their games wdl be scheduled,” Stem said. '”The following years, our plans are for than to play 41 games in New Orleans.” Before the Hornets, Oklahoma City had never had a major-league franchise, and fans strongly supported the team. The Hornets sold out 18 of their 36 games at the Ford Center, with aver age attendance of 18,717 - considerably higher lhan the average attendance in New Orleans. From pros to pee-wees, your source for Charlotte sports t!Cl)c Cliarlotte ^osit Crown Park Hotel 600 Willard St. Durham, NC 27701 Phone: (919)956-9444 Fax: (919)956-5553 Is Pleased to Offer Special Rates Just Call Us ! Featuring Data Ports Business Center Interior corridors 25” Color Television Spacious Guest Rooms Near Durham Bulls Athletic Park Free Shuttle to Duke, VA Hospitals ' Free Secured and Wireless Internet Complementary Continental Breakfast All rooms include coffee makers, iron & ironing board, hair dryers Stay close to the action at a price you can afford at the Crown Park Hotel of Durham. This month save with Special rate at this convenient hotel located near downtown Durham, and only minutes from Duke, NCCU, UNC and the RDU Airport Take a campus tour, visit Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the AAA Durham bulls, or go to the Museum of Life & Science, rated in the top four family- friendly museums in the Southeast by Family Fun magazine. Located in the his toric tobacco district, enjoy the newly con structed‘American tobacco building with abundant eateries and sports bars. Play a challenging round of golf, or shop at an abundance of unique stores. The courteous staff at the Crown Park Hotel of Durham provides a warm and inviting atmosphere and loads of amenities to make your stay most enjoyable. The Crown Park Hotel of Durham has spacious, clean rooms, and excellent service - everything you need for a pleasant stay. We shall make every effort to meet and exceed your expectations.
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 10, 2006, edition 1
18
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75