Sports News
O'Neal impressed by Bargnani in training camp
Jermaine O'Neal believes the truest measure of an athlete is in his heart.
So when the newest Toronto Raptor spent a couple of weeks in the off-season training with Andrea Bargnani in Las Vegas, he wanted to see what the big Italian was made of.
"We played against each other, and I really just banged him to see what his reaction would be and he never backed down," the bruising six-foot-11 O'Neal said Wednesday. "I think he knows what's at stake here and the challenge that he has to accept and the things he has to do to be successful."
The Raptors have challenged Bargnani to step up his game this season after a disappointing sophomore year, and so far the reports are positive. The 22-year-old, a good 15 pounds heavier than he was last season, is turning heads in training camp in Ottawa and his Raptors teammates and coaching staff are cautiously optimistic he'll approach his potential this season.
"There was a lot of disappointment last year externally and perhaps even internally that he didn't take a major step forward in terms of improvement," Raptors GM and president Bryan Colangelo said.
Colangelo made Bargnani the No. 1 draft pick two years ago, and for the first few months of his NBA career, he lived up to the billing. But his play petered out in his second season with the team and his confidence and focus were called into question. He looked unsure on the floor and his jump shot disappeared.
But there were some significant developments on the way to this season. Bargnani had two surgeries to remove his adenoids and to repair a deviated septum after he was plagued by sinus infections last season that he said sapped his energy.
"For sure, the surgery was a big help, I feel much different, I can breathe better," Bargnani said. "I don't want to use that as an excuse, but it was a problem. I was always sick and taking antibiotics. I feel better physically."
And the Raptors acquired O'Neal, a six-time all-star forward, in a trade with the Indiana Pacers. That immediately took some weight off Bargnani's shoulders.
"I think there's a little bit of pressure off of Andrea now that you're not throwing him into the starting centre position as a rookie or sophomore player," Colangelo said.
The Raptors set up a strict off-season program for Bargnani, that included the training he did with O'Neal in Las Vegas, and several weeks working out in Treviso, Italy, all under the careful watch of Toronto's coaching staff.
"He put a great summer in, didn't back down from any of the challenges that Sam (Mitchell, Toronto's head coach) and I threw at him, and he responded well, and that's the best you can ask for from a situation from last year to where we are now," Colangelo said.
"Bottom line. . . we said this is how we're going to construct your summer, and he lived up to every aspect of it, and maybe even did a little more. That's encouraging. Now he's got to do it on the floor, and the truth can be told when he starts playing."
Indeed it's too early to tell, but Colangelo said he's seen marked improvement in Bargnani's confidence and his comfort level with his teammates. The normally solemn Italian is more talkative with teammates, and he's showing more poise on the floor. He was the last to leave the court during one practice at Carleton University, consistently beating assistant coach Jay Triano with spin moves and fadeaways.
O'Neal said Bargnani has the ability to make a big difference to a team that was dispatched in the first round of the playoffs the past two seasons.
"He's physically stronger and he's a hell of a lot quicker than I thought he was, I haven't seen a guy that size move that quick," O'Neal said. "His skill level was a lot higher than I thought it was, the things he can do at seven foot, being able to put the ball on the floor. It's just my opinion, but if you keep him as a four (power forward) or five (centre), and him coming off the bench, there's not a four or five in this league that could guard him. There's really not."
Colangelo can't put his finger on the reasons for Bargnani's sophomore slump, whether it was just adjusting to the NBA, a new language, or trying to live up to expectations.
But the GM said he's never stopped believing the seven-footer has what it takes to be a star in the league.
"There's far too much talent, with his size and his skill level and all the reasons why he was considered by us to be the No. 1 pick in the draft," Colangelo said. "We want to see more advancements, we want to see better production, we want to see him grow into that player. But he's still got every opportunity as a 22-year-old to have an exceptional NBA career."
NBA
Return to Sports News.
Return to Sportsbook.
SPORTSBOOK
Welcome to I-Sportsbook - a legal, licensed and bonded internet sportsbook serving millions of sports betting enthusiasts around the globe with first-class service, prompt payouts and exclusive bonuses.
Our Sportsbook is the home of the best online sports betting services on the internet. Here you will find live betting lines on all the sports you love, with convenient 24 hour online sports betting. For NFL football betting, NBA basketball betting, college sports betting, and much more, open your FREE online sportsbook account today. Get instant access to numerous betting lines on all your favorite online sports betting events: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR, FIFA and more!
I-Sportsbook is an online gambling site with online sports betting and online casino. Bet on sport at our online sportsbook play slots or blackjack.
© 2008 i-Sportsbook.com.
