http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/36132.html
Thomas shooting free and easy again
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:30 am PDT Monday, October 9, 2006
Two things are different about Kenny Thomas these days, with a direct correlation.
His shoulder no longer ails him, and neither does his free-throw stroke. The Kings forward labored through a tender and sore upper region the second half of last season. He still has no idea how exactly it happened, but in the process, his foul-shooting form was equally as painful to watch.
Thomas tried to compensate for his shoulder woes by adjusting his form. Instead, he developed a troubling hitch and an awkward release, and had mixed results. A career 71 percent foul shooter, Thomas made 67 percent in 2005-06. He has retooled the stroke in the offseason and throughout training camp.
"I got comfortable with it last year, and I started to hold on to the ball longer when I shot the free throws," Thomas explained. "I worked with my college and high school coaches over the summer. It's a learning process. I've watched film to change it. We've broken it down piece by piece."
Thomas looks fine otherwise. He's had an active and productive camp as he pushes to maintain his starting power forward slot in a camp battle with Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Liking the view -- Joao Costa has coached basketball in Portugal for nearly two decades. He has even written four books on the sport. Through a connection with Kings scout Clay Moser, Costa accepted an invitation to observe the Kings this week in training camp.
He absorbed every practice, every detail, and came away a big fan of ... Eric Musselman, the coach.
"I've been with Bobby Knight and Nate McMillan and 'Coach K' (Mike Krzyzewski) of Duke before for basketball things, so I've been around great coaches," Costa said. "I am very, very impressed with coach Musselman. I learned a lot -- his fundamentals, how he handles his team. I just love him."
Costa said the "best basketball in the world is still in the USA," but that Europe is "coming along." "We don't have a Michael Jordan or a Ron Artest, but we do pass the ball, and we do have good shooters," he said in sizing up Europe in general. "And our team play is much better."
Fandemonium -- Artest was the best player and Kevin Martin the most explosive in a full scrimmage played under game conditions Sunday night at Arco Arena in the annual Fandemonium event.
Artest had 20 points, including four three-pointers, and Martin had 16 on a series of drives and jumpers as the Kings played four quarters with athletes rotating sides.
Defense dominated for both sides.
Rookie free-agent center Justin Williams had nine points and eight rebounds, and Corliss Williamson had 11 points. Francisco García and Maurice Taylor did not play because of a groin and calf injury, respectively.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@ sacbee.com.
Thomas shooting free and easy again
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:30 am PDT Monday, October 9, 2006
Two things are different about Kenny Thomas these days, with a direct correlation.
His shoulder no longer ails him, and neither does his free-throw stroke. The Kings forward labored through a tender and sore upper region the second half of last season. He still has no idea how exactly it happened, but in the process, his foul-shooting form was equally as painful to watch.
Thomas tried to compensate for his shoulder woes by adjusting his form. Instead, he developed a troubling hitch and an awkward release, and had mixed results. A career 71 percent foul shooter, Thomas made 67 percent in 2005-06. He has retooled the stroke in the offseason and throughout training camp.
"I got comfortable with it last year, and I started to hold on to the ball longer when I shot the free throws," Thomas explained. "I worked with my college and high school coaches over the summer. It's a learning process. I've watched film to change it. We've broken it down piece by piece."
Thomas looks fine otherwise. He's had an active and productive camp as he pushes to maintain his starting power forward slot in a camp battle with Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Liking the view -- Joao Costa has coached basketball in Portugal for nearly two decades. He has even written four books on the sport. Through a connection with Kings scout Clay Moser, Costa accepted an invitation to observe the Kings this week in training camp.
He absorbed every practice, every detail, and came away a big fan of ... Eric Musselman, the coach.
"I've been with Bobby Knight and Nate McMillan and 'Coach K' (Mike Krzyzewski) of Duke before for basketball things, so I've been around great coaches," Costa said. "I am very, very impressed with coach Musselman. I learned a lot -- his fundamentals, how he handles his team. I just love him."
Costa said the "best basketball in the world is still in the USA," but that Europe is "coming along." "We don't have a Michael Jordan or a Ron Artest, but we do pass the ball, and we do have good shooters," he said in sizing up Europe in general. "And our team play is much better."
Fandemonium -- Artest was the best player and Kevin Martin the most explosive in a full scrimmage played under game conditions Sunday night at Arco Arena in the annual Fandemonium event.
Artest had 20 points, including four three-pointers, and Martin had 16 on a series of drives and jumpers as the Kings played four quarters with athletes rotating sides.
Defense dominated for both sides.
Rookie free-agent center Justin Williams had nine points and eight rebounds, and Corliss Williamson had 11 points. Francisco García and Maurice Taylor did not play because of a groin and calf injury, respectively.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@ sacbee.com.
