Post by Boston on Feb 18, 2015 21:29:37 GMT -6
By Pat McGroin, Celtics Beat Writer
Hi folks, this is Pat McGroin, the Celtics beat writer sitting down with new Celtics head coach Enrique Grajeda talking about his Boston Celtics and life in the ABCA.
"Coach Grajeda, I'm glad you were able to sit down with me for awhile. Your team is improving quite a bit these days. What is the key to your success?"
"Pat, I'm going to be honest with you. It's about more talent. There are some very nice young players on this team, and I think they are growing up together nicely. Chris, Toni, and Christian up front has been really strong so far. I couldn't have asked for a better group of young men leading my roster."
"Coach, you've had several guys at the point this year. Has that hurt your team overall?"
"Sure. It's tough to win in the NFL without a quarterback, and it's tough here when we are not sure who's bringing the ball up against pressure defenses as much. Steve Colter played pretty well last set, and I think he's going to get some more run going forward. Al Attles, the vet we brought in, had a little setback on his injury, so he was in street clothes. We really like what Al brings off the bench, and that was a big loss for a young team without Deuce on the floor."
"Coach, you mentioned the play of your frontcourt. What do they need to improve on?"
"It's about getting better every day. These young men know it, and aren't afraid to put in the work. The biggest thing is getting them comfortable playing off each other and supporting each others' strengths. They are learning, and the results are starting to show it somewhat night in and night out. Teams have to legitimately guard 3 weapons, which is a good start to a strong offense."
"Most of your struggles have been on the defensive end...what do you suggest to fix that?"
"Well, it starts with me getting the right guys around. Consultant Rick Majerus has been one of my confidants in this process, and his insight has been invaluable. Coach Majerus has preached man defensive principles, and they're really learning a ton. Remember, this is a completely new coaching staff. All my assistants have worked very hard, and the results will come. It's just a matter of guys learning the system and putting it into practice."
"What has George Gervin meant to your team?"
"The Iceman brings attitude and a nice offensive game. The fact that he has settled into a complimentary scoring role and not complained about it is great for the young guys to see. Ice could have bitched and moaned, but he came in and said he was willing to be a leader on the floor. He's a great guy, and he took recent trade rumors in stride. He wants to win, and that is rubbing off on his teammates. I couldn't ask for a better man in his role."
"Coach, thanks for your time. I wish you the best of luck."
"Pat, I will always make time for you. We're gonna get there, you just gotta believe."
Hi folks, this is Pat McGroin, the Celtics beat writer sitting down with new Celtics head coach Enrique Grajeda talking about his Boston Celtics and life in the ABCA.
"Coach Grajeda, I'm glad you were able to sit down with me for awhile. Your team is improving quite a bit these days. What is the key to your success?"
"Pat, I'm going to be honest with you. It's about more talent. There are some very nice young players on this team, and I think they are growing up together nicely. Chris, Toni, and Christian up front has been really strong so far. I couldn't have asked for a better group of young men leading my roster."
"Coach, you've had several guys at the point this year. Has that hurt your team overall?"
"Sure. It's tough to win in the NFL without a quarterback, and it's tough here when we are not sure who's bringing the ball up against pressure defenses as much. Steve Colter played pretty well last set, and I think he's going to get some more run going forward. Al Attles, the vet we brought in, had a little setback on his injury, so he was in street clothes. We really like what Al brings off the bench, and that was a big loss for a young team without Deuce on the floor."
"Coach, you mentioned the play of your frontcourt. What do they need to improve on?"
"It's about getting better every day. These young men know it, and aren't afraid to put in the work. The biggest thing is getting them comfortable playing off each other and supporting each others' strengths. They are learning, and the results are starting to show it somewhat night in and night out. Teams have to legitimately guard 3 weapons, which is a good start to a strong offense."
"Most of your struggles have been on the defensive end...what do you suggest to fix that?"
"Well, it starts with me getting the right guys around. Consultant Rick Majerus has been one of my confidants in this process, and his insight has been invaluable. Coach Majerus has preached man defensive principles, and they're really learning a ton. Remember, this is a completely new coaching staff. All my assistants have worked very hard, and the results will come. It's just a matter of guys learning the system and putting it into practice."
"What has George Gervin meant to your team?"
"The Iceman brings attitude and a nice offensive game. The fact that he has settled into a complimentary scoring role and not complained about it is great for the young guys to see. Ice could have bitched and moaned, but he came in and said he was willing to be a leader on the floor. He's a great guy, and he took recent trade rumors in stride. He wants to win, and that is rubbing off on his teammates. I couldn't ask for a better man in his role."
"Coach, thanks for your time. I wish you the best of luck."
"Pat, I will always make time for you. We're gonna get there, you just gotta believe."
