Topic: H-D: Chuck Landon: D'Antoni's way aims to impart confidence

[biggreenarms]

So far, so not bad.

That was Danny D'Antoni's analysis after installing the basic rudiments of his offense on Wednesday.

"Not bad for the first day," said Marshall's new head basketball coach. "I've seen worse. ... at New York. The Knicks were worse."

That is a very telling and compelling comment.

D'Antoni is encouraged, but not satisfied. That assessment goes for nearly every facet of his basketball program, whether it's conditioning, energy level, shooting ability, offices or having additional rims to augment practices.

He is encouraged, for the most part.

But satisfied?

Not even close.

That's good because D'Antoni shouldn't be satisfied. At least, not if he wants to win some games next season. And, trust me, he does.

D'Antoni is still the fiery competitor he was as Marshall's starting point guard in 1968-70 and the Herd's leading scorer during the 1968-69 season with a 17.5-point average.

Sure, he will celebrate his 67th birthday in July, but his competitiveness is still far too young for an AARP card.

That's what drives D'Antoni.

That's what always has driven him.

So, when D'Antoni commented that the first attempt at putting in his offense was "not bad," he meant it. By all accounts, the Herd struggled at first. But the players began to understand the concept midway through the session and actually clicked a couple of times toward the end.

It's most definitely a work in progress.

The offense is built around a never-ending series of pick-and-rolls with hard cuts to the basket. Players dribble only when necessary. Instead, a premium is put on ball movement.

The last thing D'Antoni wants to see is a player standing around. He wants constant movement by all five players. Another must is taking the open shot. D'Antoni preaches that fervently.

He wants confident, well conditioned, extremely competitive players.

Is his Herd there yet?

No.

But so far, so not bad.

KAMBOLA UPDATE: Forward J.P. Kambola has regained his eligibility, according to Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick.

The 6-foot-9 Canadian was forced to sit out last season due to a discrepancy in an on-line course Kambola took as an academic non-qualifier in 2010-11. He is classified as a senior, but Kambola could get a year back.

"We'd have to make an appeal," said Hamrick.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS: Former Marshall wide receiver Jazz King has a new home and it includes some MU connections.

King will play his senior year at Charleston Southern in Charleston, S.C., according to sources.

The MU connections?

The Bucs' offensive coordinator is Gabe Giardina, son of one-time "Voice of the Herd" Frank Giardina. Then, there is King's new wide receiver coach.

Remember Willy Korn? He's the guy who was supposed to be Marshall's new star quarterback in 2010, but left during preseason camp when he didn't win the starting job.

So, King should feel right at home.

Also, quarterback Kevin Anderson has decided to transfer. But there is no official destination for the redshirt freshman although Fordham has been rumored.

"He is transferring," said Hamrick. "But I don't know where he is going."

Apparently, Anderson saw the handwriting on the wall when he finished spring practice as MU's No. 4 quarterback.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x271214270/DAntonis-way-aims-to-impart-confidence