Summer League Diary 07/07/09

[Summer League Team]

Forward Ahmad Nivins, a former Saint Joseph’s University Hawk, was the 56th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. This week, the Mavericks summer league squad began preparations for the 2009 NBA Summer League, which run from July 10-19 on the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Nivins will periodically share his insights.

After being drafted by the Mavericks a few weeks ago, and the whirlwind 12-hour trip I made to Dallas the following day for a press conference, I have had the opportunity to spend time with my family and relax while preparing to join the Mavericks summer league team. I was working out twice a day to be in shape for what was sure to be tough practices at the hands of summer league coach Monte Mathis. And after Day 1 of practice…I’m in serious need of an ice pack.

Along with my family, I spent Independence Day barbequing, swimming and watching fireworks before heading back to Dallas. I have been really busy since arriving on Sunday. After early morning physicals on Monday, we were shuttled to the American Airlines Center for our first team meeting and practice. Monday’s practice proved to just a taste of what we were in for during the first full-on session Tuesday morning.

The atmosphere on the practice court is definitely competitive. There are about 20 guys here all fighting for the same thing…a roster spot! But while we are hoping to showcase ourselves, we also have to develop a team that is ready to play a game on Friday night. The goal right now is to become part of a strong team and do so by showing that I am a well-prepared player who can contribute when I’m called upon.

Even though practice was extremely tough, there was time for comedy provided by (assistant coach and former Maverick) Darrell Armstrong. He’s not afraid of getting out there and mixing it up with the young guys. And his energy is contagious among players and coaches. At one point, he went for a loose ball and tripped. He came up limping. As he was walking it off, tears were running down Coach (Dwane) Casey’s face and laughter rippled through the room. It took about 10 minutes before we all regained our composure.

We will practice again this evening so I’m going to have lunch and head back to the hotel for some relaxation before Round 2.

[Carol Beggs]

Welcome to the Mavs Ahmad!!! Love these posts, keep them coming! Go Mavs!!

[mAVGIRL]

cant wait to see more of these posts!

[Sabbatical]

Welcome to Dallas~

[Jonathan]

I can't wait for the summer league to start on friday!

[Dorathy]

cant wait to see more of these posts!

[Rustin]

HA! sounds like my kinda humor

[CRYSTAL]

really exciting to see the summer league shaping up! Looking forward to seeing the Mavs so well represented. Love the diary approach as a new way to get to know you guys, looking forward to reading more!

[Amy]

look forward to seeing you guys play in the summer league!

[Ashley Newell]

glad you guys are being able to get good practices in and still have fun! good luck to you!!