http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2007/09/no_rest_or_complaints_for_an_m.html In a few days, Luis Scola will bring his latest MVP trophy back to Buenos Aires. He had bookends from his seasons in the Spanish League, generally considered the second toughest basketball league in the world. He added a third MVP designation at the FIBA Americas Tournament last week, helping to lead short-handed Argentina to qualify for the Olympics. Before he heads home (and from there, back to Spain, before returning for the start of training camp with the Rockets) he stopped by Houston this week to work out with Rockets strength coach Dave Macha and with his future teammates. This would seem above and beyond the call after the grueling summer tournament schedule. Scola did not see it that way. "We're used to playing that way," Scola said. "When you play for the national team, you're used to having this kind of summer every summer, so it's pretty much normal. The seasons in Europe start early so you go right from the national team to training camp. It's what we do every summer. "I'm tired, of course. If you play so many games, you're tired. But it's good. I'm happy." Scola said he is spending his time in Houston working out, getting to know coaches and teammates and finding a place to live. Toyota Center has gotten more crowded this week, with Scola, Mike James, Steve Francis, Steve Novak, Kirk Snyder, Mike Harris, Chuck Hayes, Rafer Alston and Aaron Brooks all working out. Tracy McGrady popped in on Thursday, largely to visit with Rick Adelman (as Alston had on Wednesday). Scola, with trips to two continents planned in the weeks before camp begin Oct. 1, could have understandably wanted to be far from a basketball court. But he waited for years to be in the NBA. As he spoke after Thursday's workout, he sounded as if he could not consider being anywhere else. "We have to know all the new systems," Scola said. "We have to learn how everybody else plays. Even though I saw those guys play a lot, it's not the same being on the court and sharing a locker room. The sooner we get the chemistry, the better. "The sooner the better, of course." He has not, however, spent time thinking about where the latest MVP trophy will go. "You can always find a place," he said, "for those trophies."
1. Funny Rafer is actually working out with the Rockets, I mean, he expects to be moved, right? Maybe he's just staying in shape in general, preparing for the season no matter where he goes. 2. Good to hear that Francis is working out, finally. His chubbiness in recent pics has me a little worrie
he often works out by himself w/ his personal trainer wayne until training camp starts then he works w/ the team. he's like most superstars. they work out by themselves during the offseason.
he has a state of the art weight room in his home, as well as an indoor basketball court. no need to drive 25 miles in traffic when you already have everything you need in the house!
and that too. his training room and basketball court are probably better than most NBA training facilities.
i find it more interesting that alston is hanging around. it seems earlier reports in the summer had him not responding to the team. he's either trying to stay in shape or excepting his new role.
No, if he still schedule his own summer holiday, he will be arrested for the third time very soon. Stay with the Rockets and practice very day is a good decision.
A question: Who do you guys think is the most blue-collar worker? Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, or Shane Battier? It should get interesting in practice this year, having not one, not two, but three players who will push everyone else to play harder.
Battier. How many times have you seen him run off the court to get stitches on his head because it's bleeding. That guy would take a charge from an eighteen-wheeler if it would net his team free throws. There's a reason Memphis roots for the Rockets when we go over there.
It's good to see Rafer back on the court after he took a couple of months off to establish some street cred for his upcoming rap album.
