Can David West elevate Hicks overall game yet again

[IDUNK4HEELS]

You had to be blind not to know how better Hicks game was last season after a summer working with San Antonio Spurs forward David West. Hicks improved heaps and bounds especially on the offensive side of the court and he became a vital weapon for the team but his defensive discipline left a lot to be desired as he basically became a fouling machine. Not only would I like David West to work with Hicks on his defensive footwork but to also help Hicks developed a consistent jump shot from 15 feet and in. Silly and unexcusable fouls are more of a mental thing than a physical one so hopefully West can get that thru to Hicks this summer...

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Silly fouls are often the result of taking play off too. Brice used to "rest" on D sometimes and then get out of position and compound it by reaching to make up the distance. Hicks motor is always on high on O, and I bet we see it on high on D too. Brice killed his foul yips this year and I expect Hicks to do the same! He just needs to learn to do the work early on D so his position and footwork can handle the rest.

 

[gary-7]

Silly fouls are often the result of taking play off too. Brice used to "rest" on D sometimes and then get out of position and compound it by reaching to make up the distance. Hicks motor is always on high on O, and I bet we see it on high on D too. Brice killed his foul yips this year and I expect Hicks to do the same! He just needs to learn to do the work early on D so his position and footwork can handle the rest.

With Hicks it is mostly footwork. Teaching kids to play defense with their feet is challenge #1, and it is especially challenging for Bigs. Brice improved 200% on that this past season... lessee what Hicks can do.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Yup. I agree that it is hard to teach them to value footwork. Blocks and steals are more "fun" and get them more praise. Youngsters these days thrive off the praise, so I always pick out someone each practice and give them a public pat on the back for their footwork. I bet Hicks will be able to stay on the court longer next season and this will be a problem for opponents! He will cause fouls on other bigs, especially certain well-known freshmen!

 

[DSouthr]

I believe it is just more a mindset than anything else, a kid coming off the bench feels like he has to make a positive impact on the game right away. A starter realizes that sometimes you have to let something go because you not picking up the foul is more important than the 2pts. Brice accepted that last season, Hicks will as well. Great footwork or not Hicks does not need to be trying to guard tight a wing 30ft from the basket that is looking to drive.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

True indeed. Common sense is in short supply when you are worried about your minutes. Hicks' mentality will need to change, I believe he is one of those guys that is more comfortable off the bench. Check his starter vs. bench stats. He needs to morph into the alpha dog starter that demands to be the focus of opponents' scouting reports. He needs to forget about seeking Roy's approval and just take peeps' lunch on the court! I'm very excited about Hicks' potential and I know we have the coaches to bring it out of him. If JJ comes back watch out NCAA! (even if he doesn't, we are a problem)

 

[Spacegrass]

With Hicks it is mostly footwork. Teaching kids to play defense with their feet is challenge #1, and it is especially challenging for Bigs. Brice improved 200% on that this past season... lessee what Hicks can do.

Yea Brice even improved at this as the season moved on.