Dan D'Antoni's Focus on Barbosa Pays Off for Suns

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Leandro Barbosa endears himself to anyone who cares about the Suns. In return, he clings to their wisdom.

As a rookie, Barbosa instantly accepted Stephon Marbury's mentorship. He hung on every word from former Suns assistant Tim Grgurich. He attached himself to Steve Nash immediately last year, even requesting the long-sleeved shirts Nash wore in practice.

But any desire for Barbosa to replicate Nash's game proved unwise. Anyone would fail that test, and Barbosa's confidence took a hit until a new ally arrived.

Suns assistant Dan D'Antoni, coach Mike D'Antoni's older brother, left 30 years of coaching a South Carolina prep power and found another willing student in Phoenix.

Each time Barbosa leaves the Suns bench from a timeout, he pauses to seek out Dan D'Antoni's pearls of wisdom from the assistant's chair behind the bench. Before each morning shootaround on game days, they go over a list of about 15 offensive and defensive keys that are specific to Barbosa.

"He has given me a lot of attention and helped me out a lot," Barbosa said. "I've been learning a lot of things from him that I didn't know before."

Something certainly clicked. Barbosa is averaging 21 points in the past three games and is expected to remain a starter. His breakthrough is just as affirming for D'Antoni, who quickly has found a way to make an impact on a staff of pro veterans.

It was Mike's idea for Dan to focus on Barbosa, who put his trust in the new assistant. They had daily talks about establishing Barbosa's identity.

"He has so much potential that it's a great project for any coach or teacher," Dan D'Antoni said. "He sucks up information. He wants it. He needs confidence. Last year wasn't good for him. I see great things ahead for him.

"Eventually, he's going to have enough confidence in himself that (leaning on D'Antoni) will stop. Eventually, the parent lets go of the bike and you're on your own."</div>

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