<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But now Thorpe said Diaz is shooting with consistently good mechanics, which has made a huge difference. In one drill, Diaz made 15 of 17 NBA-range three-pointers from five spots in 1 minute 45 seconds. Diaz does not leave the gym for the day until he makes 500 NBA three-pointers. Thorpe also has worked extensively on Diaz's ball-handling skills, which will be especially important at the NBA level, where Diaz will be expected to be a ''combo guard,'' playing the point and shooting guard positions. Diaz didn't realize how poor his ball-handling skills were until working with Thorpe. ''In this drill, he used to knock over the chair or lose the ball,'' he said. ``Now look at him.'' Diaz executed the drill with perfection. Thorpe said Diaz didn't used to be able to beat quick players off the dribble -- and now he can. Diaz also has worked on shooting with his left hand, hitting fade-away shots and other offensive weapons he didn't have. On defense, Diaz has worked on sliding. He used to lead with the wrong foot, which slowed him down. Thorpe also said his perceived defensive deficiencies could be attributed to Diaz simply not making defense a priority. Thorpe has emphasized that that attitude must change in the NBA. ''I'm learning so much stuff,'' said Diaz, who also is able to practice some of his new skills on athletic Florida State big man Alexander Johnson, who also is going to enter the draft. As is the case with all college coaches, UM's Frank Haith and his staff did not have time to work extensively with Diaz or any player on individual skills. During the season, team schemes take precedence. And during Diaz's two UM offseasons, one came in the middle of a coaching transition and the last one was spent rehabilitating his knee. At UM, Diaz at times would do his own thing, to the chagrin of his coaches. With the individual attention, Thorpe said Diaz has been nothing but a ``sponge.'' Diaz was in the midst of working on pump fakes when the bell rang. Soon, the cafeteria area of the gym was crowded with kids in white shirts and khaki pants. Eighth-grader Chase Budick turned to a friend and said: ``I'm going to watch the draft. Then I can say [Diaz] went to my school.''</div> Source
Good to hear about him working hard, hopefully he's a first round pick and ends up going somewhere where he will play, I've loved this guy since Day 1. He's one of my favorite players.
Out of the gym jumpin' ability without the intangibles... speaking of freak athletes anyone know what happened to that guy mohammed out of Georgia Tech? Man that guy was sick with the dunks he'd pull in games.
