Post by C.C. on Sept 11, 2005 18:27:00 GMT -5
Emeka Okafor to improve inside game
Selected by the Golden State Warriors as their #1 overall pick in 2004, then later being shipped to the Chicago Bulls, Emeka Okafor was known to being a defensive force ever since his days in U Conn. For five years in the league, Emeka Okafor has put up good numbers in his career. But those numbers usually came from his defense and rebounding ability, as he averaged around 3 BPG and 11 RPG in the last 3-4 years in the league. His offensive game has been decent as well, as he averaged around 11 PPG per night. Averaging a double double each game is not bad for a player who is really known for his defense. But despite playing great defense, grabbing rebounds, and putting up 11 per night, Emeka Okafor wants to take his offensive game to another level.
At the end of last season, Emeka Okafor was awarded the Defensive Player Of The Year Award. But during his time in the Off-Season, Emeka has been working with his trainer to develop a better low post game. As the coaching staff and players watched Emeka practice on the floor, they noticed that Emeka really worked hard to improve his post up game, as he shown that he had developed better inside moves. The next day, they watched Emeka play in a 5 on 5 game, as Emeka demanded the ball inside to score on his opponent. Eddie Griffin guarded Emeka, as he was known for being a good defensive player on the team. As Griffin continuously guarded Emeka, he was surprised to see that Emeka had developed a better low post game. After the game, we got a chance to talk with Griffin about the improvement in his team’s starting power forward.
“Meka did great today in practice. I have noticed that he had demanded the ball inside more, not like last year. Everyone else noticed that too. When Meka kept going inside on me that told me that he has been working on his inside game, which is a positive thing because our team can definitely use his insurance, along with his great defense. (laughs)”
After the game, we had the chance to sit and talk with Emeka in the locker room. We asked him about how his offensive game is improving.
“My offensive game is going really well this off-season. Everyday in practice, I give all the credit to my trainer because he has been helping me develop a better low post game. I know I am more of a defensive player, but I want to take my offensive game to another level to where I can add 3-4 more points to my average. This is what I want to do for myself, for the team, and for the fans out there. I want everybody to be proud of me because I want to keep improving for this team. When I am out there each night, not only I want everybody to notice how hard I play defense on the floor, but also score inside more.”
Before last season, Emeka was given a contract extension with the Bulls, as he was given the max to stay with his team for the next 6 years. Averaging a double double and putting up 11 points per night is satisfying, but now we will see how Emeka can improve his offensive game in the next couple of years. Adding a better offensive game to his repertoire will really help this team. Lets hope Emeka accomplishes his goal, as well as possibly another Defensive Player Of The Year Award.
