David Thorpe (basketball)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| David Thorpe | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sport | Basketball |
| Career highlights | |
David Thorpe is the Executive Director of the Pro Training Center at The Basketball Academy[1], a subdivision of IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida. The PTC offers NBA draft preparation, as well as general training for veterans and college players. The PTC focuses on skill overload training; teaching their clients new skills, then helping them make the transition from executing the new skills in drills to successful performances in games. There is also a strong effort made to improve a player's mental approach to the game, developing his confidence and working at balancing his career within his life. Strength and nutrition are also focal points of the training processes, with special attention to helping players "lean out" while improving agility and jumping in game conditions. A typical day at the PTC @ IMG Academies includes two on-court workouts, two strength and agility sessions, one session focusing on media relations, leadership tools, or mental conditioning, and video tape breakdown as appropriate.[2]
In Spring 2007, Thorpe moved his PTC under the umbrella of IMG Academies in Bradenton, FL. [3]
Thorpe works with players from the NBA, the European pro leagues, and other rising stars from around the globe. He consults with NBA and college coaches, executives, and scouts.
Graduates of the program include Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat), Kevin Martin (Sacramento Kings), Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls), Ben Gordon (Chicago Bulls), Tyrus Thomas (Chicago Bulls), Orien Greene (Indiana Pacers), Alexander Johnson (Memphis Grizzlies), Loren Woods (Toronto Raptors), and Josh Powell (Indiana Pacers).
Thorpe, a graduate of the University of Florida, is also a regular contributor for Scouts, Inc., a part of the ESPN.com network, as an NBA Analyst. [4] His weekly column includes observations of that year's rookie class and a Rookie Ranking.
