NBA.com - Since July, Jay Williams has been working out every day at the Nets practice facility. His routine includes a mixture of martial arts training and running exercises to improve his speed and movement in the morning. The afternoon is spent with Head Coach Lawrence Frank and his coaching staff on shooting and basketball drills.
?He has an unbelievable drive, determination and will to succeed,? Coach Frank said about Williams. ?Guys like that you want to see succeed because they deserve it. Physically and mentally, he can still play in the NBA.?
Bill Cartwright, Williams? former head coach in Chicago and current Nets assistant coach, has seen major improvements in his game since his rookie season.
?We had him when he first came out of college and he was still learning the subtleties of changing speeds and playing against bigger and faster guys,? Cartwright said. ?Where he has really improved is his shooting. His shooting is much better, his decision-making is better. He is a smarter player now.?
When training camp opens for the Nets on October 3rd, Williams is expected to be one of handful of non-roster invitees. With New Jersey already having 15 players under contract ? the maximum number allowed by the NBA ? Williams faces an uphill battle.
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