By Andrew Talamantes (@DrewTooSavvy):
SJSU’s basketball team will enter this season under the tutelage of head coach Jean Prioleau who seeks to make an immediate impact with his conditioning drills, alongside his new assistant coaching staff.
San Jose State’s Prioleau is looking to adapt to his new role with what little time he has.
Being that he got the job in August, there’s not as much time compared to other coaches that have been working with their teams since April. Despite this, he hopes to get the team in shape in time for their first game.
“I think we’re doing a great job,”Prioleau said. “We’re not going full blast with it, we’re actually letting it build up.
With four less months, Prioleau is confident his team will come together and take on this challenge. He plans to keep his team in shape through game-like drills.
“We’ll do a lot of 5-on-5 to keep our heart rate up” Prioleau said.
Having a young, inexperienced team, a 5-on-5 game like drill could turn out to be one of the most important drills they do.
When it comes to having the correct diet during the off season, Prioleau made sure to make that a priority.
“Drink a lot of water, as well as a lot of carbohydrates” Prioleau said.
Other aspects of the team’s conditioning consists of proper weightlifting. Prioleau wants his players to never overdo it, but rather, lift just the right amount.
“We want to be strong, but we don’t want to be bulky,”Prioleau said. “I don’t want guys walking around stiff, and they can’t play.
Senior guard Jalen James is looking forward to leading his team past the hardships that come with rigorous conditioning.
“Suicides, I think a lot of people struggle with suicides,” James said. “It’s a lot of running.”
With the offseason coming to an end, James has found ways to improve his game over the summer.
“Over the summer I’ve just been working on my jump shot, and a lot of ball handling since I’m a point guard,” James said.
James’ plan is to adapt to everything being thrown at the team this season, including being one of the premier leaders on the team.
“Just being out there playing, leading the other guys, and to make the most of it,” James said.
Another vital piece to SJSU’s team going into the season is 6-foot-8 forward Keith Fisher III, who red-shirted last season.
Fisher has a strong and enthusiastic mindset for his team this year. Which ties in how conditioning can be just as mental as it is physical.
“As a whole we are trying to do something big, and to do something a lot bigger than us,” Fisher said.
Although the Spartans have some adjusting to do, they all are confident in their abilities and know it starts off with their work ethic. Having a team that is able to push each other is imperative to the team’s success and will show dividends during long stretches in games.
“Everyone’s pushing through, were doing very better than expected,” Fisher said.
Thats a good sign, knowing the team is only weeks away from the beginning of the new campaign.
The season is approaching, but it starts with conditioning. The team is confident in Coach Prioleau’s workout and drills and is excited for what the season has to offer with this new look Spartans roster.