An inside look at the Wolves’ training camp

Aaron Young
Staff Writer

The Minnesota Timberwolves spent its first two days of training camp here in Mankato at the Bresnan Arena Tuesday and Wednesday. This was the eighth time the Timberwolves have come to Mankato, with their last visit being in 2014.

Journalists from around the region were present at the practice and photographers were courtside taking pictures of the players as they did their drills.

Multiple people were gathered around head coach Ryan Saunders, who was the first of many to be interviewed. Jake Layman, Josh Okogie and 2019 first round pick for the Timberwolves, Jarrett Culver, were interviewed as well.

In the beginning, the players shot around for about 10 minutes. Gorgui Dieng was courtside practicing his mid-range and 3-point shots. Jake Layman and Andrew Wiggins were practicing their 3-point shots as well.

Towards the middle, the Wolves got into more specific drills including rebounding, defensive strategies and offensive fundamentals. Saunders was on the sideline scouting his team and taking mental notes for the meeting, which followed soon after.

All players huddled up for a scouting session towards the backend of the court. Saunders discussed what he saw from the team and improvements that can be made in the future. David Vanterpool and Pablo Prigioni went to the TV and glossed over defensive strategies and concepts. After about 10 minutes, the team came together and did a chant before dispersing from the huddle.

Each of the players lined up at the far side of the court to do stretches, before another freestyle shootaround occurred. By then, all the reporters had finished their homework for the day and were watching from afar in the stands. At the end, the team went through the line and gave each other high fives to conclude the practice.

Majority owner of the Wolves, Glen Taylor, was present as well, watching his team prepare for the upcoming season.

This season will be a challenge for the Wolves, as they’re in a stacked Western Conference. The team will be taking it one step at a time though, getting into the right mindset before the season begins Oct. 22. Their first game will be an away game against Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.

Header photo by Mansoor Ahmad | MSU Reporter.