Boone expecting more from himself this season

[Petey]

As he enters his third season, Boone is still a work in progress, like the rest of his team. But there is a difference in his game and in his demeanor this year, and it comes down to playing with an assertiveness that he didn't always show in his first two seasons.



"That's one of the things that's been a downfall for me -- for pretty much five or six years now: my confidence level," he said, essentially repeating what his college coach, Jim Calhoun, had observed when Boone was drafted out of UConn in 2006. "I need to realize that I can be a very successful player in this league, and it's going to take the right mind-set that I can do it. It kind of started last year. I'm still working my way up, but stuff is getting better."



A year ago, the Nets had six big men vying for two positions, with Boone -- the second youngest in the group -- being the least likely contender for a starting job. By December, he had established himself as the most consistent and productive big on the roster. He even started 53 games.
This season, there are six big men vying for two positions again, with Boone -- at 23, the second-most experienced big, next to Stromile Swift -- practically an afterthought.

http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/10/new_jersey_nets_boone_expectin.html

I've read a lot of opinions on how we all want this guy to start, or this guy, but seldom have seen Boone.

Kind of hard to root against him, hope he keeps his focus. Don't know how shipping out Marcus will do for him.

-Petey

 

[zєяσ]

Just to add....

At 23, Boone Becomes Veteran Big
October 1, 2008, 9:50 pm

Not a lot written this preseason about Josh Boone. At 23, he may not possess the pizzaz or potential of his younger rivals in the frontcourt, three 20-year-olds and a 22-year-old. But Boone started 53 games last year and racked up more double doubles than anyone in his draft class not named Aldridge. He says competition is fierce but swears he’s confident he can hang on to his starting job…and thrive.
Boone's Confidence Bolstered - Ben Couch - New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets' Boone expecting more from himself this season - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
Boone Stakes His Claim - Fred Kerber - New York Post
Nets' Josh Boone giving self a healthy chance at starting job - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News

Source: netsdaily.com