BIRMINGHAM -- Hall of Fame basketball coach Dr. Jack Ramsay's presence during Grizzlies training camp has meant a couple of things to the players.
They've received valuable tutoring from a legend.
And the Grizzlies realize their coach continues to be coached.
Ramsay, 84, led Lionel Hollins and the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA title. Hollins still considers his first NBA coach a mentor, and has leaned on Ramsay for advice over the past two days.
"He's forgotten more basketball than all of my staff put together," Hollins said. "He knows the ins and outs because he's coached on every level. It always feels good to have people around that know the game and that you respect.
"You need mentors in this world, not just in business. Having a guy who has meant so much to the game of basketball to say I'll come and watch a couple of days of training camp is big.".......
........Newcomer Zach Randolph knew first hand how valuable it would be to have Ramsay around. Ramsay often visited the Trail Blazers during Randolph's stint with the team.
"He's one of the greatest coaches and people to have around this game," Randolph said. "It means a lot that he's here. He's a legend, really. Anybody would love to have Dr. Jack Ramsay sit in on their training camp, and he's here with us."
Ramsay hasn't exactly been furniture around the Grizzlies.
He's instructed Randolph on his jump shot, and advised Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo at different times after practice sessions.
"It seems like everything he says makes sense," Gay said. "I can use every thing he says. He told me today I'm just moving too fast. I feel a lot better after talking to him."
Gay took the words right out of Hollins' mouth.
"He always talks about fundamentals," Hollins said. "He said it again (Saturday). He said all the fundamentals we're doing will pay dividends when we come together and play five-on-five. ... We're always self-evaluating. And he's an independent evaluator on how you're doing and how your team is doing."............................
