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Washington Wizards: Training Camp Returning to VCU

By Kyle Andrews

Apr 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) looks up at the scoreboard against the Brooklyn Nets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) looks up at the scoreboard against the Brooklyn Nets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Wizards will return to VCU for training camp for the first time since the start of the 2009 NBA season.

Sometimes, it is good to renew old habits.

The Washington Wizards will hold their training camp at VCU’s Siegel Center from September 27th to October 1st. Their night session on Friday, September 30th is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. and will be open to the public. The other practices are closed to the public.

Washington previously held their training camp in the Siegel Center from 2003-2009. In recent years however, the Wizards have had their training camp at George Mason, the Verizon Center and Towson.

The Wizards signed a one-year deal with VCU to bring back their training camp to Richmond. VCU’s deputy director of athletics Jon Palumbo said that the school will “certainly be open to discussions about future years if they’re interested.”

“For us to have a chance to work with a major professional franchise and establish a relationship is a good thing for VCU,” Palumbo said. “The biggest thing for us is if we can give our fans and the folks in Richmond access to something that otherwise they don’t have by bringing an NBA team in, even if it is just (open) for that one night, it’s worthwhile for us.

“Going back to when they had it at the Siegel Center from 2003-09, it was a good relationship. To start that back up, even if it is for one year, is a good thing.”

Wizards have brought in Scott Brooks as their new head coach. He previously was the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wizards fired Randy Wittman after he went 41-41 and missed the playoffs. The Wizards hope to have a better season under Brooks, who has had past success in OKC, despite getting fired in 2015.

Washington have John Wall (19.9 PPG) and Bradley Beal (17.4 PPG) in the backcourt as their starters. They’ve had some issues during the season, so it remains to be seen how Brooks can return the Wizards to the playoffs. Small forward Otto Porter (11.6 PPG), power forward Markieff Morris (12.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG)  and center Marcin Gortat (13.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG) return to man the front court.

Apr 1, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks over to the bench in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Washington Wizards won 106- 99. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks over to the bench in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Washington Wizards won 106- 99. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarell Eddie (2.4 PPG) and Kelly Oubre (3.7 PPG) also return for the Wizards.

The Wizards signed center Ian Mahinmi (9.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG), power forward Andrew Nicholson (6.9 PPG), center Jason Smith (7.2 PPG) and combo-guard Tomas Satoransky (Spain). They also traded for point guard, Trey Burke (10.6 PPG) during the offseason as well.

Wizards’ camp at VCU will run at these times:

Sept. 27: 10 a.m.-noon and 5-6 p.m.

Sept. 28: 10 a.m.-noon and 5-6 p.m.

Sept. 29: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sept. 30: 10 a.m.-noon and 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Next: Scott Brooks Not Worried About Backcourt Issues

Washington begins their preseason play on October 4th against the Miami Heat at the Verizon Center in DC. The Wizards will begin the regular season on October 27th against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. Washington’s home opener is on November 2nd against the Toronto Raptors.

Will the Washington Wizards return to the playoffs? Maybe they will, but their journey begins on September 27th in Richmond.

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