Earl K. Sneed -Mavs.com-
Shan Foster feels like he's been at this point of his basketball career
before.
That's because he was here just a year ago.
After being taking by the Dallas Mavericks with the 51st overall pick in last
year's draft, Foster suited up for the Mavs' Summer League team in search of
a roster spot. Impressed by Foster's shooting ability, Mavs president of
basketball operations Donnie Nelson told Foster to work on his defense and
all-around offensive game.
A year later, Foster has returned to Dallas this week for the team's two-day,
free agent mini-camp with professional basketball experience under his belt
after spending a season in Europe playing for Eldo Caserta of Italy. While in
Europe, he took Nelson's advice.
"We asked him to not just get some more experience but also develop some
ball-handling. You can see some of that" Nelson said after watching Foster at
Day One of the mini-camp. "We know he can shoot it. It's the other things.
It's the defensive side of the ball. It's putting the ball on the ground, and
I'd say the first day he's shown real well."
Foster averaged 10.4 points per game in 30 games for Eldo Caserta, playing
just under 30 minutes an outing.
Now the former Vanderbilt University standout is hoping his improvements
impress Nelson and Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. While with the Commodores,
Foster became the school's leading scorer and leader in three-point field
goals, garnishing Second-Team All-American honors and the 2008 Southeastern
Conference Player of the Year award.
It's that offensive assassin that the Mavs see when members of the front
office look at Foster.
"He opted to go to Europe during the summer (last year), so we never got to
have him in veteran's camp," Carlisle said. "He's a good player. He's a
scorer. He's improved his game overseas. He can see that he's refined it.
He's shooting the ball better."
"Coach challenged me to work on my all-around game, and I think I did that,"
Foster said. "I think I worked extremely hard, while I was there (Europe) and
after the season a little bit. It was a good experience over there. I think
it made me stronger and tougher, and I look forward to a great opportunity
here with the Mavs."
Now, Dallas is looking for improved play from the Mississippi native on the
defensive end.
"You get a year of professional experience under your belt and it's only
going to help you. This is another opportunity for him to get out here and
show what he can do and hopefully go to the Summer League and continue with
it," Carlisle said.
Foster knows that if he is to make the Mavs squad this time around it will
because he outworked everyone else on the court, but he's not shying away
from putting in the work.
"I've always been a hard worker. So, whatever it is that needs to be done,
I'll be the one to do it," Foster said.
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