Sixers learn from Hubie Brown

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The tutorial that took place at one of the side baskets yesterday at Richard Stockton College drew people like ants to dropped piece of candy.

It wasn't 76ers coach Brett Brown providing the lesson, however, as he was one of the students paying close attention. The man garnering all the attention used people to show different ways to defend the low post, then showed how offensive big men can use an inside or outside pivot to get themselves good shots in the lane.

Hall of Famer Hubie Brown turned 81 last week, but the enthusiasm he exhibited on the court in front of about 25 onlookers at the Sixers' training camp site rivaled that of anyone in the gym. He joyously shared the knowledge that he has picked up during more than 30 years of coaching and a broadcasting career that began in 1987.

"I've been spoiled with a lot of coaches that have been good to me," said Brett Brown, speaking of his father, Bob; his coach at Boston University, Rick Pitino; and former boss in San Antonio, Gregg Popovich. "And I'm in the city of Philadelphia and there's a stable of coaches who you respect very much what they've done and I want to learn from. Coach [Jack] Ramsay would come to our practices last year before he passed away and we used to share conversations. We have coach [Jim] Lynam in our city. We have Hubie Brown around the corner. You have Billy Cunningham nearby. You have a bunch of different assets in the city of Philadelphia and I greatly appreciate being able to listen to them and learn from them.

"[Hubie Brown] made an effort to come down and watch our training and most definitely gave me some great points that I will use in tomorrow's practice. What I get out of it is that it resonates the importance of just how basic things have to be with my team. They are 20 years old. To go slow and teach better and demand more as it relates to basic fundamentals. It's teaching young people how to do things well and to do them slowly, and that it gets done right. There's a fundamental aspect to veteran, older coaches that always, for me, grounds me and reminds me what's most important."

While demonstrating a move, Hubie Brown kept bringing up the name of Jack Sikma, whose NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks spanned 1977-91. Asked if any of his players would know the name of Sikma, Brett Brown paused. "I don't think so. But you know what, I'm going to ask them that tomorrow. I bet Elliot Williams would. He would know Jack Sikma's wife's name. He is a hoop fanatic."

During camp, the team is staying at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, about a 10-minute ride from the practice site. At night, the team meets and takes care of its hydration and food intake, but also listens to guest speakers.

On Wednesday, U.S. Navy SEAL Commander Mark McGinnis spoke with the players and coaches about what it is like to do his job and how it relates to being a good teammate and relying on each other.

It was an eye-opening talk.

"The most we see about the military is in 'Call of Duty,' " Henry Sims said, referring to the popular video game. "He did a great job."

Said Brett Brown: "When you pick things most dear to us, what sword are we prepared to fall on? It's about development and it's about sports science always. Anything that is worth anything is defense. The Navy SEAL friend of ours, friend of the program, friend of mine, it was a great message to all of our guys to tie it all together. Take all the things and apply it to his world, which is just an incredible story. Our guys sat there mesmerized for an hour-and-a-half and could have gone on for much longer. He's a superstar talker and it was just a real pointed conversation as it relates to what our values are with a young Sixers program."

While practice wound down, music started blaring through the gym. Turns out, each player can write down five songs, and those choices will be added to the mix and played at random. Henry Sims said his taste differs from others' and no one would recognize his tunes. Nerlens Noel said many of the players don't have very good taste when it comes to music.

The head coach? He didn't make any selections. "My songs would be Dire Straits and Bruce Springsteen," Brown said. "That would get thrown off the iPad. I should be able to throw in a little 'Rosalita' and 'Thunder Road.' "

Center Jarvis Varnado did not finish practice yesterday because of soreness in his right Achilles' tendon. Also, Jerami Grant suffered cramps at Wednesday's practice that led to an overnight hospital stay during which he received fluids and was kept for observation. He did not practice yesterday. He is expected back on the court tomorrow . . . Team owner Josh Harris is scheduled to talk to the media this afternoon.