Knicks stress defense, teamwork at West Point camp

The rookie head coach of the New York Knicks got down to business last Tuesday morning as the team head on to their first practice.  It was a 2 1/2-hour workout that was heavy on defense and teamwork, which were both missing far too often during last seasons play.

Fisher and Phil Jackson chose West Point was the perfect place to work on.

According to Fisher "To be a coach with the New York Knicks, starting practice first day here at West Point, where service to others and commitment to others and putting the team first is who these guys are, those are things that we want to be."

The Knicks didn't have a strong team last year. They were headed by coach Mike Woodson in which most players complained of his defense scheme. On the other hand, Fisher has a clear vision of his defensive plan and more.

According to All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony "His message was clear: We walked in this door together, we're going to win together, we're going to lose together, but we're going to have each other's backs through thick and thin. That's what we've got to have."

Fisher ended his playing career last season but has a mentor in Phil Jackson.

Fisher said "For a young coach like myself who obviously completely admires everything that he ever was able to accomplish, fortunate enough to play for him, there's definitely some pressure to try to do things in a way that are consistent with success. 'But other than that, it's the best, I think, to also be a young coach and also have arguably the greatest ever to do it right there monitoring, observing, but carefully and respectfully offering any suggestions or advice along the way."

Melo is in with the NY Knicks because he wants to be part of the history to fix the team. He said "We know the history that's up here. We know why they wanted us to come up here and have training camp. From a psychological standpoint, from a mental standpoint, just to get you locked in, just to get you focused. I think that's what these next four or five days are going to be up here at West Point"