The Tribune

DETROIT Pistons star Andre Drummond is hoping virtual reality can help him with his free throws this NBA season.

The centre has been using technology in an effort to improve his performance at the line.

Drummond has made a disappointing 38 per cent of his free throws in his career, and it’s an issue that’s sometimes caused coach Stan Van Gundy to take him out late in games.

“Andre’s been very open to trying to find everything possible to help him improve at the free throw line, and he has wanted to do that,” Van Gundy said.

“He’s been willing to do as much as he possibly can.”

That includes turning to virtual reality, which Drummond said allows him to visualise himself making free throw after free throw.

“They recorded me shooting a ton of free throws, and obviously recorded the makes, and watching over and over again and just training my brain,” he said.

The exercise underscores the degree to which the Pistons feel Drummond’s struggles are mental and not physical.

He did not say how much he has improved during the off season and indicated he doesn’t have a specific idea of a percentage he should shoot this season.