The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Miami Heat completed their 2016 training camp Friday and from the newcomers, to veteran players to the front office – each walked away with a positive impression of the Bahamas.

The Bahamas hosted the Heat in their training camp at the Atlantis Grand Ballroom for the second time.

Following a festive Bahamian welcome on Monday, the rebuilding Miami Heat went to work almost immediately in what head coach Erik Spoelstra called a “business trip.”

“It’s a great environment to come here to work here in the Bahamas. We really felt secluded,” he said.

“And being here, away from everything, away from all the storylines and everything I think has been good for all of us, just to concentrate on getting better, getting this group connected.”

The Heat introduced 10 new members to its 20-man roster, thrusting several young players into the spotlight and leadership roles.

One of those new leaders is 24-year-old combo guard Tyler Johnson who signed a 4-year $50 million dollar in the offseason.

He discussed his role as a new leader and the benefits to training camp in the Bahamas.

“I was starting to get there [as a leader] last year and getting reps at both positions. Now that my shoulders healthy I’m back to basketball without thinking about my injury I feel like all the good habits I built up last year are starting to come back,” Johnson said, “What this trip did was bring the team together. It’s not like we can just go our separate ways after practice is done. We’re sharing all of our meals together, spending times together and I think whenever we can do that it’s always good.”

Second year guard Briante Weber made his second trip to the Bahamas after he previously played in the Battle 4 Atlantis as a member of the VCU Rams.

“This time is definitely a lot different. This is important for us as a team, especially new faces, you know this team has a different look so I feel like us having chemistry is almost just as important as the way we interact on the court,” he said, “This was actually my second time here at the Atlantis and in the Bahamas in general. My first time I was in college at VCU at the Battle 4 Atlantis It’s different when you’re a little older, you have a little more freedom, it makes it a different experience but I enjoy and appreciate it every time. The Atlantis is great, the people are great and I would love to come back.”

This year’s camp was the second time the organisation hosted training camp in the Bahamas after the 2013 event when they were led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

On Thursday, the Heat’s camp was highlighted by a community outreach effort through a one day clinic hosted by Heat icon Alonzo Mourning

The event was hosted in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and basketball players from various schools throughout New Providence and the Family Islands participated in the event to learn from Mourning and various members of the Heat’s coaching staff.

Mourning, the seven time NBA All-Star and two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, discussed his path toward NBA stardom. His message included a focus on education, dedication to their chosen craft – whether sports or in the classroom, proper nutrition and discipline in all aspects of life.

The Heat opens their preseason schedule, Tuesday October 4 against the Washington Wizards at 7pm.