[Buckskin86]

Mike Conley staying prepared
Ex-Lawrence North star, an NBA rookie, keeps his skills sharp as he awaits his time
By Mike Wells
mike.wells@indystar.com

MEMPHIS -- The only sounds heard inside the empty FedEx Forum was a single basketball bouncing and Memphis Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni's voice giving tips on how to run the pick-and-roll offense Saturday morning.

On the receiving end of Iavaroni's voice was former Lawrence North High School standout Mike Conley.
Conley, who was still on the court nearly 45 minutes after his teammates had departed from their morning shootaround, is getting the majority of his work before, during and after practice because playing time has been sparse for the No. 4 pick in the summer's draft.
"This is where I'm getting all my work in," Conley said. "Of course I would love to be out there, but it's something right now that this team is in a good position. . . . I'm fine with the guys that are playing ahead of me. I'm trying to learn as much as I can while I'm on the bench."
Playing behind veteran Damon Stoudamire and second-year player Kyle Lowry, Conley didn't play in a game when healthy for the first time in his basketball career against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
"It was different," he said.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...TS04/711040428