Douglas Waiting His Turn
New York Knicks guard Toney Douglas isn't accustomed to losing. For that matter, he isn't used to sitting on the bench. Not long ago he was leading Florida State, the team he chose because he could play point guard, to their first NCAA Tournament in 11 years. Now he's playing spot minutes for a Knicks team that loses most nights, but that hasn't curbed his enthusiasm for being a part of one of the most storied NBA teams.
"It's been a great experience from day one," Douglas tells HOOPSWORLD. "From the first day of camp to the first preseason game to the first regular season game . . .I was a little nervous at first, putting on the Knicks jersey and playing in Madison Square Garden, but Coach D'Antoni has helped me to feel comfortable out there on the court and now it's just like I'm at Florida State, like I was playing back in college."
Except for the losing, of course. But sometimes losing can be more didactic than winning. At the very least, Douglas and his teammates are getting plenty of practice in what has to be done to make adjustments after a loss.
"We just have to take pride in winning," explains Douglas, the 29th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. "Not that we don't have pride, but we need to take pride by seeing how we lose and making changes. Coach doesn't mind if we lose if we go all out, play hard and show toughness. He gets upset when we lose because we didn't do those things. At the end of the day, you look at film and see why we lost, things you could have done better that hurt us."
Douglas began his college career at Auburn, where he was asked to play the shooting guard position. At heart, however, he was driven to be a leader, to have the ball in his hands and make decisions in crunch time. It was this drive that sent him to Florida State to pursue his career as a point guard, and now he's waiting for his chance to do the same for the Knicks.
"I think I'll be ready to lead when Coach really gives me the opportunity. When I go into the game I feel I can be productive on both ends of the floor, and if I get the opportunity to lead now, or if that comes later, I'll be ready whenever that time comes. ... I definitely keep everything in perspective. I know I have to stay positive this year, wait my turn, and no matter what I'm always going to be ready. I go into practice and I work hard, first one in the gym, last one out, and I know my hard work's going to pay off. Next year, we'll see what happens. I won't be a rookie any more."
For now, Douglas is content to wait his turn. Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson may not be leading the Knicks to the win column, but they have been around the NBA and are spending a great deal of time tutoring their new protégé in the ways of the professional world. Douglas is a willing pupil, eager to learn and eager to lead. There aren't many positives in the world of Knicks basketball right now, but the heart and determination of Toney Douglas is certainly one.
