Amazing Andrew: DeClercq picks it up

[Vinny Natale <vnatale@map.com>]

Amazing Andrew: DeClercq picks it up 
by Steve Bulpett 
Friday, February 26, 1999 
Earlier this season, an NBA coach was talking about the Celtics when a 
quizzical look appeared on his face. 
``And what the hell is up with Andrew DeClercq?'' he said. ``That is not the 
same beast we saw last year. I don't know what he did in the offseason, but 
whatever it was, it worked. I mean, he was just a beast last year. Now he 
plays.'' 
Awkward compliments are about what DeClercq, who readily admits to a 
less-than-artistic repertoire, can expect - especially when the comments speak 
to an appreciation of his improvement. Besides, his numbers are looking 
museum-quality even if the movements that begat them are not. 
After missing the first two games of the season with back spasms, the
6-foot-10 
DeClercq averages 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in just 19.3 minutes a game.
More 
important, he's gone from .497 field goal shooting and a .601 free throw 
percentage last year to .545 and .769, respectively, this season. 
Against Orlando Wednesday, he had 14 points (7-of-9 shooting) and six
boards in 
19 minutes. He also has the respect of his teammates. 
``Drew's worked very hard and the coaches have worked very hard with him on
his 
moves,'' said Antoine Walker. ``The other team has to respect him with the
ball 
now. 
``The thing is, I think Drew has never considered himself an offensive threat. 
That's why his moves were never really there for him. Now he considers himself 
an offensive threat, and that's the way you have to think. It's the same thing 
for Eric Riley. He has to think of scoring, because those guys are not 
commanding the double-teams and the attention that myself and Paul are 
commanding. That's an opportunity for them to score, because they're probably 
not considered scorers in the other team's scouting report. 
``You know, everybody's got to figure out their role and figure out what they 
can do, because we're going to need everybody. With this shortened season, 
we're going to need everybody pitching in in every game.'' 
DeClercq began pitching in during the offseason, working on what he already
had 
and adding a nice little up and under move that can be difficult to defend 
because of his strength. 
``Before the lockout started, coach (Rick Pitino) had me come up (to Boston) 
for a couple of individual workouts, and we worked on the same moves we'd been 
working on all year,'' DeClercq said. ``And I've worked with (new Celtic
coach) 
Andy Enfield a lot on my shooting technique. Then once the lockout started I 
went back to Florida and worked out with my old high school coach a lot. We 
tried to simulate the things I was doing with the coaches in Boston and he 
would watch certain techniques that Andy had pointed out. He helped me a lot 
with my off hand and my follow-through.'' 
The rest is a matter of familiarity breeding comfort. 
``I think it's just being comfortable with the system and understanding
what it 
is coach is looking for and understanding where my shots are going to come in 
the offense,'' DeClercq said. 
``Last year it seemed like there were a lot of times when I got the ball and I 
wouldn't be ready to make my offensive move, so I think this is more a matter 
of just being comfortable.