This spring and summer, former Nicholls State University basketball standout Anatoly Bose turns his attention to preparing for the 2011 NBA Draft.  The eighth ranked scorer in the nation last season, Bose will be checking in periodically to update Colonel fans on what he is doing to improve his chances at earning a career in professional basketball.  In his first edition, Bose tells Nicholls fans what a typical day of training is like for a NBA Draft hopeful.

Hey Nicholls!

I hope everyone is having a fun and, most importantly, safe spring break. This summer I will be preparing for the NBA draft, and if everything works out I will achieve my long term goal to play basketball professionally.

So instead of going to Pensacola, Panama City Beach, or Las Vegas for spring break, I have decided to hit up Chicago to get some elite training from some of the top level trainers in the country.

I flew into Chicago last Friday afternoon. The weather has been nothing like in Louisiana. Its pretty amazing how a two-hour flight can change the weather from the 90's to the 50's and 60's. Nevertheless, Chicago is a wonderful city with tons to do, it actually reminds me a lot of Sydney. It is very clean and, much like in Louisiana, the people are extremely friendly.

My first workout began on Saturday, and let me tell you it was intense. Joining me in the workouts was Florida's Chandler Parsons and Illinois' Demetri Mccamey. Workouts consist of 30 minutes of warm-ups, agility work, and plyometrics, followed by about 2 hours of on-court basketball skill work. After workouts we eat a quick healthy meal that contains a lot of protein and return for an afternoon session which involves more agility work and weight lifting.

I felt somewhat prepared coming into these workouts due to all the work I have been putting in since the season finished. I have been training every single day with assistant coach Czepil. Most days I lift weights in the morning, work my conditioning and skill in the afternoon, and do a bit of light shooting in the evening. Coach Czepil has been pushing me hard, trying to get my body to a great level physically, and sharpening my on-court skills.

Since coming to Chicago, I have been working out every day with different types of guys like Purdue's Etwaun Moore and Wisconsin's Jon Leuer. Although the workouts have been tough and have staunched me a little, I have already noticed a huge change in my skill, agility, and core strength.

I fly back to Louisiana this Saturday to finish off school and graduate. I will keep you guys posted on all my workouts, and all the little things I do this summer.

Till next time...