Tala Samoa, Samoan News, Florida
Peyton Siva's Game Developing Playing on Magic Blue Squad
By John Denton
July 7, 2015
ORLANDO – Leaving the Orlando Magic practice facility on Sunday about 10 p.m. after a late-night shooting session, forward Aaron Gordon learned all he needed to know about the determination and work ethic of NBA hopeful Peyton Siva.
As a winded Gordon was leaving the Magic’s Amway Center locker room he bumped into Siva, who was at the facility for a 90-minute sweat session of his own. What shocked Gordon even more was the fact that Siva was still willing to put in the extra work despite not even getting into Saturday’s summer league opener.
``Peyton has always been good and I told him earlier that I really appreciated him after the first game when he didn’t even get in a little bit,’’ Gordon said. ``He was clapping and cheering everyone on. He had come back to shoot the next night and I was just finishing up. I told him that I appreciated (his work ethic) and that it would all come around for him and it did.’’
After spending all of last season with the Erie (Pa.) Bayhawks – Orlando’s D-League affiliate – Siva is with the Magic’s Blue squad during the Southwest Airlines Pro Summer League hoping to secure an invite to NBA training camp in late September. The Magic have been high on Siva since his stellar playing career at the University of Louisville because of his basketball smarts, his pass-first mentality and his positive energy around teammates.
Siva backed up that belief with some solid play for most of the Magic’s 73-71 double-overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Siva was extremely effective early in the game, scoring six points, handing out six assists and seeing the Magic go plus-11 on the scoreboard during his time on the floor in the first half. But he slumped through a poor third quarter and had just one point and one assist the rest of the way. To make matters worse, Siva’s summertime workout partner and former Louisville backcourt mate, Russ Smith, was the hero of the game. Smith hit a 3-pointer with 26.4 seconds remaining to tie the game and Smith’s floater minutes into the second OT won the game in sudden-death fashion.
``I never want to see him play well when I’m playing against him, but he did well,’’ the always positive Siva said of his college teammate of three seasons. ``He’s a hard worker and we just left each other in Louisville after working out. To see his growth as a point guard, he’s truly showing everybody that he belongs in the NBA.’’
Orlando’s questions revolve around whether Siva belongs in the NBA as potentially a second or third point guard behind standout Elfrid Payton, who finished fourth in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year voting this past season. In 38 games this past season in the D-League, Siva averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from 3-point range.
Questions abound about his lack of size and jump shot. Siva, 24, is generously listed at 6-foot and 185 pounds – likely stretches in both departments. In the two summer league games that he’s appeared in, Siva has made just four of 13 shots and one of eight 3-point shots. He does have 11 assists, but his nine turnovers – many of them caused when bigger guards get him cornered – are a negative.
Siva is trying to outwork his limitations with his strong work ethic and the high basketball IQ he developed while winning a national championship at Louisville in 2013.
Siva has heard the criticisms of his size for years, and he thrived while in high school and college. However, making it into the NBA and onto basketball’s biggest stage has been a different monster for Siva.
``It’s just about being more aggressive,’’ Siva said. ``Some people my height might say that I have a `little man’ man complex, but I want to be the guy who scraps and isn’t afraid to battle with the bigs and fight for loose balls. Height never really was a challenge for me before, so it’s just about playing my best.’’
Magic assistant coach Mario Ellie, a three-time NBA champion who had to claw his way to the top through the CBA and several stops overseas, admires the determination of Siva. He has become a fan of the point guard’s because of the spirit he has shown in practice and his grit on the court.
``I thought Peyton did a great job (on Tuesday) and we asked a lot of him with Elfrid being out,’’ Ellie said. ``He logged a lot of minutes and Russ Smith is a handful out there. I’m sure those boys had some battles in Louisville. It’s a very physical game in the summer league because the refs don’t call a lot and there’s holding and grabbing. But you have to be mentally tough because training camp will be just as tough. This is getting you prepared, but I thought Peyton was fantastic. You never know what might happen in the fall and maybe he’ll be in camp with us.’’
In a half-dozen practices, Siva has already learned that new Magic coach Scott Skiles – a former point guard himself – likes things done a certain way. Siva is hopeful that with a strong finish in summer league that he can catch Skiles’ eye and earn an invite to training camp with the Magic in late September.
Siva said that while he might have lived a charmed life in college while playing for elite head coach Rick Pitino and winning a national title with the Cards, his journey to the NBA is filled with several more roadblocks. It’s a challenge that Siva said he’s willing to take on with his will-work-for-food mantra and his perpetually positive outlook.
``Coach Scott Skiles is very particular about the things that he wants and he doesn’t need you guessing on the defensive end. I’ve seen Elfrid, Aaron and Devyn (Marble) pick that up. Hopefully I can be a part of that (in training camp with the Magic),’’ Siva said.
``Everybody trying to get to the NBA goes down different paths and through different situations, but this is a tough league to get into and to stick in,’’ Siva continued. ``But it’s a challenge that I welcome. I enjoy fighting every day to try and get in there in the league. But at the end of the day, it’s just basketball and it’s a game that I love to play. Regardless of what happens, I’m just very thankful.’’
Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
July 7, 2015
ORLANDO – Leaving the Orlando Magic practice facility on Sunday about 10 p.m. after a late-night shooting session, forward Aaron Gordon learned all he needed to know about the determination and work ethic of NBA hopeful Peyton Siva.
As a winded Gordon was leaving the Magic’s Amway Center locker room he bumped into Siva, who was at the facility for a 90-minute sweat session of his own. What shocked Gordon even more was the fact that Siva was still willing to put in the extra work despite not even getting into Saturday’s summer league opener.
``Peyton has always been good and I told him earlier that I really appreciated him after the first game when he didn’t even get in a little bit,’’ Gordon said. ``He was clapping and cheering everyone on. He had come back to shoot the next night and I was just finishing up. I told him that I appreciated (his work ethic) and that it would all come around for him and it did.’’
After spending all of last season with the Erie (Pa.) Bayhawks – Orlando’s D-League affiliate – Siva is with the Magic’s Blue squad during the Southwest Airlines Pro Summer League hoping to secure an invite to NBA training camp in late September. The Magic have been high on Siva since his stellar playing career at the University of Louisville because of his basketball smarts, his pass-first mentality and his positive energy around teammates.
Siva backed up that belief with some solid play for most of the Magic’s 73-71 double-overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Siva was extremely effective early in the game, scoring six points, handing out six assists and seeing the Magic go plus-11 on the scoreboard during his time on the floor in the first half. But he slumped through a poor third quarter and had just one point and one assist the rest of the way. To make matters worse, Siva’s summertime workout partner and former Louisville backcourt mate, Russ Smith, was the hero of the game. Smith hit a 3-pointer with 26.4 seconds remaining to tie the game and Smith’s floater minutes into the second OT won the game in sudden-death fashion.
``I never want to see him play well when I’m playing against him, but he did well,’’ the always positive Siva said of his college teammate of three seasons. ``He’s a hard worker and we just left each other in Louisville after working out. To see his growth as a point guard, he’s truly showing everybody that he belongs in the NBA.’’
Orlando’s questions revolve around whether Siva belongs in the NBA as potentially a second or third point guard behind standout Elfrid Payton, who finished fourth in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year voting this past season. In 38 games this past season in the D-League, Siva averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from 3-point range.
Questions abound about his lack of size and jump shot. Siva, 24, is generously listed at 6-foot and 185 pounds – likely stretches in both departments. In the two summer league games that he’s appeared in, Siva has made just four of 13 shots and one of eight 3-point shots. He does have 11 assists, but his nine turnovers – many of them caused when bigger guards get him cornered – are a negative.
Siva is trying to outwork his limitations with his strong work ethic and the high basketball IQ he developed while winning a national championship at Louisville in 2013.
Siva has heard the criticisms of his size for years, and he thrived while in high school and college. However, making it into the NBA and onto basketball’s biggest stage has been a different monster for Siva.
``It’s just about being more aggressive,’’ Siva said. ``Some people my height might say that I have a `little man’ man complex, but I want to be the guy who scraps and isn’t afraid to battle with the bigs and fight for loose balls. Height never really was a challenge for me before, so it’s just about playing my best.’’
Magic assistant coach Mario Ellie, a three-time NBA champion who had to claw his way to the top through the CBA and several stops overseas, admires the determination of Siva. He has become a fan of the point guard’s because of the spirit he has shown in practice and his grit on the court.
``I thought Peyton did a great job (on Tuesday) and we asked a lot of him with Elfrid being out,’’ Ellie said. ``He logged a lot of minutes and Russ Smith is a handful out there. I’m sure those boys had some battles in Louisville. It’s a very physical game in the summer league because the refs don’t call a lot and there’s holding and grabbing. But you have to be mentally tough because training camp will be just as tough. This is getting you prepared, but I thought Peyton was fantastic. You never know what might happen in the fall and maybe he’ll be in camp with us.’’
In a half-dozen practices, Siva has already learned that new Magic coach Scott Skiles – a former point guard himself – likes things done a certain way. Siva is hopeful that with a strong finish in summer league that he can catch Skiles’ eye and earn an invite to training camp with the Magic in late September.
Siva said that while he might have lived a charmed life in college while playing for elite head coach Rick Pitino and winning a national title with the Cards, his journey to the NBA is filled with several more roadblocks. It’s a challenge that Siva said he’s willing to take on with his will-work-for-food mantra and his perpetually positive outlook.
``Coach Scott Skiles is very particular about the things that he wants and he doesn’t need you guessing on the defensive end. I’ve seen Elfrid, Aaron and Devyn (Marble) pick that up. Hopefully I can be a part of that (in training camp with the Magic),’’ Siva said.
``Everybody trying to get to the NBA goes down different paths and through different situations, but this is a tough league to get into and to stick in,’’ Siva continued. ``But it’s a challenge that I welcome. I enjoy fighting every day to try and get in there in the league. But at the end of the day, it’s just basketball and it’s a game that I love to play. Regardless of what happens, I’m just very thankful.’’
Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
Summer League notebook: Peyton Siva's work paying off in Orlando
After playing for the Detroit Pistons in his rookie season, Peyton Siva was relegated to the NBA D-League last season, after being cut by the Orlando Magic during training camp. Siva didn't let that get him down, however, as he continued to put in the work each and every night to ultimate get another shot at making it in the NBA.
The 6-foot guard from Louisville did not play in the first game of the week for the Magic's Blue team, sitting in favor of second-round pick Tyler Harvey. Despite not playing, Siva kept himself thoroughly involved in the game, cheering on his teammates from the bench. Later that night, Siva was back int he gym working, something thatAaron Gordon admired.
Gordon, who was finishing up putting in some extra work of his own, said he told Siva he "admired him" for his work ethic and sticking with it, even when he didn't get on the floor. "He's good, I always thought Peyton was good," Gordon added.
Siva himself talked about how the NBA is a league where hard work is rewarded, and that's an important factor for him when it comes to putting in the extra work.
With no contract for next season yet, Siva said he wants to show the Magic he can "do the little things" while on the floor.
"I haven't been shooting that well from the field, but I think I've done a great job running the offense, playing defense, getting steals and getting everyone involved," he said." That's my job."
"A lot of people look at the box score and look at the points and everything. The coaches tell me to run the team and get the hockey assist. It's about the little things. In this league it's about finding a niche, and that's what I'm trying to do."
The third-year man said he has no plans to play with another team during next weeks Las Vegas Summer League. "Just wait and see what happens after this one," he said. "They're giving me a chance to go out there and show my worth, and besides today's third quarter, I think I've played really well throughout the whole game. We lost by a buzzer beater in sudden death, but other than that I think I've been doing a good job of running the team and showing I belong."
With the reports that the team plans on signing C.J. Watson, Siva would be relegated to a third point guard role, if he did ultimately sign with the Magic.
Siva said he would be comfortable in that third guard role, saying, "Definitely. I feel like I can bring that energy to the team, off the bench, push Elfrid [Payton] every day in practice, or push whoever, and, you know, the coach would know what he's going to get out of me when he puts me in the game. Picking up full court, running the team, finding the open man. Just doing the little things."
While he's struggled some with his shot this week, Siva has still given the Magic some solid minutes on the floor. He's shown a strong ability running the offense, and has continually gotten after it on the defensive end of the floor. Siva may be facing a slightly uphill battle to make the roster, but if he continues playing like he is, it could make it hard for the Magic to pass on him,
Gordon garners coaches' praiseOpening the game up 3-for-3 from the field, it appeared as though Aaron Gordon was going to have yet another dominating Summer League performance. However, Gordon struggled after the hot start, making just one of his next 10 attempts from the field. Despite the struggles, the second-year man stuck with it, knocking down big shots late for the Magic as they forced the game into overtime.
Assistant Mario Ellie, playing the role of head coach for the day, praised Gordon and how he played without "the Magic's top two guys" in Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja. "This kid is only 19, [and] his roof is so high," said Ellie. "His competitive spirit, his work ethic, his energy in the huddle in fantastic, the leadership he shows for a 19-year-old kid.
"People in this league better watch out. He's a phenomenal talent, and he just did a great job today competing, playing the three and the four. We asked a lot of Aaron, and Aaron came up to me after the game and said 'coach, I've got to have that rebound'. When a young player comes up to you and says that, you've very encouraged. I was very excited to see that."
While Gordon may not have had his best game from the field, he gave the Magic a lot of good minutes throughout the contest. He finished with a game high 22 points, adding seven more rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocked shots, and hit key shots late that gave the Magic a chance to steal a victory.
Gordon has shown he's more comfortable on the floor, and his play should be a welcoming sign for everyone involved in the Magic's organization. He's going to continue to put the work in on both ends of the floor, and, as Ellie pointed out, his "roof" is very, very high moving forward.
The 6-foot guard from Louisville did not play in the first game of the week for the Magic's Blue team, sitting in favor of second-round pick Tyler Harvey. Despite not playing, Siva kept himself thoroughly involved in the game, cheering on his teammates from the bench. Later that night, Siva was back int he gym working, something thatAaron Gordon admired.
Gordon, who was finishing up putting in some extra work of his own, said he told Siva he "admired him" for his work ethic and sticking with it, even when he didn't get on the floor. "He's good, I always thought Peyton was good," Gordon added.
Siva himself talked about how the NBA is a league where hard work is rewarded, and that's an important factor for him when it comes to putting in the extra work.
With no contract for next season yet, Siva said he wants to show the Magic he can "do the little things" while on the floor.
"I haven't been shooting that well from the field, but I think I've done a great job running the offense, playing defense, getting steals and getting everyone involved," he said." That's my job."
"A lot of people look at the box score and look at the points and everything. The coaches tell me to run the team and get the hockey assist. It's about the little things. In this league it's about finding a niche, and that's what I'm trying to do."
The third-year man said he has no plans to play with another team during next weeks Las Vegas Summer League. "Just wait and see what happens after this one," he said. "They're giving me a chance to go out there and show my worth, and besides today's third quarter, I think I've played really well throughout the whole game. We lost by a buzzer beater in sudden death, but other than that I think I've been doing a good job of running the team and showing I belong."
With the reports that the team plans on signing C.J. Watson, Siva would be relegated to a third point guard role, if he did ultimately sign with the Magic.
Siva said he would be comfortable in that third guard role, saying, "Definitely. I feel like I can bring that energy to the team, off the bench, push Elfrid [Payton] every day in practice, or push whoever, and, you know, the coach would know what he's going to get out of me when he puts me in the game. Picking up full court, running the team, finding the open man. Just doing the little things."
While he's struggled some with his shot this week, Siva has still given the Magic some solid minutes on the floor. He's shown a strong ability running the offense, and has continually gotten after it on the defensive end of the floor. Siva may be facing a slightly uphill battle to make the roster, but if he continues playing like he is, it could make it hard for the Magic to pass on him,
Gordon garners coaches' praiseOpening the game up 3-for-3 from the field, it appeared as though Aaron Gordon was going to have yet another dominating Summer League performance. However, Gordon struggled after the hot start, making just one of his next 10 attempts from the field. Despite the struggles, the second-year man stuck with it, knocking down big shots late for the Magic as they forced the game into overtime.
Assistant Mario Ellie, playing the role of head coach for the day, praised Gordon and how he played without "the Magic's top two guys" in Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja. "This kid is only 19, [and] his roof is so high," said Ellie. "His competitive spirit, his work ethic, his energy in the huddle in fantastic, the leadership he shows for a 19-year-old kid.
"People in this league better watch out. He's a phenomenal talent, and he just did a great job today competing, playing the three and the four. We asked a lot of Aaron, and Aaron came up to me after the game and said 'coach, I've got to have that rebound'. When a young player comes up to you and says that, you've very encouraged. I was very excited to see that."
While Gordon may not have had his best game from the field, he gave the Magic a lot of good minutes throughout the contest. He finished with a game high 22 points, adding seven more rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocked shots, and hit key shots late that gave the Magic a chance to steal a victory.
Gordon has shown he's more comfortable on the floor, and his play should be a welcoming sign for everyone involved in the Magic's organization. He's going to continue to put the work in on both ends of the floor, and, as Ellie pointed out, his "roof" is very, very high moving forward.
Samoan youths can go to Camp Kennedy Center for summer 2015. register nowLe Malae and this affiliate Samoans in Florida's Editors Lusa and Isa Naea are putting together a program for Samoan children who are interested in Aero-Space, Flight Technology and Science to attend the annual Summer NASA Camp Kennedy Center in Orlando, Florida. This is a unique opportunity for Samoans who have children who are considering or are interested in this kind of experience.
To be allowed to participate in this program there are a number of prerequisites. The Camp Kennedy Center makes the following details available:
The Camp lasts 5 days which is offered in weekly events from June 9 - August 4, 2014. Camp Dates: Summer June 9 – 13 June 16 – 20 June 23 – 27 June 30 – July 4 July 7 – 11 July 14 – 18 July 21 – 25 July 28 – August 1 August 4 – 8 During the 5 days at Camp the children will have the best time experiencing a number of opportunities to be in Space Shuttles and other locations and activities: Campers actively:
This year Camp KSC will launch kids into a galaxy of fun! The Campers will be encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through exciting educational activities. This year the campers will celebrate Space Shuttle Atlantis℠, as the camp theme. The campers will be able to focus on Atlantis and the historical impact of its 33 missions. Its a once in a life time opportunity for Samoan children who are entering the 2nd to 9th grades in the Fall of 2014. Le Malae and Samoans in Florida will provide the housing and transportation for Samoan children who register and pay for their own Space camp fees and air fare to and from Orlando, Florida. Our team reside in Florida and are available to accommodate the Campers while they are at the Camps. To register for Camp KSC, please call 877.436.9620. You will book which ever week suits you and your child's schedule. If the child is coming by themselves Le Malae and Samoans in Florida will pick them up from the Airport and take them to the airport when they return, as well as provide housing for them during the camp and transportation to and from the Camp each day. After registering the child please contact us by emailing us at [email protected] with contact information and we will contact you. We hope that our Samoan community will take advantage of this amazing opportunity and enrich our children's lives with this Camp Kennedy Center and encourage hopefully the promotion of Samoan astronauts in the future. We acknowledge the contribution of Lusa ad Isa Naea who have been involved in the Space program and as the first Samoans to be a part of the Space program. Hopefully we can encourage more Samoans to follow their footsteps with this Space Camp. |
Calendar of eventsGeneral information about FloridaGENERAL INFO ABOUT FLORIDA:
(1) Florida is known as The Sunshine State. Population is 19.5 million people (2) Became the 27th State of the United States on March 03, 1845. (3) Florida has mango plantations, coconut trees, esi and tropical fruits similar to Samoa (4) Capital is Tallahassee located at the northern part of the state. (5) Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time. (6) Weather: Humid but not as hot as Samoa. Best winter weather in the United States. (7) Major cities are Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. (8) St. Augustine located just south of Jacksonville is the oldest inhabited city in the United States. FLORIDA ECONOMY: (1) Economy is based on cattle, citrus, agriculture, tourism and aerospace industry. (2) Space Capital of the United State where all manned flight programs such as Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and International Space Station launched from. (4) Military, commercial, communication and science satellites all launch from Florida. VACATION AND TOURISM: (1) Amusement Parks: DisneyWorld, Epcot Center, SeaWorld, Universal Studio, Wet & Wild, Bush Gardens, (2) Kennedy Space Center Tours (3) Cruises from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral |