Steve Aschburner reports that Loren Woods, a second year player for the Wolves seems to have finally settled down and is ready to become a major factor this season.

Last season Woods, tightly wound player, would explode in practices, with his behaviour as startling as it was embarrassing.

A scrimmage or a drill would end and -- wham! -- the basketball would go hurtling against a wall. Or it would get slammed hard on the floor, with teammates' and coaches' eyes rolling in trajectory with the poor ball's flight. Or Woods might curse, loudly, or stroll away from a huddle in frustration at messing up or forgetting something or failing to do one little thing at precisely the right time.

Then, a minute or a day or a week later, he might make the exact same mistake. Uh oh, better duck. . .

Fast-forward one year: Not only has the 7-1 center been one of the Wolves' most improved players in the preseason, Woods has been downright calm. Oh, there was the ball he fired into the bleachers at St. John's University during two-a-days. But mostly, Woods has kept his composure and concentration.  Hopefully his new found composure is something he will bring to the court this season.