News of the day: Training camp ‘grueling’

Stampede players practiced just once Thursday before attending a function for season ticket holders. Other than Thursday night, the team has been on the floor a lot since camp opened Tuesday. “It’s a grueling schedule during training camp, but they’ve kept a good attitude and it’s made my job as assistant coach that much easier,’’ said new assistant coach Scott Williams, an NBA veteran and three-time champion with the Chicago Bulls. After his playing days, Williams did TV work with the Cavaliers and Suns before stepping in as an assistant with Idaho. “I'm excited and really enjoy our staff. Their knowledge of this level of competition is fantastic,’’ Williams said.

• The Stampede waived Malik Alvin (6-0, Shaw University in North Carolina), leaving the roster with 16 players. It must be trimmed to 10 by Wednesday.

Player of the day: Durrell Summers

The former Michigan State standout must have been high on the Stampede’s radar. Selected 61st overall in the 2012 D-League draft by the Santa Cruz Warriors, Idaho completed a trade to secure the 6-4 wing from the Detroit area. “It definitely makes me confident (knowing Idaho traded for me). I’m just excited to be back playing, it's a blessing to be here,’’ Summers said. Last year, after playing with the Maine Red Claws for 12 games, Summers was invited to the Charlotte Bobcats training camp before a knee problem and surgery sidelined him in December. “Knowing how my recovery has gone, I’m excited to be back playing. It’s just fun,’” he said.

Preseason game

• Idaho vs. Reno Bighorns, at Albert Lowry High School, Winnemucca, Nev., Monday, 8 p.m.

Season opener

• Idaho at Los Angeles D-Fenders, Nov. 28, 8 p.m.

Home opener

• Austin Toros at Idaho, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., CenturyLink Arena

Tickets

• Single-game tickets start at $8 and ticket packages start at $85. More information at (208) 388-4667 and idahostampede.com.