Long after Heat practices are complete, Kendall Gill usually can be found shooting countless shots with the help of a ball-return machine.
Heat coach Pat Riley says Gill has displayed that same type of work ethic throughout practices, which is probably a slight surprise coming from a player who was once quoted as saying Riley's lengthy practices shorten careers.
"I didn't know what to expect, but ever since he's been here, he's been a highly productive leader, a professional. He sets the example," Riley said.
Riley may have guessed what to expect from Gill, 33, had he known a bit more about the swingman from Chicago.
Gill lives by the Zen philosophy. He's also trained in the martial arts of jujitsu and muay Thai. His interest in Zen came about gradually, the result of a natural maturation process.
"Over the years, reading, trying to cool myself out, because I was a bit of a rebel," Gill said. "Their way of life is a good way to live your life. Always in the present.
"My grandfather always used to tell me, and I never understood it until I got older, `Yesterday's a canceled check, tomorrow's a promissory note, today is cash in hand.' That's how I live."
Gill's interest in martial arts came about more abruptly. You could say it hit Gill rather suddenly that learning martial arts would be a good idea.
"I got into a tussle out in front of a club one night about six years ago in Chicago," Gill said. "I could always box, because my father had me in a boxing club when I was younger. But when I fell on the ground, I didn't know what to do.
"So a guy who happened to be there told me, `Hey, if you ever want to learn any self defense or anything, let me know.' "
A couple years later, Gill began training with some of his Brazilian friends, learning muay Thai and jujitsu, the popular fighting style used in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. For the past four years, Gill and his friends have trained five days a week throughout the summers in a Chicago dojo. On Saturdays, they spar. Sometimes with pads, sometimes without.
"I've been kicked in the face a number of times," Gill said. "The benefits are tremendous, tremendous confidence. Also, your stamina. It takes a lot to fight somebody.
"I train just in the summertime, and I do it just to keep my body in shape and keep my conditioning up. And because I like it. It's not just because I want to go out and beat somebody up."
Gill takes pride in being a well-rounded individual. It's part of the reason he has enjoyed being around Riley.
"I've learned a lot from Riles since I've been here," Gill said. "Just his motivation when he talks to us in the locker room. The way he carries himself and the way he carries himself in the organization. I've never been around anybody like that.
"Every day I look forward to coming to practice, just to see what he has to say. Even going through this bad streak, I still can learn something every day."
Gill knew what to expect of Riley coming in because he sought the advice of fellow Chicago native Tim Hardaway. The former Heat point guard told Gill that Riley's practices were doable and even enjoyable for those who appreciate hard work.
And it's a good thing Gill does, because it's helping him fight through trying times.
"Even though we've been losing and everything, which is tough," Gill said, "I still have a bright outlook."