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St. Francis - Rookie John Henson made it through his first NBA practice Tuesday as the Bucks opened training camp with a spirited session of 2 1/2 hours.

The former North Carolina star, the 14th overall pick in the June draft, realized quickly this wasn't summer league any more.

"We ran through some of the sets," Henson said. "I think the biggest adjustment I have to make is the speed, man. Everybody is moving fast out there. I'll get used to it."

Guards Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings were in high gear on the first day of practice and the energy level was high.

"Those guys are moving and especially when you're playing against them, it's different," Henson said.

After the practice session ended, Henson retreated to the locker room for a brief film session with Bucks assistant coach Joe Wolf.

"We just broke down some things I need to work on and just little things I can fix within the next practice, so it was good," Henson said.

"The guys have helped me out and the coaches are helping me out. I haven't got yelled at too much yet."

Doron Lamb, the Bucks' second-round pick in this year's draft, sat out practice due to a left elbow injury. He had his arm in a black sling and is not expected to return for at least several weeks.

Lamb was injured during informal drills last week when he ran into a screen set by center Joel Przybilla and got his arm caught in a jersey.

"He's got a ligament issue in his elbow," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "It's going to be a while."

The Bucks held their contact practice in the morning and were scheduled to return for a non-contact session in the afternoon.

"We're building a foundation," Skiles said. "We'll continue to add offense and keep working on our defense, looking at different combinations.

"Obviously we have a much better comfort level with the players that have been here. We know who they are as players. Guys like Sam (Dalembert), figure out where he's at. Henson, see where he fits in. Tobias (Harris), see how he's ultimately going to fit in.

"The first few days, I would say most coaches are looking for intensity and seeing what shape guys are in. Then you just react accordingly."

The 6-foot-11 Dalembert, acquired in a June trade with Houston, said he liked the emphasis on the opening day.

"We really focused on making everybody understand their role defensively," the veteran center said. "Be accountable.

"I want the team to be one of the top defensive teams. I've been to so many training camps and seen coaches focusing on offense, offense, offense. We came here and I'm like, 'Wow.' I wanted to hug coach.

"Defense. I like that. We've still got a lot of stuff to work on. It's the first day, the first practice. As the week progresses, we will see improvement."