Pistons' Drummond, KCP, Jackson staying in touch

The actions are squaring with the words.

Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson emphasized toward the end of the regular season that he would remain in touch with other members of the team's young core, such as Andre Drummond and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Drummond confirmed Tuesday night that the three have been in daily communication since the season concluded April 18. They talk about what each player is doing to get better to end the Pistons' six-year playoff drought.

"It's just weighing in on things and constant communication," Drummond said at the Detroit Institute of Arts. "It comes down to us three to be the anchor of this team."

Drummond showed off a leaner physique at Tuesday's private viewing of the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo exhibit for selected season-ticket holders and partners – a thank you for the Pistons' efforts in the city's grand bargain that spared the DIA's art collection from creditors during the bankruptcy saga.

He said he took about "two weeks off" before beginning the off-season program. He took classes a UConn, where he spent one season before the Pistons selected him in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft.

After classes, he would hit the gym.

New Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy last year demanded more of Drummond than anyone ever had. The center made gigantic strides in fitness, significantly lowering his body fat. Drummond realized it was time to take it to another level to withstand Van Gundy's demands.

"It's more by force," Drummond said with a smile when asked his motivation. "(Van Gundy) sees a lot of things in me I don't even see. For him to see that brings me up a little bit. It makes me want to work that much more harder, knowing that I have my head coach behind me and behind my back, knowing what I can do for this team."

Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.

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