Galen Harkness • September 29, 2024

7 Key Lessons for High School Players to Elevate Their Game

At EYG Basketball, we believe in helping high school players reach their full potential by focusing on the bigger picture. Here are seven essential lessons that can help you become a better player and teammate:

7 Key Lessons for High School Players to Elevate Their Game


At EYG Basketball, we believe in helping high school players reach their full potential by focusing on the bigger picture. Here are seven essential lessons that can help you become a better player and teammate:


1. Understand Your Role


Not everyone needs to be the star. Your contribution—whether it's defense, rebounding, or smart passing—can be just as valuable. Embrace your role, and do it to the best of your ability.


2. Put the Team First


Basketball is a team game. While talent matters, teamwork wins games. Prioritize the success of the group over individual stats, and you’ll see better results for everyone.


3. Study the Game


Becoming a student of the game can give you an edge. Watch film, learn your opponents’ tendencies, and study your own performance to find areas to improve. Basketball IQ can take you further than just physical skills.


 4. Play Smart


Effort is important, but playing with intelligence is critical. Make the smart pass, take the high-percentage shot, and always be aware of what's happening on the court. It's about playing efficiently, not just playing hard.


5. Stay Humble


No matter how good you are, there’s always room for improvement. Stay humble, listen to your coaches, and remain coachable. Great players never stop learning.


6. Value Defense and Hustle


Scoring isn’t everything. Defense, hustle, and the little things win games. Embrace the grind of doing what others won’t—like taking charges or contesting every shot.


7. Confidence and Humility Can Coexist


Believe in yourself, but stay grounded. Confidence helps you perform under pressure, but humility keeps you improving. You can balance both to become the best version of yourself.


Conclusion


These lessons are about more than just basketball; they’re about becoming a better teammate, a smarter player, and ultimately a stronger competitor. At EYG Basketball, we’re here to help you grow in every aspect of the game. 


Now, let’s get to work!

What Players Can Learn from Dominique Malonga

By Galen Harkness • September 15, 2025
At 19 years old, Dominique Malonga was the youngest player drafted in the WNBA when the Seattle Storm picked her No. 2 overall. With her size, skill, and potential, she was called a “unicorn.” But her rookie season didn’t start with highlight reels. It started on the bench. For most of the first half of the season, she barely played. Frustrating? Absolutely. But instead of being negative, Malonga stayed ready. She studied veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, clapped for her teammates, and asked constant questions. She turned frustration into fuel. By midseason, the patience and hard work paid off. Malonga became the youngest player in league history to reach 300 points and record back-to-back double-doubles. Suddenly, Seattle’s playoff hopes rested on the same rookie who was once just watching from the bench. So, what can players learn from Malonga? Patience and persistence matter. Success isn’t instant—stay consistent. Learn from the best. Watch, listen, and apply what veterans do. Confidence comes from work. She built belief through preparation. Energy is everything. Even before she played big minutes, her attitude lifted her team. Work > hype. Being called a star means nothing if you don’t put in the reps. Malonga’s story is a reminder: greatness is built day by day. Talent opens the door, but work, mindset, and resilience keep you in the room. At EYG Basketball, we help players do exactly that. Whether it’s skill development, game IQ, or building the habits that matter, our programs prepare you for your moment—on and off the court. šŸ‘‰ Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link
Luka Dončić training in the offseason with improved discipline, highlighting the importance of off-c

Discipline Wins: A Lesson from Luka Dončić’s Offseason

By Galen Harkness • July 28, 2025
Luka Dončić’s offseason proves greatness starts off the court. Learn how discipline with training, diet, and habits can elevate your basketball game.
Basketball player training on courtā€”focused skill development, coaching, and confidence building dur

Coaching vs. Recruiting: What Are We Really Doing for Players?

By Galen Harkness • July 8, 2025
Too much recruiting. Not enough teaching. At EYG, we’re focused on real player development—skill, IQ, and confidence. Here’s how we’re doing it differently.