Galen Harkness • October 14, 2024

Embracing the Hard: How Struggle Builds Stronger Basketball Players

Challenges on the court are what make players tough off the court.

At EYG Basketball, we believe that *hard is ok.*


Challenges on the court are what make players tough off the court.


It’s easy to get frustrated after a missed shot or a tough game.


But those moments are where the real growth happens.


Every time you struggle, you’re building the strength to face the next challenge.


Here’s how parents and players can turn struggle into success:


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1. Hard is Ok


Hard days are normal in basketball – and in life. 


When you miss a shot, or the game doesn’t go your way, remember it’s part of the process. 


Think about players like Steph Curry – he didn’t get here without setbacks.


But with each struggle, he got better and more confident.


Tell yourself that these tough moments are *making you stronger.*


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2. Reflect on What You Learned


Each struggle is an opportunity to learn.


Ask yourself, “What did I struggle with today?”


Was it your shot? Was it defense? Or maybe staying focused?


Reflecting on the game helps you see where to improve.


Take a moment to understand what didn’t go well and why.


This simple reflection is the first step to getting better.


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3. Turn Reflection Into Action


Now, take what you learned and put it to work.


Did you struggle with shooting? Commit to 15 extra minutes a day on that.


Was defense tough? Spend time on footwork and positioning.


Taking action doesn’t mean changing everything at once.


It’s about small, consistent efforts that lead to big improvements.


Every extra rep, every focused drill, builds your game and your confidence.


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4. Encourage Effort at Home


Parents, this mindset starts with you, too.


Celebrate your player’s effort, even when the result isn’t perfect.


Talk about what they’re learning, not just how many points they scored.


This encourages them to see struggles as a chance to grow.


And it helps them stay motivated to keep working.


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Remember, struggle is not something to avoid.


It’s something to lean into, invest in, and build on.


At EYG Basketball, we know hard days lead to big wins.


So the next time you face a challenge, tell yourself: Hard is ok.


Then take action, put in the work, and keep moving forward.

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.