GREAT players in the National Basketball Association are passionate about their craft.
Renowned elite basketball trainer, motivational speaker and skills coach Ganon Baker made this observation as he began conducting a basketball camp for young Filipino players.
“Their preparation for greatness is unmatched. As soon as they get on the floor, they’re in tune with their bodies,” said Baker, before his Ganon Baker Camp Monday at the Ronac Center in Ortigas Ave., San Juan.
Baker had the privilege of working closely with the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Amar’e Stoudemire, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Vince Carter.
Some players, like Paul, developed their game with Baker, while he was in college and and eventually in the NBA. James and Stoudemire were already pros when they got in touch with Baker.
As for Blake Griffin, Baker had seen his game blossom while the LA Clipper was still in high school.
“They know how long to warm up. How to cool down. They’re in touch with their coach. They’re always in the moment. They’re aware. They do a great job of listening to the coach,” added Baker on his notes on the players he had worked with.
He had added the Stoudemire was very inquisitive, asking him a lot of questions while he was on the court.
Bryant, on the other hand, would turn to him for advise when he’d miss crucial shots.
As for Paul, Baker noted that he always wanted to take his game to the next level.
These questions, and the answers he provided to NBA greats is something Baker will share during the camp.
“That if you want to be great, you get to study the great ones. You want to have a craft, you have to research it,” said Baker.
Baker said that great NBA players not only spend time with the mental part of improving their game, they also take on the physical challenge of training with what they learned.
“These guys train so hard that they don’t have a weakness. And if they do, they won’t expose it,” added Baker.
This is the first time that he is holding a camp in Manila, and his school, which is based in Florida is called Elev8. He organized it with local partner Eric Banes, who is certified skills coach, and strength and conditioning specialist.
