I’ve been asked a lot over the years why I work out as much as I do; what motivates me to train so hard.

The question puzzles me because it’s not really work to me.

Basketball is fun for me; working out on the court is a pleasure. Any time I’m on the floor, I never have a thought that I wish I was somewhere else or doing something else. Every person reading this has an interest that gives them this kind of feeling. I consider myself lucky to have found mine.

Basketball is not for everyone. Are you excited to go and practice your skills? Is there something else you’d rather be doing when you’re on the court?

*Be truthful with yourself*. Are you playing because you want to, or because you feel like you’re supposed to or have to? Remember that this is a game, not a job. Many people with jobs go to work every day because they have to; there are people and things they are responsible for and their job allows them to address those responsibilities. Basketball can become your job, but for most people that play the game, it’s for fun, not for a check. By the time the checks are coming, you are playing because you *want* to.  If you’re not having fun, you should not be out there.

If you plan on playing ball on a high level (read: college or professional), accept and embrace everything that comes with it. This means conditioning, strength training, classes and studying, dealing with coaches… All of this is part of the package for a serious basketball player.

If you’re not ready to make that commitment, you can still have fun playing the game. But a life as a Basketball Player (note the capital letters) may not be for you.

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