Today’s Playbook

🌱Growth Through Fundamentals → What really matters? Family, Faith and Growth.

💾 Managing My Bandwidth → Mental and Physical.

🦸‍♂️ Create your Desired Reality → Train/Act/Speak like you are already at the level you want to be.

🤸‍♂️ Hotel Mobility Routine → My Go-to routine for almost all environments.

▶ Panathinaikos Vlog → Another trip to Athens against the previous Euroleague Champs.

Let me know what else you’d like to see from my side by replying to the newsletter or leaving me comments on my YouTube channel.

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™ , on and off the court!

-Elijah

Week (OFF) Reflection🏀

Back to Basics – Growth Through Fundamentals

Fundamentals aren’t just about basketball; they’re the foundation of my life—family, faith, and continuous growth.

This week, we had a snow day, and I spent it with my wife and two boys. We built a snowman, had a snowball fight—simple moments that remind me what truly matters. Just as crucial as training on the court, these experiences keep me grounded.

Faith is another pillar. I’ve been diving into scripture, strengthening my spiritual foundation. Growth doesn’t stop there—I’ve also started learning Spanish. My wife speaks it, so why not? It’s a way to connect with her culture and expand my own horizons.

These fundamentals—family, faith, and learning—keep me balanced, especially during the slow grind of overseas seasons. Unlike the NBA, where the season moves fast, our schedule often drags. Their season starts after us and finishes before us—it’s baffling. During these slow periods, I lean on my fundamentals to stay engaged. The wait can feel endless, but staying rooted in my fundamentals gives me purpose. I use the breaks to maximize family time, something that’s hard to come by during the season. These moments are rare, and I make the most of them. Staying connected off the court helps me stay sharp on it.

Getting Back in Shape – Managing My Bandwidth

"Getting back in shape" isn’t just physical—it’s about managing mental and emotional energy. Think of it like a computer chip: everything—games, stress, even poor sleep—takes up bandwidth.

Without games this week, I’ve been able to push myself harder in workouts, taking advantage of the extra mental space. Every player has their own way of managing bandwidth—some turn to distractions, while I focus on prioritizing and being intentional with my energy.

“Where emotions go, energy flows.” Managing bandwidth isn’t just about effort—it’s about emotional control. Games, coaches, and fans bring constant highs and lows. The key is learning to stay even-keeled.

This season, I’ve been working on emotional stoicism—reacting only in ways that serve me. Instead of arguing with a ref, I move on. Instead of speaking impulsively, I listen. The more I listen, the more I understand.

Speaking less is also a powerful tool. When people don’t know what you’re thinking, you stay in control. This mindset frees up energy, keeping my focus on what truly matters—progress.

Creating Your Desired Reality

The way you react shapes your reality. If your goal is to make your high school basketball team, start acting like you’re already on it. Carry yourself that way. Train that way. Speak that way.

That means showing up early to the gym, staying late, and putting in extra reps—just like a varsity player would. It means studying the game, watching film, and learning from players at the next level. Even in pickup games, play with the intensity and focus of someone who belongs on that roster.

It’s the same for any level of the game. If you want to be a starter, practice like one. If you want to earn a college scholarship, take care of your body, prioritize recovery, and work on the details that separate good from great.

Your attitude matters too. When you miss a shot, do you sulk, or do you sprint back on defense? When a coach pushes you, do you take it personally, or do you see it as a challenge to improve? The way you respond in those moments determines whether you grow into the player you want to be.

Every moment is a chance to reinforce the future you want. Are your actions reflecting the level you want to reach? What desired reality are you working toward?

(Hotel Room) Mobility🏀

In this week’s vlog, we were in Athens playing Panathinaikos (see link to vlog below) and while in the hotel, I was filming my daily mobility routine and thought I’d share that with you guys. Essentially it’s my go-to ‘on the go’ mobility routine.

Link to my Hotel Mobility Routine here

This routine is designed to help young hoopers improve their mobility, stability, and strength, optimizing their performance and longevity in the game. Mobility/stretching is not the sexy part of basketball, but it’s a key component to a long career in the sport, and a healthy and active life overall.

For today’s routine, you can watch the specific exercises in this week’s YouTube Video (linked below)

Q&A ❓

@AngelOfMercy91 on YouTube asked…

It’s a great question and I think fans have a lot of power to affect the game. More so to empower their own team and push them to greatness vs negatively affect the opposing team.

Mental toughness is a big part of professional sports, so we are pretty good at blocking out the negativity and crowd, but as a home team, you begin to feel rejuvenated by the crowd. Motivated to perform for them. And each basket you are rewarded with cheers and celebration, so it has a psychological effect as well.

So keep cheering for your team! But also, please be respectful of the game, your fellow fans, and the players and coaches of both teams. Violence and Hate should not be a part of Sports. Period.

God Bless! Faith + Consistency™

🚨Want to see your question answered above? Reply to the newsletter or reach out to me on social. I will group all the questions together and be answering them on the newsletter and vlog in the coming weeks. Cheers!🚨

YouTube Journey▶

This week on the vlog we went back to Athens (again) to take on the previous Euroleague Champs, Panathinaikos.

In addition to the gameday vlog and routine with the team etc, I also shared some more from the pre-season tournament that was held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Kalimarmaro, which was a really special experience.

Hope you enjoy!

Keep Reading

Thank you for grabbing your Playbook 🙏

If you have comments or questions or suggestions, PLEASE respond to the newsletter about anything. I want to hear from you and I promise, I read every response. My goal is to continue making a great Playbook and building a great community where we all get better together. And you’re a part of that journey!

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™ , on and off the court!

Elijah