Odds of Becoming a NBA Basketball Player

Lamar Hull

Drake – thanks for responding! The statistics are definitely reality which is okay! A few players defy the odds of becoming an NBA basketball player by working hard on their game everyday, getting exposure at the right camps, focusing on their academics, and etc. Man don’t ever give up, this isn’t what this article is for, i had the dream of playing in the NBA and worked my butt off. Had the opportunity to play collegiate and professionally overseas! The purpose of this article is to simply provide the facts, but read the questions at the very end of the article. This will give you a better sense of the purpose of this article.

Just a guy

I understand what your saying but say basketball doesn’t work for your son due to injury, loss of love for the game, or just a bad situation, now he has no education and back up plan and life will be extremely difficult please don’t post anti educational things on the internet because I would hate to see a dream missed and life turned much more difficult than necessary due to immaturity of parents. I highly suggest you put your kid in school.

Leopold

It’s extremely reckless and dumb of you to disregard his education, because if he doesn’t make it to professional basketball, you’ve managed to destroy any other type of future because you couldn’t “buy him pencils” or keep him in school. It’s disgusting for you to say others don’t have the right parental support when you’ve potentially destroyed any other chance for him to have a career in anything but basketball. That is what you call bad parental support. Well maybe thanks to you he can have the great opportunity of sleeping in the streets or have to clean the streets as his only mean of income. Well done.

Lamar Hull

Noah – it is great to hear your passion for the game of basketball. It takes discipline to do what you do, which is to choose working out and focus on academics versus partying and consuming yourself with the many other things that could keep you distracted. I wish I had more focus when I was your age! I would recommend getting exposure if you are not and that is through AAU and top basketball camps. This is something that I wished I would have done more of, but I wasn’t fortunate to have wealthy parents. Not to say you need to have a ton of exposure outside of high school if you are really good, but it definitely helps! Just followed you, keep up the good work!

Lamar Hull

Hey Jordan, keep working on your game! Don’t worry about what the haters say, they are just mad they are not doing what you are doing, which is working on your game everyday! The only way you can shut the doubters up is by working hard everyday and letting your results and accomplishments speak for you. Having great grades is super important! I can’t stress that enough!! I’m glad this article inspired you because that is what it is meant to do! You are the next Nate Robinson, you may hit a growth spurt…you never know! Keep up the hardwork and keep me posted on your progression on and off the court. You can email me at inspirationalbasketball20@gmail.com.

Lamar Hull

Quentin – thanks for providing your thoughts! I love to hear from young players and see their passion for the game. You are right, playing on a basketball team would help with team chemistry, your basketball IQ, developing your skill set within a team system and against other teams is necessary. I will say don’t worry about what you can’t control at the moment. I would encourage you to continue to work on the game. Since you can’t play on a team, find more time to work on your skills and perfect your game. When that opportunity comes, you will be ready! Are there camps, local leagues, etc. in Spain that you can attend in conjunction to playing pick-up? I always wanted to play professionally in Spain when I played in England!

Lamar Hull

Don’t worry about what people say about you or your height. That happened to me when I was young! At a young age, you have to work hard on your game and let your game do the talking. Basketball success comes to players who are gym rats and work on their skills day-in and day-out. You will gain respect no matter your height, when your game does the talking. That typically shuts the haters up.

Lamar Hull

T’Varksy – thanks for taking the time to read my article and asking such an important question! To answer your question, what college you go to and what your current situation is will not define who you can become. Yes, you can make it to the NBA as a redshirt in Junior College, but guess what, it won’t be easy. It may be a harder journey compared to others, but working harder than the next player, performing on the court, having the right coach and basketball program, and a little bit of luck a dream can become a reality, but again it isn’t easy. The article describes how hard it is to make it to the NBA, but those players that make it, make it through working hard every single day. Their work ethic and performance takes them to another level!

Lamar Hull

Yes, studies show when you surround yourself around people who are competing and pushing themselves to get better every single day, that will motivate you to work harder. For me, I never really spent time with other people in my spare time. I was too busy working on my game even when no one else wanted to participate, which was fine with me because I knew what I wanted to do in life and understood my purpose in basketball. Something you should ask yourself, do you truly want to be good at basketball and reap the benefits of being a really good basketball player or are you doing it for some other reason? Your motivation should come from within. I loved the game so much, I was eager to get home from school and work on my game whether anybody else did it with me or not. I worked on my game and saw the benefits on the basketball court, which continue to increase my inner-motivation. Hope that helps!

Lamar Hull

Hey David – thanks for responding and providing thoughts on “your dream”. I emphasized on “your dream” because that is what matters. Everyone should live their dream! You can’t focus on what other people think about your dream. You definitely need supportive people in your circle to continue to push you, you have to go to your local gym and find out who those people are. If you put in the work every single day, you will get better and your parents will come to see what basketball means to you. Being short doesn’t defy who you can become through hard work. I’m 5’9″ and played Division 1 basketball and professionally overseas. Guess how many times I was told I was too short and couldn’t make it? A LOT! I was even told by my brother and close relatives, but guess what they only became fans after I proved them wrong through working on my game every single day and showing them different. That’s what matters kid! How many hours, blood sweating tears, time, commitment, etc. are you willing to put in to the game. Everyone wants to become a great basketball player, but ask yourself are you willing to work harder, longer than the next kid your age? Are you hanging out with friends during the week or on the weekend rather than practicing? A lot of kids tell me they are working on their game several hours a week/day, but when I watch them play it doesn’t show. When you show people your skill, they will respect your height! I don’t know a lot about Canada, is there not a middle school, high school team that you can tryout for? I know there are school systems there, how do they give you the opportunity to play on a team? Last advice, stop caring about what people think, work on your game, let what people say be a chip on your shoulder and become the best basketball player you can be!

Lamar Hull

Hey Jack – thanks for reading and providing insights to your basketball story! I love seeing kids who truly have passion for the game. I would say this, every basketball player with the dream to play basketball starts out the same way, with a dream! The ones who work harder and smarter every single day, has the right coach and experiences with a little luck, anything is possible. You can definitely make it, the journey will be very tough, but it is truly up to you! You don’t need me to tell you that you can make it or not, believe in yourself and put in the time, that’s the most important thing!

Lamar Hull

Hey Josh – thanks for sending me a note and expressing your interest in taking your game to the next level! You are a junior in high school, so this is prime time for you. Sorry to hear that you got an injury! Get well soon man! Since you will be sitting out an entire season don’t waste it. Basketball players who take their game to the next level has not only the skill but a high basketball IQ. Since you will be out the first thing I would say do is get your grades up as high as they can be. It will be tough to make it to the level you know you can be at if you don’t have really good grades so don’t let them slip behind, make that your top priority. Think about, how many kids want to play D-1 basketball? Look at how many kids have already expressed their interest in playing in the NBA in the comment section of this blog post. That means there are a lot of players with great skill. If a D-1 college matches you up with another player or players and you guys are equal across the board, you are better in certain areas, but on the contrary one stands out by having really good grades, they are most likely going to bet on the kid with really good grades. The coaching staff knows they have a player who will not flunk out of school after they invested in him. Secondly, study the game. Watch film if you can, ask your coaches to watch film with you. Learn the areas where you can get better. We all can get better at basketball! Lastly, if you have any highlight tapes send them to schools of your choice. Check out my blog post about how to earn a basketball scholarship – https://inspirationalbasketball.com/how-to-earn-a-college-basketball-scholarship/. Also, have you taken the SAT, have you prepared for it? There is a lot to what you are asking for, it isn’t as simple as big just good at the game. You got this! Follow-up with me and let me know if you used some of the things we discussed and how it worked out for you. If i can help in any way let me know. Thanks!

Lamar Hull

Keep working on your game, work harder than you ever have before and very frequently! Imagine where NBA players would be now if they listened to all the negative voices in their life? I’m sure at some point in their lives, someone told them they wouldn’t make it. NBA players work hard, have a lot of talent, and have the right opportunities. Always have a plan B and C, we all have the dream of making it to the NBA. If you don’t as we all can’t make it, what else do you want to do, what else do you be? Always keep that focus! Work hard on your game, be strong minded, and have options for your life!

Lamar Hull

Charlie, thanks for providing your story! You are right grades and practice is important. I would say it is also about how you practice when it comes to grades, basketball, life, etc. I can practice more hours, but if someone is out working me in less hours, they are benefiting long-term. Keep that perspective in mind. It is a good goal to set your eyes on the NBA, but also have a backup plan. Know what your passions are at every level. Keep dreaming and keep working hard!

Lamar Hull

Ezekiel – Happy New Year! Thanks for sending me a message. Send me an email to my personal email address, you can find that on my contact page.

Lamar Hull

Thanks for sharing Kevin! I appreciate someone who has accomplished a lot in the game of basketball to share their opinion. I agree no article can reflect what it really takes to make it to college, NBA or overseas. That’s not the goal of this article, but the statistics are accurate. Really read the article and the comments. The goal is to encourage young players but be realistic! Yea, you can be like every other kid wanting to play in the NBA, but you must have a backup plan, like playing overseas, becoming specialized in a specific field, etc. The percentages of making it the NBA or even college on a full scholarship is a small percentage, kids miss this point and have to plan for what happens when they don’t achieve that dream that every other kid is dreaming about. Overall, I agree with what you are saying because it is reality. I still encourage kids to dream, work hard and become a better person at the end of the day. Dreaming is what young people do and it is a great thing! Have dreams, there is nothing wrong with trying…if we said don’t try because the percentages are low, the American dream dies which is what makes this country great. It is believed anybody can be successful with a lot of hard work. Doesn’t necessarily mean at basketball, but at something!

Lamar Hull

Hey Dru – thanks for sharing your story! That’s impressive. You are doing what you love to do and if you are passionate about it, keep doing it! Not to say this hard work is going to result in you making the NBA, because the odds are so small, but that doesn’t mean your hard work won’t payoff. I worked out a lot at your age…and I would say I’m successful now running my own business. I would create this success to my work ethic, determination, and perseverance on and off the court. Those habits created behaviors that stuck with me for the rest of my life and I’m so thankful for it. So, there is a purpose continue to do what you love and wherever it takes you, you will look back and be thankful for the hard work in your younger days!

Lamar Hull

Hey – thanks for reading and commenting. There is no sure way to get in the NBA. I would suggest first and foremost, love the game! Have a genuine passion and love for the game. Next, work on your game every chance that you get. Work on the fundamentals of the game every single day. Spend hours in the gym perfecting your game. Don’t just go through the motions, push yourself every time you workout. Play a lot of basketball, recreational, competitive in the AAU arena, go to various local and national camps. Have good grades! Get in to college by being recruited. You have to work on a lot of the things mentioned. Are you a superstar on your high school team? Create a highlight video, write men’s basketball programs. Do these things and there are a lot of other things you can do as well, but there is no guarantee you will make it to the NBA. Give yourself the best chance to take your career as far as you can whether that is the NBA, D-League, Overseas, etc. Always have a back-up plan or another passion because making it to the NBA is very tough and is a slim chance.

Lamar Hull

Pratyansh….thanks for the message and its great hearing that players from your country are interested in playing in the NBA. As the article mentions, the NBA isn’t for everyone. It takes a unique skill and talent to make it to the NBA. As a 17 year old who is 5’10”, my question to you is how much time did you put in to the game growing up? You have to understand there are millions of kids your age doing the exact same thing that you are. Are you being recruited by the tops schools in your country? Do you have any opportunities to play on any national teams there? Those are the questions I would ask someone in your shoes. If the answer is yes, you are doing a lot of the right things! I played overseas and there are a ton of great opportunities there as well to make a living playing the game you love. I would say keep working hard, make the right connections, market yourself on YouTube, write college coaches, get yourself out there so that people can see your talent.

Lamar Hull

Khalid – thanks for reading and commenting…In terms of losing weight, the first step is to eat the right foods that are healthy. Reduce the amount of junk food and unhealthy foods. That has to be a top priority! Make conditioning, whether that is basketball and/or weightlifting workouts a part of your every day schedule. Running and exercise is important. You have to be diligent and consistent about the things mentioned to help you lose weight. In terms of getting taller, please let me know if you find out…I have always wanted to know that answer as well :)…

Lamar Hull

Hi Joseph – thanks for reading my article. I’m glad the article inspired you…that’s the goal, but on the contrary, the real purpose of this article is to be realistic about what it takes to make it to the NBA. Your situation is very interesting and I honestly don’t know any legal ways for you to get out of your situation. For me, I wouldn’t even talk about what it takes to make it to the NBA, it is more so how do you survive? It is sad to see a specific type of person or group is hunted by other people, that is disturbing to me. Your focus should be how do you survive and get out of that country? That would be the first step for you to open up better basketball opportunities for yourself. To answer your question, it takes a ton of hard work, dedication, skill, talent, and many other things. There is no secret formula on making it to the NBA…you have love the game and sacrifice many things to develop your skills in to a NBA caliber type player. This comes with experience, hard work, the right exposure, coaching, and many other things.

Lamar Hull

Jaike – thanks for reading! That’s awesome to see you on the varsity team at such a young age. I will say this article doesn’t say it is easy to make it to the NBA and doesn’t even mean if you are the best in your area or your high school team you have a great chance of making it to the NBA. I don’t want to kill your confidence, but it is very tough to make it to the NBA. Not to say you can’t do it, but there are a lot of factors that get players to that level and yes, grades are one of them. Even if you don’t make it to the NBA, grades should be one of the most important things you focus on because you always need a backup plan. Having good grades will help you standout amongst all of the other applicants for a specific job.

Lamar Hull

John – thanks for the comment and for reading my article! I think any player that has a unique talent and are really good will be noticed. Biggest thing for you is to get back in school and display your skills, and whatever happens after that will be based on your basketball performance. I’m not sure what level you are playing at but I think about Allen Iverson. He went to jail in high school and was counted out, and still made it to the NBA. Again, he was a unique talent, all state in high school basketball and football. Dominated as a freshman as a D-1 player. Making it to the NBA is a slim chance, but work hard and live with the results.

Lamar Hull

Quinten – keep working hard man. Don’t compare your game to your peers, let your game speak for itself by working hard every single day! It isn’t hard anymore to get noticed with today’s technology. Get your highlights on YouTube, consistently display your skills there…a lot of stars are born from YouTube. Create a high light tape and send them to colleges of your choice! In my book, I discuss how to write to college coaches. Network on basketball sites or platforms that can get people to see your skills. Don’t accept defeat, have initiative to set yourself a part!

Lamar Hull

Don’t let the fact that it is hard to make it to the NBA, stop you from working on your game and perfecting your skills. If that was the case, none of the players you are watching would have made it. Yes, it is hard to make it to the NBA, but that doesn’t stop millions of players from trying. Developing your skills provides a sense of satisfaction whether you make it to the NBA or not. There are other avenues such as overseas, D-league where you get paid to play the game. Please don’t make your passion about getting paid, that will get you nowhere because that motivation will not last. Your passion should be for the love of the game and let everything else fall in place. Keep working hard!

Lamar Hull

You are exactly right Leon. Thanks for reading!

Lamar Hull

Jose that’s awesome man! I wish you nothing but success. It is good to hear players who are so close to fulfilling their dream. You are right, keep working hard, have the passion for the game, and let the chips fall. Thanks for sharing!

Lamar Hull

It doesn’t matter what you look like, so don’t let that discourage you. Hard work and determination doesn’t discriminate. My suggestion is find as much time as you can to work on your game. You have to outwork all of the players that are going after the same goal. It is wanting it more than your competition. I’m sure there are some talented guys in your school, do you want it more than them? I know you said your time is limited but you can pick up a basketball and work on your game outside in the driveway. Perfecting your game every day the right way, will be the key to your success. You are practicing for tomorrow’s opportunity!

Lamar Hull

Hi Josh – thanks for the comment! Check out my book on the homepage of this site or on Amazon, see here: http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Becoming-Better-Basketball-Player/dp/150058407X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462544123&sr=8-1&keywords=lamar+hull. You will find a ton of tips!

Lamar Hull

Demond – thanks for the comment! I’m saying I was at more of a disadvantage because of the great odds of making it to the NBA, then being as short as I am. You mentioned a few short NBA players. Let me ask you this, what’s the percentage of short players that size compared to the total number of NBA players to ever play in the league? Let me know that percentage is! I’m not saying I ever doubted myself and always believed I could make it, what I’m saying based on my size it was lot harder, I needed to be super special at that size to make it, because you don’t see it as often.

Lamar Hull

Definitely wouldn’t want you to commit suicide, but why wasting half of your life on nothing is one way of looking at it. What if all the current NBA players thought that it was for nothing, what would the NBA look like? Everybody has a dream, those who work hard consistently, have the determination and perseverance and some luck are successful at whatever they do. Not saying you would make it, but if you don’t try if you truly love the game, then you have wasted time.

Lamar Hull

Shawn that is a pretty good size for 13 year old. Those are pretty good stats as well! I would say just keep working on your game everyday and getting better, improve on your strengths and weaknesses. Play AAU, go to exposure basketball camps in your local area, get a good college or high school mentor/basketball trainer who can help improve you skills, post your highlights on YouTube, dominate the game in middle school and high school, write the colleges of your choice NOW while you are in middle school and let them know you are interested and why (basketball and school reasons), send the coaches your stats, grades, accolades, basketball schedule, coaches/parents contact info, and most importantly have AWESOME grades. Not just okay grades, but standout from the million kids who have the same dream as you and want to make it to the NBA. Here are 2 good articles you should read that I wrote: https://inspirationalbasketball.com/how-to-earn-a-college-basketball-scholarship/ and https://inspirationalbasketball.com/99-ways-to-earn-a-basketball-scholarship/. Hope that helps. Good luck and thanks for reading/commenting!

Lamar Hull

Hunter – thanks for the comment. That’s tough when young kids do not have the parent support. I would say don’t let that stop you. I think about all the players who make it to college and NBA, some not all, have some interesting stories where they didn’t have any support, but still made a way to the NBA through perseverance, not taking no for an answer, and determination. So many kids want to make it to the NBA, so I’m not sure how you will get more practice time, but you need to figure it out. Whether that is sitting down with your parents yourself and showing them your passion for the game and having their support to get to a local gym would be so important for you. I don’t know what that looks like, but find relatives, friends, etc. that can help. I think about the story of Derek Anderson former NBA player, read here: https://inspirationalbasketball.com/stamina-book-written-by-derek-anderson/. This guy grew up without his mom and dad for the most part, lived in abandoned apartments, had a son when he was a teenager, was helping the elder take their groceries in for money. This guy made it to the NBA, he didn’t let his circumstances dictate his passion and dedication and will to live out his dream. Read this story and don’t let your surroundings determine your next steps. Don’t take no for an answer!

Lamar Hull

Hi John, thanks for the comment and reading this article! I would say it would definitely be great to be a standout collegiate player here in the states, but if you are a great basketball player it doesn’t matter where you are located. If you are 13 and are playing for the national team, you have a lot of upside. A lot more European players are being drafted in to the NBA. Rubio was a young PG on the national team and now he is playing in the NBA. I actually played in Kings Lynn England for a bit. Great country! Anyways, talent will always get noticed if you are a great player, that’s the key! Having the skill set, displaying that skill set at a high level and being in the right environment helps. I would encourage you to keep working on your game everyday, displaying great skill at a young age for the national team, write some US college coaches if your desire is to come to the states. If you are a standout college player here at a high level, you will get noticed more for the NBA draft. A lot of kids don’t make it to the NBA, so the journey is tough but believe in yourself and continue to work on your game and let everything else take care of itself.

Lamar Hull

Thanks for reading and providing your comment. That’s good to hear you are a great shooter. I would say be an all around player, do the the little things, such as rebounding (boxing out), diving on the floor for loose balls, playing great defense, being able to handle the ball very well. Those things will definitely put you ahead. Don’t worry about what people think, understanding your weaknesses is what you have to do (this is the hardest step) and then improving on those weaknesses is the next step! Get a mentor who knows the game that can really help you. Players who are good, shouldn’t have a hard time with that because people gravitate to talent. I’m not going to put a number on how many hours you should practice in the gym, look Pistol Pete Maravich up, he used to spend north of 4-5 hours a day practicing. He wanted greatness, so he just worked on his skill set to make himself a better player everyday. He was in love with the process. Be in love with the process and journey and your will, should help you determine how many hours you need to get better and improve at a higher level. A lot of kids are spending tons of hours in the gym everyday, I spent about 2 hours practicing every day and wish i would have gave more. I made it to college and professional basketball overseas, but could have definitely gave more. I’m not sure of any camps in Ohio, just go to Google and search for “youth basketball camps + location” or “basketball camps + location”. I’m hopeful I will have my basketball camp finder updated soon with a ton of great local basketball camps for each state. Stay tuned…

Lamar Hull

Nate thanks for the comment! It is really up to you. How bad do you want to play at the next level? Are your 3 hours a day spent wisely? Are you working extremely hard during those 3 hours? Are you working on the right skill set and fundamentals? Are you improve your weaknesses and your strengths? Are your grades outstanding? I would encourage you to play AAU to get that type of experience. Put some highlights on YouTube and attend exposure camps or basketball camps that college programs are having. Write college coaches expressing your interest in their school and basketball program and providing a highlight tape. Let your talent speak for itself, be the best in your area period! Don’t leave any question!

Lamar Hull

Hi Daniel, thanks for the comment. You sound like you have a good plan and are very focused and determined. My advice is to get better everyday and work harder than the next person, be in love with the process and journey and continue to improve. Seek a mentor that has the knowledge to guide you through the process. Yes, my book can be a mentor but will be a supplement to a personal mentor who you can see face to face. If you buy the book let me know how it helped or didn’t help. My email address is inspirationalbasketball20@gmail.com. I added you on Facebook. I’m looking forward to seeing your career unfold. Lastly, have no fear when it comes to guarding any other player!

Lamar Hull

Not at all. If you have unseen talent then no…Put yourself in position to be different and highly skilled. Put your highlights on YouTube, write coaches, do the things others won’t do. Continue to work on your game everyday, harder than the next!

Lamar Hull

Hi Chris – sorry to hear about your toenail issue, but your story is still inspiring. Experiences are what make people who they are! You getting cut from the team was probably the best thing for you. That puts a certain type of drive in you to want to succeed whether you make it next year or not, you are developing a specific characteristic that will make you successful in life. I wouldn’t focus on making it to the NBA as it is very difficult. I would focus on being the best basketball player you can be by consistently working on your game, making your team, getting playing time and continuing your success in the game. Good luck this upcoming year and I wish you luck in your basketball career.

Lamar Hull

Raffie – thanks for the comment! It is always interesting to hear young player’s story and what they are going through. Playing in the NBA and even college is tough. Your first step to being a better basketball player is your mindset. If you don’t believe you can make it whether you make it or not, you have defeated yourself already, you might as well stop playing the sport! I didn’t care how many people told me I was too short, the odds, wasn’t good enough, etc. I still worked on my game every day to prove them wrong and to prove to myself that hard work pays off and it did for me. At 5’8″ I played D-1 and professionally overseas. Even in the business world, I was told I’m not good enough, not smart enough and now I own my own business. Again, the first step is to change your mindset and believe in yourself. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, which is knowing there are a ton of kids who have the same dream. Control your perspective of what you need to accomplish which is getting in the gym and work out as hard as you can every day consistently. Go to google and search for the motivational speaker Eric Thomas. I listen to him every morning when I get discouraged because we all do at times. However, there is a difference between feeling discouraged and being discouraged. Overcome your fears of failing and give it your all and let the chips fall. Good luck, you can accomplish great things by having a positive mind and outlook!

Lamar Hull

Isaiah – thanks for the comment. My question for you is how bad do you want it? I know you are young and I have seen families and parents make decisions for their kids not understanding that they are crippling their child from future development. It is tough when your parents don’t support your passion, but do you support your passion is the question? I can’t give you specific advice on how because I’m not in your shoes, but figuring out will be a challenge for you, but it comes back to how bad do you want it. Do you want it kind of bad or will you be fully invested in the development of your game. I guarantee there are other kids in your shoes somewhere in the world, but they are finding a way. Whether that is dribbling outside, working on your form, getting to that park when you can on a consistent basis, working on your game before work or when you have time to get some extra reps at practice. You mentioned that you play on the B team, how many times have you went before practice and stayed after practice while the gym was still open and worked on your game?

Lamar Hull

Marcel – I’m actually writing an article on this topic…stay tuned. It seems like this happens to a lot of kids. Can you be specific about how your parents don’t support you in basketball?

Lamar Hull

Ryan – congrats on making the team. You will have to change your mindset! Don’t get me wrong have an experienced coach/mentor guiding you along the way is super important in developing your game, but what about the ton of hours you spend at home working out on your game alone, your coach won’t be there. That is what YouTube and the internet are for. There are tons of resources to help you develop your game, great coaches are online and will provide tons of drills to develop your skill as long as you execute. You can only control what you can control. If there is no coach, no team, work on your game religiously until that situation changes. Don’t put your destiny in your view of your circumstance by not having a coach right now.

Lamar Hull

Keep working hard Charles!

Lamar Hull

Thanks for the comment Jasper! Keep working hard my man. Look forward to hearing your story.

Lamar Hull

Emiliano – thanks for the comment. Work hard on your game every chance you get, have a good grades, be noticed online and at popular camps. Small percentage of players make it, but don’t give up not trying!

Lamar Hull

No problem Blake. Glad you found some value here! Keep working hard!

Lamar Hull

Westley – thanks for commenting. A lot of questions to ask before I can help you.

Are members of your family tall (dad, mom, uncles, siblings)?
What’s your shooting percentage?
Does your coach put you at the PG spot at all?

I can tell you from my experiences, I’m 5’9 and most of my family members are short. I played PG in high school but averaged 30 points per game my senior year. I was the best shooter, ball-handler and everything else, but no way would i play SG in college.

Lamar Hull

I’m not sure I understand your question, are you saying you don’t have time for your dream?

Lamar Hull

Sam you can’t worry about what is out of your control, focus on what you can do everyday to improve your skills (basketball, IQ, academics, etc.), ability to be recruited, which i mention in a lot of my comments and this post. Position yourself! That’s all you can ask of yourself, work hard and good talent isn’t hard to find!

Lamar Hull

Shawn – that’s great stuff. You definitely sound like you have talent! Read a lot of my comments and this post. Check out my book on my homepage or Amazon “Beginners Guide to Becoming a Better Basketball Player by Lamar Hull”. The resources are out there, YouTube, books, creating highlight videos, going to exposure camps, playing AAU, dominating in high school, they are endless.

Lamar Hull

David – it doesn’t matter what I say, what coaches or what other people think. It is on you and the work ethic you have and the consistent time you put in to your game. Making it to the NBA is very hard and as you can see tons of kids have that same dream. Only a select few make it. Work on your game religiously and let the outcome play out the way it is supposed to. You will see if your skills are comparable to other top players based on your work ethic, persistence, determination, and energy. This will give you a good understand to see what it takes! You need to put yourself up against the top players and one way to do that is play AAU and be a star on whatever team you play on. Don’t let outside voices determine your success, put the time in!

Lamar Hull

Jordan – great question…I averaged about 30 points in high school my senior year. Tons of players can and do average that in high school but doesn’t mean they are going to the NBA. Some players average less than that in high school and make it to the NBA. It all depends on exposure, skill set, competition level, playing against some top prospects. I was one of the most talented players in my area and didn’t really test my skill set against top Division 1 players on a consistent basis. If I did I probably wouldn’t have averaged 30 a game. My high school was small and so where all the schools we played against. I don’t take anything a way from my work ethic and the time I put in to the game, but I wasn’t good enough especially at 5’9″ I needed to be exceptional at that size and in high school and i didn’t play against top players who already had division 1 scholarships wasn’t my fault, high school just didn’t play against those types of schools. There are a million of kids and only a select few make it to the NBA, not everyone is going to make it. The best of the best will!

Lamar Hull

Ginobili – I like your mindset and determination. Don’t every think where you are located determines your opportunity. A lot of kids make it from small areas. Get your stuff up on youtube consistently. Write college coaches, go to any exposure basketball camps that you can near your area if there are any. You should be recording all of your workouts and games, etc. If your talent comes through that screen, people will see.

Lamar Hull

Shahbaz – please email me at inspirationalbasketball20@gmail.com for more clarification, so I can provide the best advice. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Lamar Hull

Abdul – thanks for the comment. To keep that chip on your shoulder, work hard every day. Make your grades a top priority or it won’t matter how good you are. There is always someone just as good with better grades. Don’t worry about how many points you need to average, focus on being the best at your position, hustling on every play, being a great teammate, be coachable, have great grades, and work hard every day. Everything else will take care of itself!

Lamar Hull

Abdul – thanks for the comment. You need to work harder and stay in the gym. Inconsistency comes because you are not confident in your game. The more you practice and see the improvement in your game, the more you will confident on the court. Play as much basketball in your free time as well to validate your hard work when your practicing on your game. Hope that helps!

Lamar Hull

Austin – thanks for the comment! What is your inspiration?

Lamar Hull

Enny – thanks for the comment. If you go outside and work on your game with just a basketball, what will your parents say? If all you have is a basketball and a dream, why do you have to be at school training or a gym? I understand the weather may not always permit, but be creative in your passion and use what you have. Getting nervous is okay, but if you work on your game tirelessly, eventually that nervousness will turn in to confidence. Don’t let any one stop you from trying with what you have.

Lamar Hull

Thanks for the comment. Continue to work on your game more and harder than the next player in your region, city, etc. If your not considered the top player in your area, then you still have a lot of work to do. Having that skill set and talent will attract coaches. Don’t listen to comparisons develop your self on and off the court, know who you are by your work ethic, passion and dedication to the game. Play AAU, write coaches, go to camps, etc. When your talent shows up in everything you do related to basketball, community and academics the notice part will follow inevitably.

Lamar Hull

Thanks for the comment. I hear your story and am not sure what advice I could give you because I’m not in your environment and don’t know truly what the issue is without seeing what is truly happening. Not saying you are not providing all of the information, but whether I had 3 sides of the story I have to visually see what is accurate. My only advice is think about Jordan, he was cut from his varsity team, I was cut from the team as a college freshman, read this article as well: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2208503-big-time-athletes-who-got-cut-from-teams/. What you will notice, all these professional athletes, was told the same, had some of the same poor experiences, but guess what, they didn’t give up. They found ways and i’m sure there are some positive influences in your life. Let your work ethic speak louder than your frustration. Whether you make the team or not, build something in yourself from your frustration, failures, determination, work-ethic, to become a better person for future success in life.

Lamar Hull

Where are you located? I would say start with basketball camps in your local area. Go to basketball camps that are hosted by Colleges/Universities in your area. There are also a ton of youth basketball programs that have camps all over the US and I’m sure there are some in your local area. Go to google, search for “basketball camps location”. So for example. “basketball camps los angeles california”.

Lamar Hull

Omar – excited you get to follow your dreams. I’m not familiar with Egypt basketball, so don’t have much advice for you, but talk with those who you can find connections with online or in your immediate area that can help guide you. Good luck!

Lamar Hull

Jullian – thanks for the comment. That’s not up to me. That’s up to you! Keep working hard, keep performing and getting noticed by college coaches. Take one step at a time, be obsessed with improvement no matter your stats!

Lamar Hull

Archelaus – thanks for the comment. That’s not up to me. That’s up to you! I will tell you the same thing I stated to Jullian in the comments. Keep working hard, keep performing and getting noticed by college coaches. Take one step at a time, be obsessed with improvement no matter your stats!

Lamar Hull

Thanks for the comment Jackson! Pretty tall man for your age. Odds are odds, work on your game and continue to improve!

Lamar Hull

Don’t worry about the percentages. Focus on getting better every day, statistics are based on numbers if you surround your life around that, you are missing the point. NBA players are not born, they work on their game tirelessly! Everyone can’t make it, but give your best effort at trying!