Critical role of nutrition in athletic recovery and performance. He emphasizes that proper nutrition can significantly enhance recovery, allowing athletes to reach their full potential. The conversation covers game day nutrition strategies, including what to eat before, during, and after games, as well as general nutrition habits for athletes. Stan also addresses how to manipulate nutrition based on specific goals, such as losing fat or gaining muscle, while stressing the importance of hydrat...
Takeaways Consistency is more important than motivation.Use dark energy as a fuel for progress.You fall to the level of your systems.Success is determined by your actions, not feelings.Building trust with coaches requires consistent effort.Expect slumps in progress; persistence is key.Set measurable process goals to track improvement.Daily habits lead to long-term success.Motivation is temporary; habits are lasting.Choose one habit to practice daily for improvement. Chapters 00:00 Introd...
Summary Here I discuss the importance of motivation, goal setting, and overcoming excuses in the pursuit of success. I emphasize the power of gratitude, the need to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and the significance of taking ownership of one's actions. The conversation encourages you all to build a no-excuse environment and to train consistently, regardless of circumstances. Takeaways Stop making excuses and start taking action.Gratitude can shift your perspective on ch...
What agents really do (and don’t) in basketball. I sit down with Lithuanian agent Gytis Ruskevicius to unpack what an agent actually does, when (and if) you need one, how early signing can backfire with NCAA rules, and why physicality + S&C + playing hard matter more than chasing agents. Key Takeaways Agents negotiate — they don’t create talent.Don’t rush to sign; focus on development.Attention matters: too many clients = less for you.NCAA path: avoid official agent deals befor...
What are you training for? It is not enough to just say, “I’m grinding” or “I’m working hard.” If you don’t know why you’re training, you will struggle to stay consistent when motivation runs out. In this episode, I break down the three types of goals every player needs: Outcome goals – the big dream you’re chasingPerformance goals – measurable checkpoints along the wayProcess goals – the daily actions that build real progressI also explain why your “why” has to be strong enough to get you ou...
Why you cannot fake the work? Too many players focus on looking like they are working hard on social media, but the truth always shows up in games and practices. I share what real work looks like—consistent effort, tracking progress, and doing the boring basics when no one is watching. I also explain why skipping the hard parts, faking sprints, or only doing drills you already master will hold you back. My goal with this short episode is to remind you that greatness comes from unseen hours, h...
Alvaro Cardenas, Spanish point guard, NCAA assist record holder at Boise State, and now newly signed Euroleague professional with Valencia. Álvaro opens up about where his competitiveness comes from, how playing multiple sports shaped his development, and the mindset that carried him from backyard battles in Spain to breaking NCAA records. We also dive into: Why specializing early in one sport may hold players backThe weight room work that helped him catch up with NCAA athleticismLessons lear...
In this episode of "Basketball Body and Mind," host Stan sits down with Mihai Raducanu, a renowned skill development specialist and basketball coach from Ontario, Canada. Mihai shares his holistic approach to player development, emphasizing the importance of mastering basketball fundamentals such as ball handling, dribbling, and shooting. He discusses the challenges young players face today, including the influence of social media and the need for a strong mental game. Tune in to learn how Mi...
Solo episode. I review key themes from previous episodes, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, long-term development, mental toughness, and effective communication in basketball. I discusse insights from a doctoral thesis on young athletes' potential and shares valuable lessons from Drew Hanlen's book, 'Stop B...Sing Yourself.' The episode concludes with key takeaways for aspiring athletes to reflect on their journey and commitment to improvement. Takeaways Professionalism is a mi...
In this episode, Stan interviews Nikolaos Noumeros, a former college basketball player from the Czech Republic, who shares his journey of transitioning to basketball in the USA. They discuss the importance of strength training, mental preparation, and the challenges faced during his college career, including injuries and the competitive environment. Niko emphasizes the significance of support from family and friends, the need for time management, and the value of adapting to new situations. H...
Paulus Malasauskas shares his journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Lithuania to navigating the challenges of playing abroad in Sweden and Spain. He reflects on the emotional and practical challenges he faced, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned through his experiences in youth sports. The discussion emphasizes the significance of planning, resilience, and personal growth in the pursuit of athletic and life goals. In this conversation, the speaker reflects on their j...
In this episode, Stan interviews Louis Stormark, a Danish basketball player who shares his journey from starting basketball at 14 to navigating the challenges of college sports in the USA. Louis discusses his early influences, the transition to playing for Zalgiris, the importance of balancing academics with athletics, and the impact of injuries on his career. He provides insights on choosing the right college and the realities of being a student-athlete, emphasizing the importance of effort ...
In this episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we’re joined by global performance coach Žilvinas Kriukovas, who has trained Lithuania’s U16–U18 national teams and now works in China with youth athletes through the Green Fighters Academy. We dive into building athletes — from 6-year-old kids to elite pros — with a philosophy rooted in movement quality, strength fundamentals and fun. 🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why coaching kids isn’t about barbells — it’s about movement & fun How ...
Summary In this episode, Stan interviews Henrikas Paulauskas, a multifaceted basketball professional who shares his journey from player to coach and director of the Shanghai Falcons Basketball Club. Henrikas discusses the importance of building confidence, communication, and discipline in young players, as well as the role of education and experience in coaching. He emphasizes the need for professionalism in basketball and the challenges faced in youth development, particularly in China. The...
In this incredible episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we sit down with Lukas Grabauskas, Sports Director of BC Lietkabelis (EuroCup, LKL) to reveal how professional basketball clubs really scout, sign, and develop players. What you’ll learn: How young players can catch a pro club’s attention Why character and habits matter even more than pure talent How to choose between money vs playing time in early career moves Inside look at how NBA and European basketball teams operate differently T...
In this powerhouse episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we sit down with Laimonas Eglinskas – pro basketball coach with experience across Lithuania, Australia, and now the London Lions. 🎙️ Stan’s first-ever coaching partner joins the podcast to break down what it really takes to go pro in basketball. From mastering discipline and understanding your role to standing out even when no one's watching – this episode is a goldmine for serious hoopers. 💡 Whether you're a young player, aspiring coa...
Summary In this episode, basketball coach Mate Jakab shares his insights on the transition young players face when moving to professional basketball. He discusses the importance of understanding new roles, the significance of communication with coaches, and the differences in coaching men and women. Jakab emphasizes the need for consistency and hard work, as well as the importance of basketball IQ in making quick decisions on the court. He also highlights the growing popularity and success o...
Summary In this episode, strength and conditioning coach Manuel Lopez Ramirez discusses the often neglected areas of training for basketball players, emphasizing the importance of foot and ankle strength. He advocates for barefoot training to enhance foot function and performance. Manuel highlights the significance of discipline and work ethic in players, noting that these qualities often lead to greater success. He also contrasts traditional and innovative training methods, explaining how to...
Summary In this solo episode, Stan reflects on the key themes from previous episodes, emphasizing the importance of work ethic over talent, the significance of routines, and the unique paths of individual players. He discusses insights from a pivotal article on talent identification, highlighting that progress and improvement are more crucial than early success. Stan also challenges listeners to evaluate their screen time and encourages them to invest that time into productive activities tha...
Keywords mindset coaching, sports psychology, mental training, athlete performance, self-improvement, visualization techniques, mindfulness, overcoming mistakes, self-awareness, breathing techniques, visualization, sports psychology, mindset training, emotional resilience, growth mindset, performance techniques, athlete success, game day nerves, mental toughness, breathing techniques Summary In this episode, mindset coach Kerdu Lenear discusses the importance of mental training for athlete...