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 coach, or just love the game, this is a must-listen. We dive deep into:

What defines a true professional athlete

How to earn your coach’s trust

The mindset that separates pros from amateurs

Real stories of youth players who made it big

🔥 Plus, Laimonas shares lessons from Euro League players, talks about talent vs. hard work, and gives advice to those without access to elite training facilities.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Every share helps us grow the hoop community!

📍 CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Laimonas Eglinskas
00:52 – Coaching across leagues & countries
01:53 – What professionalism really means in basketball
04:17 – How to train when no one’s watching
05:24 – Learning by watching greats like Kobe
06:30 – How coaches lead the game off-court
08:24 – Lifelong learning and self-growth
10:25 – Accepting roles as a young player
12:05 – Making the most of “garbage time” minutes
17:33 – Real success stories: Panagiotis Kalaitzakis & more
20:15 – No court? No problem: How to train anywhere
24:19 – Common struggles youth face going pro
27:55 – Sacrifices & the Mamba Mentality
34:16 – Success can come in unexpected forms
40:00 – Be elite at something, even if it’s not talent
43:20 – If you don’t believe in yourself, why should your coach?
47:15 – Some players settle too early
53:50 – Recap: Discipline, Roles, Effort & Patience
54:29 – Outro: How to follow or contact Laimonas