Galen Harkness • July 28, 2025
Discipline Wins: A Lesson from Luka Dončić’s Offseason
We didn't train Luka, but we can all learn from him.

We didn’t train Luka Dončić.
But like many of you, we paid close attention to what he did this summer—and there’s a powerful lesson every serious basketball player can take away.
Luka didn’t just work out this offseason. He built discipline.
He trained twice a day.
He fasted in the mornings.
He stuck to a high-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free diet for months.
Not because someone made him—but because he wanted to be great.
No shortcuts. No hype. No excuses.
Why It Matters
Being great isn’t just about what you do on the court.
It’s about what you commit to off of it.
Your meals.
Your rest.
Your routines.
Your mindset.
These are the habits that build a stronger body, sharper skills, and greater confidence when it’s time to play.
Luka was already elite. But he wanted to be better. And he understood that being better takes more than showing up—it takes showing up with intention, over and over again.
What You Can Do
You don’t need to be Luka Dončić.
But you can learn from him, just like we are.
- Start building better habits outside of practice.
- Stay consistent when it’s not convenient.
- Think long-term, not just game-to-game.
- Choose the harder right over the easier wrong.
Discipline isn’t something you’re born with.
It’s something you build—one choice at a time.
How EYG Helps Players Build That Discipline
At EYG, we care deeply about helping players become their best—on and off the court. That’s why our training is built around more than just drills. We help players:
- Train with structure and purpose
- Build consistent habits
- Get feedback and guidance from experienced coaches
- Learn how to carry their off-court discipline into their game
But we’re learning from his story—and using it to challenge every player we coach to show up differently.
Want to train with more purpose?
Explore EYG Basketball programs → https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events

At 19 years old, Dominique Malonga was the youngest player drafted in the WNBA when the Seattle Storm picked her No. 2 overall. With her size, skill, and potential, she was called a “unicorn.” But her rookie season didn’t start with highlight reels. It started on the bench. For most of the first half of the season, she barely played. Frustrating? Absolutely. But instead of being negative, Malonga stayed ready. She studied veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, clapped for her teammates, and asked constant questions. She turned frustration into fuel. By midseason, the patience and hard work paid off. Malonga became the youngest player in league history to reach 300 points and record back-to-back double-doubles. Suddenly, Seattle’s playoff hopes rested on the same rookie who was once just watching from the bench. So, what can players learn from Malonga? Patience and persistence matter. Success isn’t instant—stay consistent. Learn from the best. Watch, listen, and apply what veterans do. Confidence comes from work. She built belief through preparation. Energy is everything. Even before she played big minutes, her attitude lifted her team. Work > hype. Being called a star means nothing if you don’t put in the reps. Malonga’s story is a reminder: greatness is built day by day. Talent opens the door, but work, mindset, and resilience keep you in the room. At EYG Basketball, we help players do exactly that. Whether it’s skill development, game IQ, or building the habits that matter, our programs prepare you for your moment—on and off the court. 👉 Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link





