Galen Harkness • May 12, 2025
Hard Work Is Rewarded. Doesn’t Matter Who You Are.
A strong team culture doesn’t start with talent.
A strong team culture doesn’t start with talent.
It starts with trust.
When Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland said:
“Players are feeling they can contribute every night, that everyone has a role, and that hard work is rewarded. Doesn’t matter who you are.”
He wasn’t just describing a successful locker room.
He was describing the culture every coach should strive to create.
Why This Mindset Matters
1. It Builds Trust
Players know opportunity isn’t based on politics—it’s earned. That creates belief in the system.
2. It Drives Consistent Effort
When effort is noticed and rewarded, players show up, work hard, and grow.
3. It Elevates Everyone
Rewarding hustle over hype raises the standard. Effort becomes contagious.
4. It Keeps Coaches Honest
You have to coach with clarity and consistency. No favorites. No fluff. Just earned roles.
5. It Prepares Players for Life
Hard work matters beyond basketball. Teaching that lesson is part of your job.
A Challenge for Coaches
Ask yourself:
Do your players know what it takes to earn trust?
Do they believe effort will actually lead to opportunity?
Are you rewarding the right things?
If the answer is no, you still have time to change that.
Make your program one where hard work is the standard—regardless of status.
It will unlock your team’s potential.
Want More Players Who Work Hard and Get Better?
Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways EYG Basketball can help:
1. Committed Skills Academy
Train up to 2x per week. Focused 90-minute workouts on ballhandling, shooting, finishing, and playmaking. Affordable, flexible, and consistent.
2. EYG Basketball Camps
Summer camps across Superior, Northglenn, and Longmont. Open to rec and competitive players. Check our homepage for dates and details.
3. Training Memberships
3-month minimum. For serious, coachable players who want to get out of their comfort zone and grow.
Coaches—we’re here to help your players improve so they can perform better for you.
Explore all options at eygbball.com
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
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