Galen Harkness • April 25, 2024

Mastering the Art of Basketball: Lessons from UCONN's Cam Spencer

In the world of basketball, mastering the fundamentals can set you apart.

In the world of basketball, mastering the fundamentals can set you apart. We’ve analyzed UCONN Husky Guard Cam Spencer’s play style to break down key skills that any player can develop to elevate their game. Here’s a practical guide to help you adapt these techniques over the next 30 to 90 days.


Developing Basketball Skills Inspired by Cam Spencer


1. Finishing Skills:

  - One-foot and Two-foot Finishes: To improve your ability to finish on the move, practice drills that alternate between one-foot and two-foot jumps near the rim. Mix these up by doing them off the dribble and off the catch.


  - Left and Right Hand Finishes: Use the Mikan Drill to perfect your ambidextrous layups. Perform this drill under the basket, focusing on repetitive, alternating shots with both hands to enhance comfort and skill from various angles.


2. Pace and Control:


  - Pace of Play and Change of Pace: Incorporate full-court dribble drills with variations in speed. This simulates game-like scenarios and improves decision-making under pressure.


  - Patience and Body Control: Practice dribbling in tight spaces or play 1v1. This helps in developing patience and understanding how to use space effectively.


3. Strategic Play:


  - Reading the Defense: Watch game films, focusing on how defenders react in different situations. Pair this with on-court practice where a coach or a teammate mimics defensive movements, allowing you to react and make strategic decisions in real-time.


  - Adaptive Gameplay: Engage in pickup games that challenge you to adapt to various playing styles and defensive strategies. This not only improves your physical agility but also sharpens your mental game, helping you to 'read' the game better.


Inspiration to Excel:


Remember, every good player was once a player with a dream, working hard every day to refine these very skills. Consider the transformation of Stephen Curry, who entered the league as a good shooter but transformed into a historical great through relentless practice and studying of the game. Let this be your inspiration. If you dedicate yourself to mastering these skills, you too can achieve your greatness on the court.


Conclusion:


Starting today, focus on integrating these drills and strategies into your training routine. The next 30 to 90 days could define your future in basketball, making you a more proficient, intuitive, and skilled player. Remember, the key to success is consistent effort and a willingness to learn from every game and practice session.


How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size
By Galen Harkness April 30, 2025
Every player wants to make an impact. Score. Steal. Pass. Rebound. Make plays. Help your team. That's the fun of the game. But what if you're not the biggest or the tallest player on the court? Don’t let size hold you back. What matters more is your effort, mindset, and willingness to work. Here are 5 ways smaller players can consistently impact the game: 1. Run the Floor Sprint hard every time. Even if you don’t get the ball, you put pressure on the defense —and open up opportunities for your team. 2. Cut with Purpose Move without the ball. Defenders relax when you stand still. Cut hard, look for gaps, and make plays from movement. 3. Push the Pace When you get the ball, go. Put pressure on the defense before they’re set. Play fast. Make good decisions. 4. Get Paint Touches Attack the paint. Great things happen when you get inside—draw defenders, finish strong, or kick out to teammates. The paint changes the game. 5. Hustle Plays Win Games Dive for the loose ball. Battle for rebounds. Take charges. Be feisty, relentless, and tough to play against. What Separates Players? Mindset. Do you believe you belong? Do you believe you can make a difference? Keep showing up. Keep working hard. Keep finding ways to impact the game. Your size doesn’t define your value. Your effort and mindset do. https://www.loom.com/share/0c0113c8b25c422ba7e10803b818d6b0?sid=ccecfb29-bc1a-4dc1-ac51-a0ba204e3d18 The video below is of TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. The average height in the NBA is 6'7". TJ is 6'1" and has a MASSIVE impact on the game. He does all the things listed above and more.
A black and white photo of a person 's hand holding a basketball.
By Galen Harkness March 30, 2025
Last night, one of our EYG players hit eight threes in a single game. Not because he got hot. Because he made the decision to shoot— And had the confidence to let it fly. That confidence came from 7 months of consistent training: 4 workouts per week 2 full seasons of 5-on-5 play Mostly group training, with a few private sessions He had a goal. He showed up. He did the work, even on the hard days. And when the moment came, he was ready. This isn’t the end of his journey. It’s just a stepping stone. If you know a player with a goal—someone ready to work— EYG is here when they are. Let’s keep growing. Keep working. Keep dreaming. Keep elevating your game.
By Galen Harkness March 18, 2025
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