Galen Harkness • February 23, 2026
Talent Can Make You Good. Dedication Decides How Far You Go.
Every season I see the same pattern.
Some players look great because they are simply more athletic than everyone else. They run faster, jump higher, and the game feels easier for them.
And honestly — at the high school level, that can work.
For a while.
Why athletic players succeed early
In youth and high school basketball, physical differences are big.
Some players mature earlier. Some grow faster. Some naturally move better than others.
Because of this, athletic players can score without advanced skill. They can defend with effort alone and recover from mistakes using speed.
Athleticism can carry players through early success.
But athleticism is not a long-term plan.
What changes as players get older
As competition improves, the athletic gap disappears.
By varsity basketball, almost everyone is athletic. By college basketball, everyone was the best athlete on their high school team.
Now the game changes.
Coaches value players who make good decisions, shoot consistently, move well without the ball, and understand how to play.
Skill begins to matter more than raw ability.
The trap players fall into
Early success can slow development.
When the game feels easy, players often stop working on fundamentals. They rely on what already works instead of building new skills.
Meanwhile, other players are quietly improving every day.
Eventually the competition catches up physically, and the advantage disappears.
This is when many athletic players struggle — not because they lack talent, but because their development stopped.
Athleticism is temporary. Skill lasts.
Athleticism helps you win today.
Skill and dedication determine how long you get to play.
The players who continue improving are the ones who train even when things are going well. They work on weaknesses before they become problems.
They understand that improvement is a daily choice.
Watch high-level basketball closely
The best players are not doing complicated moves every possession.
They play simple.
One or two dribbles. Change of speed. Strong footwork. Smart decisions.
Efficiency wins games at higher levels.
Simple, skilled basketball beats uncontrolled athleticism.
The message for players
If you are athletic, that is a great advantage.
But don’t confuse early success with long-term growth.
Eventually everyone becomes athletic.
When that happens, preparation separates players.
Talent may get you noticed.
Dedication keeps you playing.
The EYG belief
At EYG Basketball, we focus on long-term development.
We help players build skills, confidence, and understanding so they are prepared as the game gets harder.
No hype. No shortcuts. Just consistent work that translates to real games.
If you love basketball and are willing to improve, we’re here to help guide the process.
Why Simple Dominates Basketball I like watching NBA clips of individual players. Yes — they are athletic. But that is not what catches my attention. It is how simple they keep the game. One or two dribble moves. Change of speed. Change of direction. Control of pace. They are intelligent with the ball. Fans enjoy highlights and Top-10 plays. But at the highest level, it is simple basketball that dominates games. The Truth Most Players Miss Great players are not doing ten moves. They are doing one move well. Then they read the defense and react. Watch clips of Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard: Change of speed Strong footwork One decisive dribble move Finishing with both hands Nothing complicated. Just efficient basketball. What Players Should Do Instead of Just Watching Watching highlights should not be entertainment only. It should be learning. Pick one thing you notice. Then go work on it. Not ten skills. Not a new move every day. One skill. Repeated with purpose. That is how improvement actually happens. Why This Matters Simple skills win possessions. Simple decisions win games. Players who master the basics move: From bench → starter From starter → best shooter From shooter → leading scorer From high school player → college opportunity The game rewards players who execute simple things at a high level. How EYG Helps At EYG Basketball, we work with players who are ready to work. Players who want real development — not hype. We help athletes build: Ball control Footwork Shooting consistency Game decision-making Confidence through repetition If you are ready to improve, we are ready to help. 👉 View current EYG opportunities: https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events https://app.upperhand.io/customers/165-eyg-basketball/events
Why making shots changes everything for young players—and how a simple training plan helps them build confidence, earn minutes, and enjoy the game more.
Basketball players improve fastest by combining training, team games, and pickup basketball. Learn how these three pieces work together.