Galen Harkness • November 4, 2025
The Game Is Only Part of the Journey
Every player loves game day.

The lights. The noise. The scoreboard.
It’s exciting — and it matters.
But here’s the truth: the game is only one part of the journey.
What happens before the game?
That’s where everything’s built.
Early mornings in the gym.
Skill reps when no one’s watching.
Strength sessions that build your body.
Film study that sharpens your mind.
That’s where real growth happens.
Like a body with many parts, your game has many pieces — skill, strength, mindset, habits, and heart.
When one part is weak, the whole body feels it.
But when every part works together, everything moves with purpose.
Players, parents, and coaches often focus on the games.
But the players who find real joy — who play with confidence and freedom — are the ones who value the process.
They don’t just prepare for game day.
They prepare for every day.
So if you want more from basketball…
Take care of the parts that don’t make the highlight reel.
The sweat.
The study.
The sacrifice.
Because when those pieces come together — the game takes care of itself.
Development is the journey.
The game is just the reward.
Whenever You’re Ready, EYG Can Help
When you’re ready to invest in your game, we’re here to guide the process — step by step.
EYG helps players grow through:
- Skill Training
– purposeful sessions that build game-ready fundamentals.
- Group Workouts
– competitive reps with personalized coaching.
- Camps and Clinics
– focused experiences that sharpen skills fast.
- Online Resources
– training plans, videos, and tools you can access anytime.
No shortcuts.
No gimmicks.
Just real development — one session at a time.
Learn more 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





