Galen Harkness • February 18, 2025
Training vs. Trying: The Path to More Playing Time
Imagine you’re sitting on the bench, watching the game unfold.
Imagine you’re sitting on the bench, watching the game unfold. You want to be out there, making an impact. You tell yourself, Next game, I’ll try harder. I’ll be more aggressive. I’ll take my shot when I get the chance.
But when the opportunity comes, nothing changes. You’re still hesitant, still struggling to stand out. Why? Because playing time isn’t about trying harder—it’s about being prepared.
There’s a big difference between trying to play more and training to earn more.
Players who go from benchwarmers to contributors don’t just hope for more minutes—they train for them. Starters who become game-changers don’t just show up—they put in extra work. If you want to play more, score more, and impact the game, you have to train like it.
That’s where EYG Basketball comes in. Our spring and summer programs are built to help players:
Improve their skills so they’re ready when their number is called
Develop the confidence to play aggressively and make an impact
Build the consistency and habits that coaches can’t ignore
If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, don’t just try harder. Train with purpose.
Check out our programs at www.eygball.com and start working toward the minutes you want.
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. š Ready to grow? Explore EYG Programs Original ESPN article link
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