Galen Harkness • November 6, 2025
Turning Adversity Into Opportunity
Why Struggles Are the Best Part of the Journey
Let’s be honest.
It’s easy to love basketball when things go well.
Shots fall.
Coaches praise you.
You win.
But what happens when:
- You’re in a slump?
- You don’t make the team?
- You miss the game-winner?
That’s when the real story begins.
Every Player Faces Adversity
And it’s not a bad thing
Tough games.
Hard practices.
Doubt creeping in.
It’s part of the game — and part of life.
But here’s what most players (and parents) miss:
Those low moments?
They’re actually chances to grow stronger.
What If the Struggle Is the Strength?
When players learn to:
- Push through failure
- Stay committed when it’s hard
- Bounce back after mistakes
They don’t just improve their skills —
They build something bigger:
🟧 Confidence
🟧 Resilience
🟧 Long-term success
Players Who Grow the Most…
Aren’t the ones who always win.
They’re the ones who:
- Get back up
- Reflect and adjust
- Keep showing up
Not because it’s easy —
But because it matters.
What Parents Can Do
When your child faces a challenge, pause before trying to fix it.
Instead, ask:
- “What did you learn?”
- “What will you try next time?”
- “How can I support your effort?”
Let them wrestle with the moment.
That’s how confidence is built.
Coaches Know the Truth
Adversity reveals:
- Who’s coachable
- Who’s committed
- Who’s ready to grow
The best development doesn’t happen when things are easy.
It happens when things are hard — and the player keeps going.
How EYG Basketball Can Help
At EYG, we’re committed to helping players build skill, confidence, and resilience that lasts far beyond the court.
Here’s how we support that journey:
✅ Structured skill training for 3rd–12th grade players
✅ Game-like workouts that turn struggle into growth
✅ Coaching that builds confidence, habits, and IQ
✅ Programs for beginners, advanced players, and everyone in between
Whether it’s through our training sessions, seasonal programs, or mindset-building resources —
We help players work through adversity and come out better on the other side.
Explore upcoming events and training opportunities:
👉 eygbball.com
Games are just one part of a player’s journey. Real growth happens in training, mindset, and preparation. Discover how EYG helps players develop fully.
Help your player work hard, have fun, and improve this winter at EYG Basketball. Camps, clinics, and the 2026 Transformation Program now open.
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