Watch the Best to Become the Best: Why Studying the NBA Matters - GHP008
Release Date: 06/07/2025
The 3 Levels of Awareness: Mastering the Mental Game of Basketball - GHP010
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In Episode 10 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of basketball development—mental awareness—and how mastering it can completely change your game. Inspired by a conversation with Coach Wade and an elite chess player’s story, this episode introduces a unique framework: the Three Levels of Awareness every player must understand and grow through. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly "know the game", not just play it. Discover why many young athletes are stuck in...
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What Hard Work Really Means: Elevating Your Game and Mindset - GHP009
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In this compelling episode of the Grit Hoops podcast, Coach Kerry dives deep into the essence of hard work, drawing from his extensive experience with youth athletes. Joined by producer Chris Nesi, they explore the transformative impact of dedication and passion on players’ journeys. Featuring stories about standout athletes like Diamond Miller, Jaylen Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Belle Pellecchia, and Olivia Miles, listeners will gain insight into the traits that lead to success on and off the court. Key takeaways include the importance of a genuine love for the game, the power of supportive...
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Watch the Best to Become the Best: Why Studying the NBA Matters - GHP008
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In Episode 8 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we challenge a long-standing myth in youth basketball development: the idea that young players shouldn't study the NBA. Coach Kerry breaks down why watching professional basketball—especially the NBA—is not only beneficial, but essential for maximizing a player’s potential. From learning high-level habits and skills to understanding elite mentality and work ethic, players at every level can transform their game by being true students of the sport. This episode explores the importance of studying specific players who mirror your style and body type,...
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How to Self-Assess Your Game and Take It to the Next Level - GHP007
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In Episode 7 of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry from Grit Basketball breaks down how players, parents, and coaches can effectively self-assess performance using the Grit Grid. Forget the scoreboard and the stat sheet—learn how to evaluate your assertiveness, aggressiveness, and impact on the game, with or without the ball. Discover the value of tracking your touches, transitions, defensive pressure, and off-ball movement to uncover your true attack rate. This episode will help you shift your mindset from traditional game judgment to purposeful self-evaluation—and give you tools to grow...
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Is the Transfer Portal or NIL Ruining Basketball? - GHP006
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In this episode, Coach Kerry tackles a hot-button issue in the basketball world: is the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era hurting the game—or helping it evolve? Coach Kerry breaks it all down with a nuanced take on how these changes are reshaping high school, college, and youth basketball. Key Topics Covered: Why NIL and the Transfer Portal aren’t “ruining” basketball—but are definitely changing the landscape. How college players benefit from increased mobility and monetization. The real impact on high school players' recruitment and development. Why...
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Mechanics Over Myths: Building Elite Shooters - GHP005
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In this game-changing episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry talks about what it really takes to become a great shooter. Forget what you thought you knew — he's breaking down common shooting myths, examining the mechanics used by the world’s top shooters, and laying out the GRIT method for developing confident, consistent scorers. Coach Kerry shares his personal journey from questioning traditional shooting teachings to spending part of his career as the East Coast Director for , and now teaching players all over how to truly shoot the basketball. Whether you're a coach, player, or...
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Attack First: The Mindset That Changes Basketball - GHP004
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down why attacking is always the answer—both on and off the court. From celebrating standout players like and to dissecting the "Attack First" mindset, we explore how this approach can elevate teams, simplify decisions, and supercharge player development. Coach also answers a great question from on building long-term success through skill-based practices. Let’s get after it—attack first! The heart of the episode centers on what “Attack First” means in basketball terms. It’s not just about putting up shots—it’s...
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Why Positions Limit Players’ Future Success - GHP003
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
In this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Wade and Coach Kerry explain why traditional basketball positions can hinder a player’s long-term success. They discuss how limiting players to specific roles prevents skill development, adaptability, basketball IQ, and overall growth. Learn why positionless basketball is the key to unlocking a player’s full potential and how coaches, parents, and players can foster a more well-rounded game. The Problem with Positional Training Basketball is not like football—players are not locked into rigid roles with fixed responsibilities....
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Why Youth Basketball is Broken & How to Fix It - GHP002
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we take a hard look at the state of youth basketball development in America. Is AAU the problem? Are we too focused on games and results instead of real skill-building? We break down why the system is failing young athletes and, more importantly, how players, parents, and coaches can take control of the development process. Key Topics Covered: The Real Reason Young Players Struggle – It’s not confidence, it’s lack of skill development. Why Youth Basketball is Broken – The overemphasis on gameplay and winning over actual...
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BONUS: 2025 NCAA Tourney Shoutouts
The GRIT Hoops Podcast
March Madness is here, and we’re celebrating the incredible GRIT Basketball players competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels in the 2025 tournament! In this special bonus episode, we give a well-deserved shoutout to the athletes who have put in the work and earned their spot on the biggest stage in college basketball. Plus, we highlight GRIT alumni making waves in professional basketball, including WNBA Finals standout Diamond Miller and former Colgate star Tucker Richardson, now playing in Belgium. Featured Players – 2025 NCAA Tournament Division III Layla Castro – Stevens...
info_outlineIn Episode 8 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we challenge a long-standing myth in youth basketball development: the idea that young players shouldn't study the NBA. Coach Kerry breaks down why watching professional basketball—especially the NBA—is not only beneficial, but essential for maximizing a player’s potential. From learning high-level habits and skills to understanding elite mentality and work ethic, players at every level can transform their game by being true students of the sport.
This episode explores the importance of studying specific players who mirror your style and body type, the value of watching game film intentionally, and how observing both the triumphs and struggles of elite athletes can inspire growth and resilience. Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode delivers actionable insights that reinforce the GRIT philosophy: passion, performance, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
Key Topics Discussed:
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Why the NBA gets unfair criticism in youth development circles
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The developmental advantages of studying professional basketball
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Comparing styles of play across NBA, college, and high school levels
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What young players can learn from elite habits, like Steph Curry’s routines or James Harden’s postgame workouts
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Jalen Brunson’s use of “jailing” and how strategy impacts skill
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The value of watching women's professional basketball and international leagues
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How to adopt a pro-level mentality, even at a young age
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Learning from player setbacks and comebacks (e.g., Jayson Tatum's injury)
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The power of studying positive outcomes and the long-term impact of elite habits
Featured Examples:
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Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
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Steph Curry
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James Harden
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LeBron James
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Jason Kidd
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Diamond Miller, Olivia Miles, Jaylen Blakes, Makayla Blakes
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GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.