Q&A for How to Get in the NBA

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  • Question
    What does it take to become a professional basketball player?
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
    Basketball Coach
    Expert Answer
    You have to have actions to back up your dreams. Work with your coach to make up a plan of the things you're going to do on a daily basis that are going to move you one step at a time in the direction of your goals. In the end, it all comes down to your work ethic, commitment, and determination.
  • Question
    What are the odds of making it into the NBA?
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
    Basketball Coach
    Expert Answer
    It's very difficult to make it that far. However, if you keep working toward your goal, doors may open in other areas that you never thought possible, so don't give up.
  • Question
    Can I get into the NBA if I live outside of the US?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Plenty of players have gotten into the NBA from all over the world, including Australia, England, and South America. Try registering, or play overseas – if you do well enough, you can request to play in the NBA.
  • Question
    How can I get to be a good point guard?
    Community Answer
    Set others up and know the plays inside and out enhance your knowledge of the game. Always keep an eye out for the open player. See further: How to Be a Point Guard .
  • Question
    Can you go to the NBA without being drafted?
    Community Answer
    You might get signed as a free agent, or you can attend NBA summer league, where players get chances to make an NBA roster.
  • Question
    What do you have to do to build muscles for basketball?
    Community Answer
    Work out, find a routine which works for you. Build muscle mass in your legs, arms and especially shoulders, so as to prevent injury.
  • Question
    Can you be short and still be good?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course. There are people in the NBA who are as short as 5'10". Don't let your size determine whether you go pro or not. But if you are shorter, prepare to work even harder to show you're worth it.
  • Question
    What do NBA coaches look for in players?
    Community Answer
    They look at such skills as your shooting, ball handling, physical ability and your vision on the court.
  • Question
    Do you have any tips for how not to be scared when playing a game?
    Community Answer
    Think about something calming. Think about how much pressure a real NBA player has because a simple high school game is nothing compared to that.
  • Question
    How would I handle all the pressure on me when I'm are playing?
    Community Answer
    Don't think about the real game. Imagine you are playing a friendly game between friends that is a little more competitive than usual.
  • Question
    How do I make my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player come true?
    Community Answer
    You train every day your hardest and practice taking shots every day. Create a vision board that shows you actually being in the college basketball team. Place this in your room as a focus point and check on it daily, saying affirmations to yourself that you will be a real part of it some day soon. Keep practicing and never give up on basketball. Also, remember that talent without effort is pointless, so practice some more.
  • Question
    How do you make a three point shot?
    Community Answer
    A three point shot form is different for every player. Stephan Curry points his feet to the right lining up his hip, elbow, and wrist with the basket but Ray Allen points his feet at the basket and with both shoots, they extend their arm as far as they can flicking their wrist with their fingers pointing down. The middle finger is the last one to be pointed down. The arc depends on player.
  • Question
    Do I need to play in AAU to make the NBA?
    Community Answer
    No -- the path to the NBA is different for everybody. For example, small foward Otto Potter did not play AAU basketball at all.
  • Question
    Can I be in the NBA if I have asthma?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you just need to ask the coach to limit your time, so you can catch a breather.
  • Question
    Do you have any other tips?
    Community Answer
    Follow a favorite player and copy their strategies and style if you consider these fit with your own abilities.
  • Question
    How can I keep from getting discouraged?
    Community Answer
    Keep trying new things. Don't just quit and say "I can't do it!" Focus on the game and don't let anything get you down. Maintain small achievable goals, like hitting a difficult shot or scoring a certain number of points, and keep making them harder as you progress.
  • Question
    What average height you have to be?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the position you'll be. If you are a point guard, then 6'3; a shooting guard 6'6; a small forward 6'9; a power forward 6'10; an center 6'11 or 7'0.
  • Question
    How do I get people to pass to me?
    Community Answer
    Try to show that you are worth the pass. If you don't show this clearly, then they most likely won't pass the ball to you. Also, don't ball hog, which is having the ball all to yourself and showing off. Pass it to other players too, if you ever receive the ball.
  • Question
    How can I practice if I can't go to the gym?
    Community Answer
    You can always go to public courts and play ball there, or use a hoop at your house or friend's house.
  • Question
    How can I decide which team I want to play for?
    Community Answer
    Consider the chemistry you feel when you're playing with the team. If there is a good click, then that's the one to go for. Of course, if you're so lucky to be able to choose!
  • Question
    What kind of food am I meant to eat?
    Community Answer
    You'll need to follow a healthy diet with healthy fats, veggies, and high protein.
  • Question
    If someone is bashing my dream, do I confront him on the court or just ignore him?
    Community Answer
    Ignore him, because who is he to know anything about you or your dream?
  • Question
    What if I have mastered all the steps already?
    Community Answer
    Work harder at all the things that you do. You can always get better.
  • Question
    Are girls able to join the NBA? Also, what is the age restriction?
    Community Answer
    You can join the WNBA, which is the women's basketball association, but not the NBA. Players need to be at least 22.
  • Question
    Could I be in the NBA if I'm from a small town?
    Community Answer
    Yes! It might be harder, but there are plenty of players in the NBA who aren't from major cities or large towns. It's more about your skill level and willingness to do what it takes to be noticed.
  • Question
    Does a healthy diet really matter?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely. There is no way you can perform at your best if you're not maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Question
    How do I improve my shots without a coach?
    Community Answer
    Just practice, constantly practice. Getting the ball in the hoop doesn't necessarily need to be taught, however, it can help.
  • Question
    What should a center do to be good?
    Community Answer
    A center should be able to do the team's dirty work, such as grabbing rebounds and setting screens. A good center should also be able to post up and score for easy buckets in the paint. A good shot blocker is also very valuable.
  • Question
    How do I stop getting tired in the middle of the game?
    Community Answer
    You can do more conditioning, such as running, jogging, etc. Practice running drills in your spare time (if you don't know any, look them up on YouTube or ask your coach). Make sure to stay hydrated during the game.
  • Question
    Do I have to play in middle school?
    Community Answer
    Yes, so you can learn the game, improve your skills, and then play in high school.
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