Lukas Leskauskas shares insights on training basketball players, focusing on the importance of resilience, tailored training programs and the balance between general and specific exercises. He emphasizes the need for young athletes to develop strength and movement skills while maintaining a strong attitude and commitment to their training. The discussion also covers the significance of conditioning in-season and the role of explosiveness in performance.

Takeaways

• Building resilience is key in competition.
• Young players need to do more than older players.
• Strength training is essential for basketball performance.
• General exercises build a strong foundation for athletes.
• Rest periods are crucial for optimal performance.
• Attitude and commitment are vital for success.
• Training should focus on movement patterns relevant to basketball.
• Explosiveness requires a combination of strength and skill.
• Conditioning should be tailored to individual player needs.
• Coaches must observe and adapt training based on player performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lukas Leskauskas
00:55 Celebrating Success: Team Dynamics and Expectations
03:58 Building Up to Performance: Strategy in Competition
05:14 Designing Training Programs for Young Athletes
08:01 Tailoring Programs: Young vs. Older Players
11:00 Strength Training: The Path to Professionalism
12:59 The Importance of Defense and Skill Development
16:58 General vs. Specific Training in Strength Conditioning
19:53 Explosive Training: Foundations and Techniques
23:50 Observational Coaching Techniques
26:28 Integrating Movement Patterns in Training
28:13 Weight Room Strategies for Jumping and Speed
30:57 Conditioning Needs for Players
33:57 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

Stan discusses the critical importance of conditioning for basketball players. He outlines the three types of conditioning: physical, movement efficiency, and mental conditioning, emphasizing how each contributes to overall performance on the court. The conversation covers practical tips for improving conditioning, the significance of measuring progress, and the necessity of consistency in training. Stan encourages players to embrace the challenge of conditioning to enhance their skills and readiness for competitive play.


Takeaways

• Conditioning is essential for basketball performance.
• There are three types of conditioning: physical, movement efficiency, and mental.
• Many players neglect running and conditioning.
• Conditioning affects both offensive and defensive play.
• Short bursts of energy are crucial in basketball.
• Measuring conditioning helps track improvement.
• Incorporate conditioning into skill drills.
• Consistency is key to building conditioning over time.
• Push yourself during practice to improve conditioning.
• Embrace discomfort to build character and conditioning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Basketball Conditioning
02:44 The Importance of Conditioning in Basketball
05:42 Types of Conditioning: Physical, Movement, and Mental
08:29 Practical Conditioning Drills and Tests
11:17 Improving Conditioning Through Practice
16:44 Building Conditioning Over Time

Critical role of nutrition in athletic recovery and performance. He emphasizes that proper nutrition can significantly enhance recovery, allowing athletes to reach their full potential. The conversation covers game day nutrition strategies, including what to eat before, during, and after games, as well as general nutrition habits for athletes. Stan also addresses how to manipulate nutrition based on specific goals, such as losing fat or gaining muscle, while stressing the importance of hydration and balanced meals.

Takeaways

Nutrition can cover 90% of your recovery.
Recovery is a limiting factor for many players.
Minimize fruits and vegetables before the game to avoid digestive issues.
During the game, focus on water, salt, and sugar.
Post-game, grab a protein shake and a fruit like a banana.
Limit empty calories to reduce inflammation.
Ask yourself where your protein, fruit, and water are at each meal.
If you want to gain weight, eat everything you can.
Always prioritize recovery to perform well in basketball.
Fuel yourself properly to maximize your athletic potential.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nutrition and Recovery
02:20 Pregame Meal Essentials
07:20 During and Post-Game Nutrition
11:00 General Nutrition Habits
14:02 Strategies for Fat Loss and Muscle Gain

Takeaways

• Consistency is more important than motivation.
• Use dark energy as a fuel for progress.
• You fall to the level of your systems.
• Success is determined by your actions, not feelings.
• Building trust with coaches requires consistent effort.
• Expect slumps in progress; persistence is key.
• Set measurable process goals to track improvement.
• Daily habits lead to long-term success.
• Motivation is temporary; habits are lasting.
• Choose one habit to practice daily for improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Consistency Over Motivation
00:53 The Importance of Consistency in Achieving Goals
08:31 Building Trust Through Consistency
12:37 Setting Measurable Process Goals
15:57 Daily Habits for Long-Term Success

Summary

Here I discuss the importance of motivation, goal setting, and overcoming excuses in the pursuit of success. I emphasize the power of gratitude, the need to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and the significance of taking ownership of one's actions. The conversation encourages you all to build a no-excuse environment and to train consistently, regardless of circumstances.

Takeaways

• Stop making excuses and start taking action.
• Gratitude can shift your perspective on challenges.
• Excuses weaken your resolve and hinder progress.
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Take ownership of your training and performance.
• Replace excuses with actionable steps.
• Build an environment that fosters accountability.
• Train consistently, even when conditions are not ideal.
• Be honest with yourself about your limitations.
• Success requires a proactive mindset and effort.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Motivation and Mindset
02:46 The Dangers of Complaining and Making Excuses
06:15 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
10:18 Taking Ownership and Responsibility
14:24 Building a No-Excuse Environment
16:42 Overcoming Obstacles and Taking Action

What agents really do (and don’t) in basketball.
I sit down with Lithuanian agent Gytis Ruskevicius to unpack what an agent actually does, when (and if) you need one, how early signing can backfire with NCAA rules, and why physicality + S&C + playing hard matter more than chasing agents.

• Agents negotiate — they don’t create talent.
• Don’t rush to sign; focus on development.
• Attention matters: too many clients = less for you.
• NCAA path: avoid official agent deals before college.
• Get noticed by playing well, not DM’ing agents.
• Choose clubs with transfer history upward.
• Physicality separates youth from pros.
• Build strength, set hard screens, embrace contact.
• Play harder, earlier: even in Sunday/company leagues.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters
01:02 Who Gytis is (agency background, clients, markets)
06:07 What agents actually do beyond contracts
09:03 Do you need an agent? Best timing & expectations
14:10 NCAA vs. FIBA basics: why early contracts are risky
16:09 Verbal agreements, parents signing, staying flexible
17:48 How players get noticed (scouts are already watching)
21:34 After high school: where to play to move up
23:46 Beware traps: low leagues with “nice money” but no pathway
25:52 The key question: does this club move players up?
28:03 Biggest jump to pros: physicality (what it means)
32:05 Mental & on-court toughness: screens, box-outs, contact
34:29 Maturity, genetics, and practical ways to get physical
35:20 Smart hack: play Sunday/company leagues for men’s physicality
38:24 Final advice: discipline over agents; focus on controllables
39:18 Host summary: the 3 big points

Connect with Gytis on Instagram

@agentgytis

What are you training for?

It is not enough to just say, “I’m grinding” or “I’m working hard.” If you don’t know why you’re training, you will struggle to stay consistent when motivation runs out. In this episode, I break down the three types of goals every player needs:

• Outcome goals – the big dream you’re chasing
• Performance goals – measurable checkpoints along the way
• Process goals – the daily actions that build real progress

I also explain why your “why” has to be strong enough to get you out of bed on the dark, rainy mornings when you don’t feel like working.

🎧 Listen now, write down your goals, and start building your future.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Your Training Purpose
02:57 Setting Effective Goals
05:55 Breaking Down Goals into Actionable Steps
09:04 Finding Your Deep 'Why' for Motivation
12:11 Writing Down Goals and Taking Action

Why you cannot fake the work? Too many players focus on looking like they are working hard on social media, but the truth always shows up in games and practices.

I share what real work looks like—consistent effort, tracking progress, and doing the boring basics when no one is watching. I also explain why skipping the hard parts, faking sprints, or only doing drills you already master will hold you back.

My goal with this short episode is to remind you that greatness comes from unseen hours, honest effort, and consistency, not highlight reels.

🎧 Tune in, share it with a teammate who needs to hear this, and let’s start the week on the right note.

Takeaways

• Understanding your 'why' is crucial for motivation.
• Goals should be meaningful and personal.
• Daily actions are essential to achieving long-term goals.
• Measurable performance goals bridge the gap to ultimate goals.
• Asking 'why' multiple times helps uncover deeper motivations.
• Writing down goals increases accountability and commitment.
• Training should align with personal aspirations and values.
• Success requires consistent effort and self-discipline.
• Visual reminders of goals can enhance focus and determination.
• Inspiration can come from wanting to help others succeed.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Your Why in Training
02:53 Setting Effective Goals for Success
05:43 The Importance of Daily Actions
08:47 Digging Deeper: Understanding Your True Motivations
11:42 Writing Down Goals and Taking Action