Liam Hunt
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Born and raised in Geraldton, Western Australia.
- Playing basketball since 8 years of age.
- Played high school basketball in Northern California for Drake high school.
- Played college basketball for Hope International University in Southern California.
- Played over 100 games for the Geraldton Buccaneers.
- Playing professional basketball in Munich, Germany.
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION TOWARDS A SEASON?
- When a season is completed, I like to take 2-4 weeks away from the game to reset and refocus.
- After the break, I want to set goals for myself to accomplish before the start of the following season. For example, running the floor, being able to play a full game effectively, shooting, and so on.
- Once I set my goals, I find a routine to complete during the week to complete those goals. Lifting 3-4 times per week, shooting 3 times a week, and eating/drinking the way I need to so my body will be ready to go from the first game.
WHAT IS YOUR GAME DAY ROUTINE?
- Nap 4 hours prior to tip-off.
- Eat spaghetti bolognas 3 hours before tip-off.
- Headphones on 2 hours before tip-off.
- Shoes on 1.5 hours before tip-off.
- Stretch and shoot until we go in to discuss strategy for the game.
- Game time!
WHAT HELPS YOU FOCUS PRIOR AND DURING A CONTEST?
- Prior to the game I envision what I need to do in the game to help the team win. This changes every single game due to different opponents and game styles. Some games I know I need to rebound every ball and run the floor the entire game, and others I know I have to control the play of the game when the ball is in my hands and be more aggressive when I get the chance. Watching film helps my focus points prior to the game because I will have a better understand of what I will expect against my direct opponent and the opposing team.
- During the game I focus on talking with my teammates and understanding that my actions are seen by everyone. When the game goes up and down, I need to show myself as a leader, whether that is celebrating a great play or keeping my head up when I make a poor one.
- When I shoot the ball, my focus is purely on my target and understanding that everyone will miss shots, my focus has to be keeping my head up when I miss, as I am my biggest critic, and understand that I can impact the game without having to score a bunch of points.
WhEN YOU ARE AT A LOW POINT OR SLUMP DURING A SEASON, WHO AND WHAT GETS YOU OVER THE HURDLE?
- My family, girlfriend, and teammates are my "who". I know, no matter what happens, they are proud of me and love me for who I am. The impact that they all share in my performance is something I can never repay them for. When I am missing shots or miss an assignment, they will always have my back. Super important to have in your life.
- When I cannot do anything right during a game, as much as it hurts, I have to watch the film of the game and see what I can do to improve. If I have no idea, I watch old game footage of myself playing a good game, and from there I will remember my mindset during that game and try to implement in the following contest.
- Most importantly, I follow my routine, nothing changes and I know my routine helps me be ready for the game.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THAT STICKS WITH YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
- The first bit of advice that has always stuck with me is "do not expect anything from anyone, especially teammates, and embrace them when they do something to impact a possession". This bit of advice has helped me embrace my teammates at every part of the game. Whether if they set a good screen, run the floor, box out, communicate and so on. I am always trying to embrace them and, in return, they embrace when I do something right. This helps my confidence, especially during a tough game.
- The second is "celebrate the little wins". My brother told me this after I destroyed my knee and now I stick with it for life. Be proud of what you accomplish and enjoy the journey of getting to your dream! Have to celebrate yourself sometimes, even if it is for the smallest thing.
DURING A CONTEST, WHEN THE GAME IS GOING AGAINST YOU, WHAT HELPS YOU REST AND REFOCUS?
- Be a great teammate. It is OK to be angry with yourself, but if you are being a great teammate, the favours will come to you.
- After missing shots or turning the ball over, focussing on getting an individual stop or forcing a turnover really gets me going and fired up. A big defensive stop should fire everyone up because that can change the game. Offence wins games, DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!
ANY ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE PROFESSIONALS THAT MAY READ THIS CONVERSATION?
- Enjoy every part of the journey. Kobe Bryant said during the celebration of his jersey retirement, "Working hard, even when you don't want to, and still getting it done. That is the dream".
- Playing any sport past the age of 18 is a gift. A lot of your friends journey will have ended by that stage. Love the opportunity to play!
- Lastly, I follow 3 rules on and off the court:
- Play Hard
- Have Fun
- Never Quit
from the writer:
Thank you all for reading this segment. If you have any further questions for the athlete, please feel free to get in contact with Breathe and we will do the best we can to get the answer for you.
If there are any questions that you would like to have asked in the future, please, also, get in contact with Breathe with the details below!
Email: coaches@breathebasketball.com.au
Instagram: breathebasketballonline
Facebook: Breathe Basketball Online
Go Breathe!