It’s been awhile since I’ve watched a high school basketball game and it was a little eye opening. As a former high school hooper and a Division III player at UC Santa Cruz, basketball's always been my core. But these high schoolers? They were playing modern hoops like the NBA. They were spacing the court, launching 25-foot threes, and tossing up off-balanced shots. They were emulating the pros but lacking one thing…. the fundamentals.
I read somewhere recently that around 3.6% of high school players make it to college ball. Division I? Just 1%. Dreaming of the NBA? Less than 0.03% make it.
If you want to become a strong player on your high school team and have a chance to make it to college, you need an edge. Today's game loves Flash, but my old-school grind taught me that fundamentals are king. My style may be outdated to some, but it's the work ethic behind it—doing the detailed work when nobody's watching.
In my opinion, here's how to stand out straight from my driveway days
Fundamentals: The Heart of the Game
Modern basketball is about highlight reels, spread offenses, drive-and-dish, and deep threes. Young players try to channel the pros, chasing style over substance. But you can't shine without a foundation. Heck, we all wanted to be Michael Jordan in our time, but most of us had to stay a little more grounded.
As the son of a high school varsity coach, I was raised on fundamentals. Proper shooting mechanics—square up, eyes on the rim, elbow in, follow-through—were second nature to me. I shot 45% from three-point range, not by bombing away but by perfecting my mechanics. I even used a 15-inch rim in my driveway to make every shot a challenge.
As a college basketball player, I also worked as a counselor at some high profile camps of NBA legends, learning from the pros and elite coaches who preached the same truth: everything goes back to fundamentals. High school players, if you want to play college ball, master the basics before chasing highlights. That's what college coaches notice.
Tip 1: Shoot 300 Shots a Day
300 shots a day, every day. That wasn't hype; it was life during the '80s and '90s. There were no club teams, just summer leagues in hot, steamy gyms with swamp coolers or workouts in the driveway.
My workouts were relentless: Running timed 2-mile runs (People to this day still remember seeing me running around town), short sprints, and weighted jump ropes, all to make those 300 shots even more difficult. I'd use trash cans to simulate defenders or come off imaginary screens. I wouldn't go in till I hit 90 out of 100 free throws and over 50 percent on my three-pointers. Commit to daily skill work. Hit mid-range shots, free throws, catch-and-shoot threes. Do all this before moving on to the "off-balance shots. Perfect your form. My "outdated" style might not go viral, but that's the unseen hustle. Those hours alone in the gym or driveway build a work ethic that pays off.
Tip 2: Build Solid Handles
A great shot is useless if you can't get open. Every workout started with ball handling, crossovers, hesitations, and behind-the-back moves before I took a jumper. I'd weave through driveway trash cans like defenders, prepping for game pressure. Make a dribbling routine your foundation. Practice moves to shake defenders, set up shots, or dish passes. Master basics like jump stops and pivots.
The modern game loves flashy handles, but the ones who pair style with control? They get college looks. That grind when nobody's watching? It's your launchpad for success
Tip 3: Do The Little Things Well
Everyone wants the 30-foot-three or the TikTok dunk. But games turn on the little things.I wasn't the tallest at 6'1 or fastest, but I owned the basics. Crisp passes, solid closeouts, and hustle. My dad always said, "Do the simple things well, and you'll be there when it counts." This makes you the one coaches trust: cut turnovers, box out, and make smart plays. The "boring" skills—passing, pivoting, defending—make you indispensable. In a 3.6% world, that's how you stand out.
My '80s—'90s grind—300 shots, trash cans, and 15-inch rims—might seem outdated in this instant-gratification era. However, it built my discipline and work ethic, which enabled me to succeed. If you commit to shooting, ball handling, and the little things that matter, that's your edge.
Bonus Tip:
Bonus Tip:
You’ve got more tools at your fingertips today than I ever did. AI shooting apps can now track your shot mechanics, give instant feedback, and break down film like a pro coach. If you're serious about gaining every edge, the insight is right there—waiting to be used. Here are a few screenshots from a recent workout of mine at 54. If I were a player or coach today, I’d make this kind of tech a core part of my offseason program. No excuses. Maximize every rep.
