For some, “practice makes perfect” is a quote to live by. But for FAU basketball players, simply practicing isn’t enough.
“All sorts of things go into being a collegiate basketball player,” said returning starter Greg Gantt. “It’s not only about the hours you put in the gym but the time away from the court that matters as well.”
For Gantt, a junior who has led the team in scoring the past two seasons, the mental aspects of basketball are just as important as the physical aspects of the game.
On gamedays, Gantt watches YouTube highlights of NBA players to get himself mentally prepared before taking the court.
“Sometimes you spend three to five hours in the gym,” said Ganntt. “But before a game, to get myself mentally prepared and motivated to do my best I watch some of the best professional basketball players in the world on YouTube. Ray Allen is one of my favorites to watch.”
Gantt doesn’t just need YouTube videos, however.
Besides watching his favorite athletes, Gantt admits that getting ready to play a game involves a variety of different mental motivators.
“Every game is different,” he said. “Sometimes I need to pray to get in the right mindset, sometimes I need my music to push me to where I need to be.”
For senior guard Alex Tucker, things are a little different. Tucker, who received the team’s Sixth Man of the Year award last season, compares basketball to a full time job.
“There’s about 20 hours a week put on the practice court with the team,” said Tucker. “But then even more time [is] spent getting yourself prepared for the games. Just relying on the time spent at team practices won’t push anyone to the next level to succeed.”
Tucker spends time with his roommate, a team manager, taking hundreds of extra shots once the team is done practicing. Strength and conditioning also take up more of the players’ time away from the basketball court.
And of course, so do classes.
“It’s hard to have a social life because first comes basketball and school,” said Tucker. “Those two take up most of my time so, besides hanging out with my friends on the team, it’s difficult to find time elsewhere to spend during basketball season.”
Both Gantt and Tucker admit the relentless effort in practice and the hours sacrificed off the court are well worth the end result.
“I feel accomplished,” said Tucker. “For me, this year, I’m taking a strictly business approach to the game. I know at the end of the day that I’m not just sitting on my butt, but I’m working out everyday. I get my schoolwork done also, and I am staying in shape so I feel really accomplished at the end of the day.”
“Everything I do pays off in the end,” said Gantt. “Even something as small a few extra shots has its benefits. I take nothing for granted. Nothing.”
The countless hours spent in the gym and even more off the practice court pay dividends only with perfection on the court.
“The Sun Belt Championships is proof of the work we put in,” said Tucker. “We’re striving for more this season.”
