Jesse hunt
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Born and raised in Geraldton, Western Australia.
- Playing basketball since I can remember!
- Played high school basketball in Northern California for Sir Francis Drake high school.
- Played college basketball for Eastern Washington University in Washington state.
- Entering my 5th season playing professional basketball overseas in Europe.
- Currently playing professional basketball in Cyprus.
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION TOWARDS A SEASON?
In my opinion my off-season is almost, if not just as important as the regular season. That is where I work on my mind and body to prepare myself for the upcoming season.
My off-season consists of discipline in the weight room and on the basketball court. That way I can show up to my new team in shape and ready to go.
Routine is important in the off season as it is easy to get distracted with the time off. Have to stay disciplined and hungry to get better.
WHAT IS YOUR GAME DAY ROUTINE?
Always pasta before games! Unless they are in the morning.
Take 10 minutes in the locker room before we meet as a team to meditate and list all the things I am grateful for. This calms me down and makes me understand that it’s just a game and keeps me confident!
That’s it! Simple, and easy to remember.
WHAT HELPS YOU FOCUS PRIOR AND DURING A CONTEST?
Maintaining a level head is difficult in an emotional sport like basketball. What helps me is, staying focused on each possession, and this keeps me steady and takes away the anxiousness.
You cannot go back in time and change a bad play or a bad quarter. But you can look forward and make a difference for the remainder of the game!
WhEN YOU ARE AT A LOW POINT OR SLUMP DURING A SEASON, WHO AND WHAT GETS YOU OVER THE HURDLE?
My Wife helps me tremendously throughout a season. When the season gets low, she is always there and helps me get through it!
Also just meditating and taking time away from the game. Instead of always thinking about your last game/s, take some time at home to find a hobby or go for a walk. At the end of the day it is my job.. but I always find time to separate myself from it or you’ll suffocate in it.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THAT STICKS WITH YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
“It’s just a game” -Helen Hunt
I have received a lot of great advice over the years. The best advice I get is to always remember it’s just a game. Personally, I have been released from teams.. but it was never the end of the world! I always found new opportunities and took advantage of them.
Do not play scared. Always stay confident and be a good teammate! You can always control being a good teammate.
DURING A CONTEST, WHEN THE GAME IS GOING AGAINST YOU, WHAT HELPS YOU REST AND REFOCUS?
Staying focused on each possession and not letting the past plays stay in your head. Sometimes you have bad quarters/halves. But there is always more basketball to be played! Stay confident and make it happen.
ANY ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE PROFESSIONALS THAT MAY READ THIS CONVERSATION?
Enjoy the journey. I am already on my 5th season overseas! It has absolutely flown by. I try to make the most of every practice, and every game.
Stay in the moment! Because the moment is beautiful. You don’t get to play this game for your whole life. So make the most of the moment and leave with no regrets!
Ups and downs are normal. Always try and keep level headed and remember how blessed you are to be in this position!
Always remember the 3 rules:
- Play hard
- Have fun
- Never quit
from the writer:
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