Friends Are a Mold in Which You Are Formed

1 point.

The difference between a win and a loss.  The difference between receiving or losing a scholarship.  The difference between being number 1, or being a nobody.

In a society like today's, where competition is so high, a mere second, inch, or step, forwards or backwards,  can be the life or death of your career.  You have to make the perfect read, at the perfect time, and execute perfectly.

A lot of people believe that practice is how you get better, but they miss the fact that games solidify your skills.  However, there are also people who believe in only playing games, that practice isn't important.
Recently, someone told me that all I need is practice, only to change his mind a couple of weeks later, telling me to only play games, yet I believe both are important, one must only find a balance.

If a player only practices, he'll panic in game situations, but if a player only plays games, he won't have good techniques.


This week, a close friend of mine decided to end our friendship.  I was shocked, as I had poured so much energy into trying to help him.

This made me think back to something someone once told me, "If you are extreme, those around you have no choice but to leave, or also become extreme."

I then realized that was why he left.  He didn't want to change, so he had no choice but to end our friendship.

This also brought a Kobe Bryant quote to mind.
"[My drive] has alienated me from the...people who are comfortable with second place...the majority."

It makes me sad sometimes, how you must push away some people you love, because they are detrimental to your life.  Every person you meet leaves an impression on you, but those who you spend the most time with exert the greatest influence on you.

Choose who you associate with wisely.

Aaron Chan
*I will be posting on Saturdays OR Sundays due to my busy schedule

Game Day

Game day.

This is what athletes live for.

And that happens to be today.

Game days are full of mental, physical, preparation, although they differ for each individual athlete.

For me, Sunday game days start with going to Church.  I get my priorities set, and I give myself time to mentally reflect.

Next, I eat a high energy, protein filled meal.  It will usually be a cheese ham double-egg omelet with spinach.  This way I can ensure I can perform at my best without a full stomach.

I take an hour or so to work on little details of my shooting form, but I take care not to exert too much energy before my game.

I then spend some quality time with my family, and finish off with some time by myself to meditate.

If I have time, I'll take a quick nap before I get on te road, but it's not extremely important because I should be getting enough sleep from the night before.

Now finally, it's game time.

This is the most important part of the day.

For you, it might be time to sit back with a bowl of popcorn and cheer, but it's execution time for me.

Everything in my day leads up to this, so when I finish this blog, it'll be grind time.

Starting now.


Aaron Chan

New Diet

It finally ended.

I ended my diet yesterday, and I've gained over 5 pounds and 2 inches on my vertical.  I didn't reach my goal but I did enjoy the process.  

I'm probably going to start a new training plan this month, but I need to set aside enough time to study for my final exams and AP tests.

I can't wait for the summer because I know I'm going to get so much done.  I'm planning to take SAT classes, hoop 24/7(duh), get my drivers license, and work.

Last week, I was interviewed by PepsiCo for a job this summer, and if I don't get it, I'll probably work as a lifeguard.  When I get my license, I will be able to drive myself to work, KD, and basketball.  That would be extremely helpful as I don't have to count on someone else to give me a ride.

So for this new training plan, I'm going to use it only until the end of this month.  Instead of focusing on strength, I'm looking to work on skill and conditioning.  That means more skill-based workouts and lots of running(uh oh).

I will still complete my strength workouts but keep them limited to 2 times a week.

I noticed that I've been feeling low on energy for the past week.  I believe it's a result of not staying hydrated and not eating healthier foods.  In order to perform well on my exams, I've decided to eat more vegetables and drink more water.

That's all I have for you today, I hope you come back next week!

Aaron Chan