Paulus Malasauskas shares his journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Lithuania to navigating the challenges of playing abroad in Sweden and Spain. He reflects on the emotional and practical challenges he faced, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned through his experiences in youth sports. The discussion emphasizes the significance of planning, resilience, and personal growth in the pursuit of athletic and life goals. In this conversation, the speaker reflects on their journey from being a player to a coach, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation, training routines, and the challenges faced by young athletes transitioning to professional basketball. They discuss the significance of developing professional habits and the need for patience and consistency in achieving success. The conversation also highlights the qualities that make a player stand out and the red flags to watch for in young talent.

Takeaways

• Started playing basketball at age six, inspired by local team success.
• Moved to Sweden at 15 to follow a coach, driven by love and fear.
• Faced challenges adapting to life and basketball in Spain.
• Struggled with school and language barriers while pursuing basketball.
• Learned the importance of planning and consistency in achieving goals.
• Realized that emotional decisions can lead to unexpected challenges.
• Gained valuable life experiences through basketball journeys abroad.
• Developed resilience and adaptability through various challenges.
• Emphasized the need for mentorship and guidance in sports.
• Reflected on past experiences with a focus on personal growth. I started to work on my body like I never before.
• I was leading the team. I was a captain.
• If you need to push young players, that's a red flag for me.
• You have to believe in the work you put in.
• Be consistent with your routines.
• Patience gives you fruits, lemons.
• You can be professional before turning pro.
• Everything happens faster as you climb.
• You need to have that inner motivation.
• The importance of having a plan, even if it changes.

In this episode, Stan interviews Louis Stormark, a Danish basketball player who shares his journey from starting basketball at 14 to navigating the challenges of college sports in the USA. Louis discusses his early influences, the transition to playing for Zalgiris, the importance of balancing academics with athletics, and the impact of injuries on his career. He provides insights on choosing the right college and the realities of being a student-athlete, emphasizing the importance of effort over destination in achieving success.

In this conversation, Louis Daniel Zimpita Stormark shares his journey through multiple surgeries and the mental resilience required to overcome significant physical challenges as a young athlete. He discusses the warning signs of injury, the setbacks he faced, and the importance of support systems. Louis reflects on his experiences in college basketball, the cultural differences he encountered, and the valuable life lessons learned through adversity. He emphasizes the significance of believing in oneself and finding motivation in difficult times, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by professional achievements but by personal growth and perseverance.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Louis Stormark's Journey
02:59 The Path to Basketball: Early Years and Influences
05:50 Transitioning to Zalgiris: Opportunities and Challenges
08:54 Navigating College Basketball: Scholarships and Expectations
12:09 Choosing the Right College: Insights and Advice
14:53 Balancing Academics and Athletics: The Student-Athlete Experience
18:04 Injuries and Their Impact: A Personal Struggle
21:10 Expectations vs. Reality: The Freshman Year Experience
28:29 The Warning Signs of Injury
29:09 The Journey Through Pain and Surgery
30:31 Facing Setbacks and Seeking Answers
32:29 The Decision to Change Course
34:30 Rehabilitation and the Road to Recovery
36:18 Mental Resilience in the Face of Adversity
39:28 Finding Motivation and Purpose
42:25 The Importance of Support Systems
44:37 Reflections on Growth and Learning
48:01 Life Beyond Basketball
50:51 The Long-Term Impact of Injuries
51:18 Memorable Moments in College Basketball
53:00 Cultural Differences and Adaptation
54:01 Lessons Learned from Adversity
56:01 Advice for Young Athletes

In this episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we’re joined by global performance coach Žilvinas Kriukovas, who has trained Lithuania’s U16–U18 national teams and now works in China with youth athletes through the Green Fighters Academy.

We dive into building athletes — from 6-year-old kids to elite pros — with a philosophy rooted in movement quality, strength fundamentals and fun.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why coaching kids isn’t about barbells — it’s about movement & fun
How strength & agility training should evolve from 6 to 26 years old
Tools to assess athlete readiness (beyond just weight lifted)
When to use pushups, lunges, trap bar deadlifts, isometrics & more
The mental side of coaching & working across cultures (China vs Europe)
How elite conditioning doesn’t come from parks… but from the court
The importance of teaching why, not just what
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📲 Connect with Žilvinas: [@zilvinas_coach on IG]
💬 DM him or join his upcoming 1-on-1 online basketball training program


⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Žilvinas Kriukovas
01:00 – Working with 6–13 Year Olds in China
06:15 – Strength Training for Kids: What’s Safe? What Works?
08:45 – Gamifying Workouts: Fun + Results
11:10 – Why Movement Beats Barbell at Young Ages
14:30 – Teaching “Active Squats” & Owning Range of Motion
17:00 – National Team Assessments: What He Tests & Why
20:40 – Pushups, Pull-ups & the Truth About Strength Standards
24:30 – Why Coaches Need Context Before Programming
27:15 – Strength for Guards vs Centers: Who Needs What?
30:00 – Bulgarian Split Squat vs Trap Bar: Real Standards Shared
33:30 – Kids vs Veterans: Build vs Maintain Strategy
36:00 – Conditioning: It Belongs on the Basketball Court
40:10 – Recovery Tips: What Actually Works (Hint: It’s Not Foam Rolling)
43:00 – Life in China: Turtle BBQs, Chicken Feet & Garage Gyms
45:00 – Best All-Around Exercise? Žilvinas Picks His Top Two
47:00 – Final Advice: Balance, Consistency, and Having FUN

Summary

In this episode, Stan interviews Henrikas Paulauskas, a multifaceted basketball professional who shares his journey from player to coach and director of the Shanghai Falcons Basketball Club. Henrikas discusses the importance of building confidence, communication, and discipline in young players, as well as the role of education and experience in coaching. He emphasizes the need for professionalism in basketball and the challenges faced in youth development, particularly in China. The conversation highlights the passion for the game that drives Henrikas and the various forms success can take in a basketball career.

Takeaways

Building confidence comes with a repetition of the shots.
Discipline is hard to implement in China.
Success can come in different forms.
You need to be a sponge to absorb information.
Trust your coach and the system.
Basketball is a difficult sport that needs patience.
You need to work hard consistently.
You can’t skip the fundamentals.
You need to believe in yourself and push forward.
Communication is key for player development.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Hendrikas Paulauskas' Basketball Path
03:11 Transitioning from Player to Coach: Lessons Learned
10:48 Building Confidence and Communication in Young Players
15:57 The Role of Education and Experience in Coaching
22:29 Understanding Professionalism in Basketball
30:46 International Influence: Youth Basketball in China
36:06 Passion for the Game: Hendrikas' Ongoing Journey

In this incredible episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we sit down with Lukas Grabauskas, Sports Director of BC Lietkabelis (EuroCup, LKL) to reveal how professional basketball clubs really scout, sign, and develop players.


What you’ll learn:

How young players can catch a pro club’s attention
Why character and habits matter even more than pure talent
How to choose between money vs playing time in early career moves
Inside look at how NBA and European basketball teams operate differently
The underrated power of good mentoring and environment off the court
If you're an aspiring player, a parent, or a coach — these insights are gold.

Connect with Lukas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-grabauskas/

Connect with Stan
https://www.instagram.com/balticmove/

🎙️ New episodes every week — Subscribe now for elite basketball mind training!

📩 For podcast collabs or coaching inquiries: [Basketball.body.mind@gmail.com]

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🔔 Like, Comment, and Share to support the mission of raising smarter athletes!

00:00 – Official Trailer: Sneak Peek 🎥
01:00 – Introduction: Who is Lukas Grabauskas?
02:45 – What Does a Sports Director Actually Do?
05:15 – How Clubs Scout New Talent
08:20 – Young Players: How to Get Noticed
11:00 – Why Money Isn't Everything Early On
14:30 – Key Questions Parents Should Ask Before Moving Abroad
17:50 – Off-Court Behavior: The Hidden Metric Scouts Look At
21:10 – Can a Bad Attitude Ruin a Pro Career?
24:40 – How NBA Teams Differ from European Clubs
28:00 – Why Environment Matters More Than You Think
31:10 – How to Balance Education and Basketball
34:30 – Personal Habits That Separate Good from Great Players
37:50 – How NBA Coaches and Staff Operate Differently
40:30 – The Story of Scouting a Talented But Difficult Player
44:00 – Lukas’ Best Moment in Basketball Career
47:00 – Final Advice for Young Players and Parents

In this powerhouse episode of Basketball Body and Mind, we sit down with Laimonas Eglinskas – pro basketball coach with experience across Lithuania, Australia, and now the London Lions.

🎙️ Stan’s first-ever coaching partner joins the podcast to break down what it really takes to go pro in basketball. From mastering discipline and understanding your role to standing out even when no one's watching – this episode is a goldmine for serious hoopers.

💡 Whether you're a young player, aspiring coach, or just love the game, this is a must-listen. We dive deep into:

What defines a true professional athlete

How to earn your coach’s trust

The mindset that separates pros from amateurs

Real stories of youth players who made it big

🔥 Plus, Laimonas shares lessons from Euro League players, talks about talent vs. hard work, and gives advice to those without access to elite training facilities.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Every share helps us grow the hoop community!

📍 CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Laimonas Eglinskas
00:52 – Coaching across leagues & countries
01:53 – What professionalism really means in basketball
04:17 – How to train when no one’s watching
05:24 – Learning by watching greats like Kobe
06:30 – How coaches lead the game off-court
08:24 – Lifelong learning and self-growth
10:25 – Accepting roles as a young player
12:05 – Making the most of “garbage time” minutes
17:33 – Real success stories: Panagiotis Kalaitzakis & more
20:15 – No court? No problem: How to train anywhere
24:19 – Common struggles youth face going pro
27:55 – Sacrifices & the Mamba Mentality
34:16 – Success can come in unexpected forms
40:00 – Be elite at something, even if it’s not talent
43:20 – If you don’t believe in yourself, why should your coach?
47:15 – Some players settle too early
53:50 – Recap: Discipline, Roles, Effort & Patience
54:29 – Outro: How to follow or contact Laimonas

Summary

In this episode, basketball coach Mate Jakab shares his insights on the transition young players face when moving to professional basketball. He discusses the importance of understanding new roles, the significance of communication with coaches, and the differences in coaching men and women. Jakab emphasizes the need for consistency and hard work, as well as the importance of basketball IQ in making quick decisions on the court. He also highlights the growing popularity and success of women's basketball. In this conversation, Mate Jakab discusses the multifaceted aspects of basketball, emphasizing the importance of basketball IQ, film study, and the development of soft skills. He highlights how daily routines and consistency are crucial for both players and coaches, and how understanding one's role within a team is essential for success. The impact of coaching on a player's career is also explored, along with the significance of tactical understanding for youth players transitioning to higher levels of play.

Key Takeaways

• Young players must adapt to new roles in professional teams.
• Choosing the right club and coaching staff is crucial for development.
• Communication with coaches is essential for understanding roles.
• Consistency in training and performance is key to success.
• Basketball IQ can be improved through practice and experience.
• Women's basketball has made significant strides in viewership and success.
• The transition from youth to senior basketball can be smoother with synchronized programs.
• Players should approach coaches for clarity on their roles and expectations.
• Understanding scouting reports is vital for player development.
• Physical preparation and individual skill development are important during transitions. Basketball IQ encompasses understanding the game and opponents.
• Film study helps players understand their decisions and improve.
• Soft skills like energy and communication are vital for team dynamics.
• Daily routines and consistency are crucial for professional success.
• Players should study their own games to identify areas for improvement.
• Coaches play a significant role in shaping a player's career.
• Tactical understanding is often lacking in youth players.
• Players must know their roles and responsibilities on the team.
• Off-court work is essential for overall player development.
• Identifying problems without overreacting is key to improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mate Jakab and His Experience
01:21 Transitioning to Professional Basketball: Key Challenges
03:27 Understanding Roles in Professional Teams
05:20 The Importance of Communication with Coaches
09:22 Synchronizing Youth and Senior Programs
14:26 Differences in Coaching Men and Women in Basketball
19:40 Traits of Successful Basketball Players
22:48 Improving Basketball IQ: Skill or Talent?
25:01 Understanding Basketball IQ
28:09 The Importance of Film Study
30:51 Soft Skills and Team Dynamics
33:05 The Role of Daily Routines
37:57 Key Qualities for Professional Players
42:08 The Impact of Coaches on Player Development

Keywords

basketball, coaching, professional players, youth basketball, women's basketball, men's basketball, player development, basketball IQ, transition to professional, coaching strategies, basketball IQ, film study, player development, coaching, routines, soft skills, youth basketball, professional players, team dynamics, coaching impact

Summary

In this episode, strength and conditioning coach Manuel Lopez Ramirez discusses the often neglected areas of training for basketball players, emphasizing the importance of foot and ankle strength. He advocates for barefoot training to enhance foot function and performance. Manuel highlights the significance of discipline and work ethic in players, noting that these qualities often lead to greater success. He also contrasts traditional and innovative training methods, explaining how to balance foundational exercises with more dynamic movements. Finally, he shares insights on off-season versus in-season training for young athletes, encouraging a multi-sport approach during developmental years. In this conversation, Manuel discusses the importance of a balanced approach to strength and conditioning for young athletes, emphasizing the need for play and multi-sport participation. He contrasts in-season and off-season training strategies, highlighting the necessity of adapting training loads based on game frequency. The discussion also touches on various training practices, including the role of static stretching and recovery methods, culminating in key takeaways for aspiring basketball players.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning in Basketball
01:08 Underworked Areas in Basketball Training
05:24 The Importance of Barefoot Training
08:25 Key Qualities of Successful Players
12:34 Teaching Discipline and Work Ethic
18:41 Balancing Traditional and Innovative Training Methods
27:50 Off-Season vs In-Season Training for Young Athletes
31:50 Strength and Conditioning for Young Athletes
34:36 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
39:34 In-Season vs. Off-Season Training Strategies
44:06 Rapid Fire Questions on Training Practices
50:00 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Keywords

basketball, strength training, conditioning, injury prevention, player development, barefoot training, discipline, work ethic, training methods, off-season training, basketball training, youth athletes, strength and conditioning, multi-sport participation, in-season training, off-season training, coaching strategies, player development, sports performance, recovery methods