Competitive Spirit and Training Dynamics
Tyrese Haliburton receives a call from his long-time skills trainer, Drew Hanlen, a moment ripe with tension. What could be a boost of encouragement might just as easily provoke annoyance, and Haliburton is oddly comfortable with this uncertainty. On this day, Hanlen playfully reminds Haliburton that he’s up against fellow player Tyrese Maxey from the Philadelphia 76ers.
“He always has something to say, like, ‘Maxey says he’s going to lock you down tomorrow,'” Haliburton shared, amused by the banter. “I might respond with something like, ‘No way! Last time we played, I outperformed him!’ Little do I know he’s subtly prompting me to react since he’s with Maxey at that moment.”
As a renowned trainer with a decade-long career in forging competitive rivalries among his star-studded roster, Hanlen uses this playful trash talk to intensify the competitive spirit within his clients. He has a knack for creating competitive environments, whether it’s orchestrating calls between players during crucial games or setting up group chats ahead of matchups between his top stars like Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum during Celtics vs. Sixers games.
His strategy is centered around fostering healthy competition, which has often been criticized as diminishing in today’s NBA landscape. Players like Haliburton appreciate this, recognizing that much of the league’s camaraderie can lead to a softer approach when facing friends on the court. Hanlen, however, is keen on pushing his clients to rise above that mentality.
“Drew stirs the pot, creating moments that build rivalry,” Haliburton acknowledged, explaining how Hanlen had a penchant for pushing buttons strategically.
Support Through Competition
As Hanlen continues to grow his clientele, which now includes stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and two-time All-Star Haliburton, he maintains a rigorous approach to training that involves nearly constant contact throughout the season. This is not merely an offseason endeavor; Hanlen is present for crucial games, providing real-time analysis and feedback.
He began his training career with a high-schooler, Bradley Beal, and has since cultivated a roster that boasts over 30 NBA All-Star appearances combined. His unique approach, described by Beal as sometimes abrasive yet always fruitful, keeps clients motivated and constantly improving.
For instance, Hanlen’s clients often train in Los Angeles during the offseason, engaging in competitive five-on-five games that sharpen both individual skills and team dynamics, pushing each other to excel. Hanlen believes that discomfort and competition in training lead to growth, and he effectively turns that into a motivational tool, often teasing players if they don’t rise to his challenges.
Players quickly learn that they need to step up their game when they see their peers excel in areas they’ve struggled. Chet Holmgren, for example, learned from seasoned players like Embiid, not just by admiring their skills, but through rigorous challenges Hanlen set up for them. This environment allows players to learn from one another, thus fostering improvement in a league that is constantly evolving.
“It’s terribly challenging to see two players you care for compete, knowing one will advance while the other goes home disappointed.”
Building Connections Through Rivalry
Yet amid the competitive tension, Hanlen emphasizes the love and support that underpins these relationships. The camaraderie and competitiveness within this group of talents reflect a deeply rooted connection, illustrating how these players have become teammates of sorts across franchises.
As Haliburton prepares for critical matchups, he seems well aware that Hanlen’s tough love and relentless pursuit of excellence have been essential in shaping his growth as a player. The NBA may be intertwined with friendships, but it’s also filled with fierce competition driven by trainers like Hanlen, reminding his clients that in this business, rivalry only brings out the best.
Ultimately, Hanlen champions the notion that competition, rather than diminishing relationships, enhances them, creating an environment where players can continually challenge themselves to become not just better athletes but better versions of themselves. Through Hanlen’s unyielding drive, his clients not only hone their craft but also foster a deeper understanding of basketball, pushing them to achieve their goals in a competitive league that demands the absolute best from its players—all while having fun along the way.
