Baker practices with Cougars

Cougar athletes experienced a once in a life time opportunity as legendary basketball trainer, coach and motivator Ganon Baker paid a hands-on visit to the Cougars men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Ganon, revered in the basketball industry for his unique and challenging workouts, has trained with a number of NBA heavy hitters such as Amar’e Stoudemire, Lebron James, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose, just to name a few.

Originally from Bluefield, Virginia, Ganon has enjoyed success throughout his entire career winning a Virginia State Championship with Hampton High School before playing his college ball at UNC-Wilmington. In addition, Ganon played briefly for summer leagues in Austria and France and for many pro-am leagues in the states. Some of his other accolades include:

• Nike Skill Development Trainer / Director
• Author of 25 Top Selling Basketball DVDs
• 6 year Division I and II College Assistant Coach
• BA / MS Degrees in Physical Education and Health

Baker spent an hour each with both the men’s and women’s teams, putting them through arguably one of the toughest practices of their lives.

Men’s basketball head coach Marc Dobell said the experience was beneficial for his team.
 
“It was a good, a lot of the stuff he does; you just have to repeat, to get the technique down and then work on speed. It was tough session, but I know the guys enjoyed it.”

(Baker giving the men's team a pep talk before practice)

Women’s head coach Joe Enevoldson was impressed with a number of different facets from the experience.

“From a coaching stand point, it’s great to see different ways, different coaching and teaching methods,” remarked Enevoldson.

“From a player perspective, that was probably the hardest hour they’ve ever worked on the court – he really pushes them and gets them out of their comfort zone. You could see it on their faces at the end, they were beat.

What was especially advantageous for our basketball program was that he was relaying the same messages that we were. Communication, positive energy and reinforcement, and it’s nice for the ladies to hear it from someone else other than our coaching staff. Fom him to come in and spend the time with our student-athletes and deliver the message we’re already preaching is fantastic. I highly recommend Gannon.”

With both the men’s and women’s team sitting atop the south division headed into the Christmas break, both teams are hoping a visit from Ganon will provide them with the motivation and perseverance to take them to a title.