Hoop Habits Blog

In the zone…on fire…the hot hand…in a rhythm…locked in…going off…feeling it – or my personal favorite, “dare I say en fuego”, the phrase coined by legendary ESPN broadcaster, Dan Patrick – all common basketball lexicon that can be…

Here are a collection of short stories and fun facts about Minnesota basketball that will have you well-equipped for your next trivia contest. Did you know? Chisholm’s Hall of Fame coach Bob McDonald referred to the conditioning drill of…

As Minnesota basketball fans we have suffered a lot of heartaches over the years, including record losing streaks, playoff droughts, questionable coaching hires, academic scandals, critical injuries and controversial calls/no calls. It’s…

With the NBA regular season winding down and post-season play beginning next week, it’s time to announce my picks for this season’s major awards. First, it’s important to remember that as part of its collective bargaining agreement, the…

Legendary basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale is famous for coining catchphrases like “Rolls Royce” (a flat-out superstar) and “Diaper Dandy” (elite freshman), that he frequently uses on air but also serve as a basis for his “V-lists” that…

With the regular season behind us and March Madness officially kicking off this week, it’s time to recognize some of the Minnesota natives that are excelling at the Division 1 level. Minnesota’s reputation as a hotbed for high school…

Maddyn Greenway of Providence Academy scored 43 points ln the section finals against Maranatha Christian Academy that not only helped propel the Lions into the state tournament but also allowed her to pass Crosby-Ironton star Tori Oehrlein…

In honor of Black History Month, Hoop Habits would strongly encourage everyone to view “HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS,” a short documentary that released nationally several weeks ago on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. It is available on…

Minnesota is home to some of the best small college basketball in the country. Division 2 programs compete in the NSIC and Division 3 (non-scholarship) programs compete in the MIAC and UMAC. While D1 programs like the University of…

Of course he is. What a stupid question. That would be the likely consensus from pundits and basketball fans alike. There is no denying that Curry has revolutionized the game with his long–distance marksmanship and ability to hit…

As we head into the holiday season, here is a wish list for Minnesota basketball fans. ▪ An elite point guard for the Timberwolves to help prevent the late game meltdowns that have plagued the team this year. The rumor mill has the Wolves…

With basketball comes cold and flu season; think about this blog as a guide to boosting your immune system so that you can play to the best of your ability on the court, because what you put in your body either supports or hinders your…

Minnesota’s growing reputation as a hotbed for high school hoops will be on full display again during the 2025-26 college season as nearly 200 Minnesota natives will suit up for Division 1 programs, including almost 60 at high major…

Recovery is essential to an athlete’s ability to train consistently, stay healthy and perform at a high level over time. That’s why Hoop Habits invests heavily in recovery technology—including their partnership with Halo Cryotherapy. As…

With the 2025-26 NBA season kicking off this week, optimism abounds for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coming off back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals and returning 9 of its top 10 players, including transcendent star,…

Being a multi-sport athlete in Division 1 is a rare occurrence due to the extreme time/travel commitments and specialized demands of a single sport at that level. How rare? According to one estimate less than 1% of all Division 1 athletes…

Let’s talk about lunchtime. With the school year starting up again, athletes need to fuel their bodies to support their unique energy needs. Mealtimes and snacks are wonderful opportunities to give your body the building blocks it needs to…

This is the second in a two-part series that will feature my take on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota hoops at each level of play from high school to the pros. Today we will focus on Minnesota’s women hoopers. Nothing elicits stronger…

This is the first in a two-part series that will feature my take on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota hoops at each level of play from high school to the pros. Today we will look at the men and our next blog will focus on Minnesota’s women…

The Twin Cities has long been home to high quality pro-am basketball but the current version of the Twin Cities Pro-Am League has taken things to a new level – creating an environment for fans and players that is truly a summer celebration…

When it comes to athletic performance, we often focus on training, equipment, and nutrition—but hydration is equally important. Proper hydration can be the difference between personal bests and missed opportunities, and it’s key to…

With summer upon us and the official start of the basketball off-season (is that even a thing?) many of you will turn to pick-up hoops to get your basketball fix. Pick-up ball has many redeeming qualities – great exercise, keeps your game…

The world of athletic recovery has evolved dramatically in recent years, bringing innovative solutions to help athletes maintain peak performance. As a basketball player, understanding the latest recovery techniques can make a significant…

With the Transfer Portal overflowing with players looking for a new school and the AAU season in full swing, college coaches are in a sprint to fill out their rosters for the coming year, including the University of Minnesota’s new head…

Determining how to fuel your body for a long tournament day can be stressful! From deciding what to eat for breakfast to figuring out the best snacks to pack and when to eat them, nourishing your body can quickly become an overwhelming…

With the NBA regular season complete and post-season play beginning this week, now is a good time to share my picks for this season’s major awards. First, it’s important to note that as part of its new collective bargaining agreement, the…

How we train, eat, sleep, and recover all directly impact our performance. Athletes should prioritize recovery as it plays a crucial role in overall performance and long-term success. If you’re looking for a new way to recover after a…

Minnesota has long been known as the state of hockey and rightfully so but it is also rapidly gaining a reputation as a hotbed for hoops. Perhaps this is best evidenced by the fact that there are nearly 220 Minnesota natives currently…

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes March as National Nutrition Month®. Are you excited? I know I am – a whole month dedicated to learning more about nutrition. Each year, a theme is chosen; the theme for 2025 is “Food…

This winter I had the opportunity to attend nearly 50 high school boys’ basketball games, including many of the state’s premier teams and players. Here are my observations from a season in the bleachers. First, an important caveat –…

As the girls’ basketball section tournaments get underway this week, we are in store for some incredible fun and entertainment. Minnesota is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the premier states for girls’ basketball, one…

In honor of Black History Month, Hoop Habits would like to pay tribute to some of the African-American pioneers who have had an enormous impact on the sport of basketball in Minnesota. These individuals often faced discrimination and other…

While many athletes focus solely on training, nutrition plays an equally vital role in performance. Understanding the foundations of nutrition and how to properly fuel your body with macro and micronutrients and hydration is key to…

While individual stars certainly grab the headlines, the most successful teams are often led by dynamic duos whose skills and talents complement each other perfectly – a Batman and Robin relationship, if you will. A recent Minnesota…