Advice

[u/Master-Baker-6343]

Hello everyone, I am a sophmore college basketball player i have been contemplating for awhile now my future with the sport starting off my freshman year, I was with a different school and I honestly realized I didn’t really love the sport as much as I thought, I hated practices, I hated most workouts, the only thing I really enjoyed was the lifting aspect and socializing and meeting new people, i was honestly planning on quitting and then late this summer I decided to transfer and accept a walk on spot at a school close to home while still grasping onto this image that i have subconsciously in my mind that I love the sport, we are roughly 2 weeks into the pre season and I’m feeling the same thing I felt all of last year, it’s taken the same toll physically and mentally, i have all of the pieces I feel are necessary 6’7 220 pounds but i genuinely just don’t enjoy the sport anymore and thought it would change,

Any advice would be great,

Thank you all.

[u/heleghir]

Practices always suck. They arent meant to be fun. But if you arent looking forward to the season, to each game? If you arent hyped for the chance to be on the court? Then its time to hang it up. Its not giving up, its not failure, its being true to yourself. Honestly its better for your teammates too. I havent played ball since HS but I wouldnt want a guy who didnt want to be there on the bench beside me, its unfair to everyone.

Find your passion and follow it. Do this while you are still young. Dont be afraid to try some different things and make mistakes.

Good luck!

[u/Master-Baker-6343 → u/heleghir]

Thank you for the words 🙏🏼

[u/Nickrophiliac]

If you don’t enjoy basketball, stop playing basketball. Sounds like you should look into something like body building or strongman training if you really enjoy lifting that much.

[u/karl_manutzitsch → u/Nickrophiliac]

Or even something like rowing. Especially at that height

[u/Adeptus_AFartes]

When I decide I dont like doing something, I typically decide to do something else.

[u/albanyfunny420]

No one can truly advise you. You have to be true to yourself and do what makes you happy and focus on what motivated you to get out of bed each morning.

That said, you have been blessed with a body that not many have. You enjoy working out, you must be in great shape at 6'7"/220, and you obviously have the skills required, as you have made a team.

The only thing I can tell you is before you make a decision, TALK to your coach. Be open and honest. Work with your teams/schools sports psychologist. They will help you figure out how to motivate yourself to stick with it, or they will support you in walking away. If they aren't positive and helpful to you, then you picked the wrong school to walk on and play for. Basketball teams should be your extended family. They should support you through thick and thin. You have gifts, don't give them up unless you know it's right for you.

[u/throwaway129644]

Realizing something you’ve worked incredibly hard for and at one time were truly passionate about, isn’t what you want to continue doing id a hard pill to swallow . But as someone who’s coached college bball and has had players in your same exact shoes I’d say really think and pray on it for a night or two. Your gut will tell you the truth and continuing to fight through the unhappiness will inevitably show in your body language and emotional state. This will lead to your coaches getting on to you, or hopefully, asking what’s wrong which will lead to the conversation you’re likely avoiding.

Big thing is don’t be disappointed or angry with yourself for “giving up”. You’ve made it much farther than about 99% players. Go find something you love to do and don’t waste days. We only get so many on this earth.

[u/Master-Baker-6343 → u/throwaway129644]

I appreciate this, really puts it into perspective thank you for the words 🙏🏼

[u/ISU_Dude85]

I've never been anything close to a college athlete so take my advice with the biggest grain of salt possible, but if you're heart isn't in it then it might be time to step away. Maybe stick it out for the year to see if it gets better if you still think it might change.

[u/Master-Baker-6343 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for the advice man, appreciate it. 🙏🏼

[u/Whatsahoosier]

Finish out the year then reevaluate