The Power of 1%: A Message to Basketball Moms and Young Athletes
- Robert Hunter
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
There’s a quote I keep close to my heart, and I say it often to my players, their parents, and even to myself when the days are long and the grind feels heavy:
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.”
At No Excuse Produce, we’ve built our entire program around that idea. We don’t chase perfection. We don’t look for quick wins. We don’t buy into the hype or the flash. We focus on getting just 1% better every single day.
This past weekend, our 6th grade boys proved exactly what that mindset can do.
They stepped into the Zero Gravity Gold Rush Tournament at Game On in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and walked away as champions. Not because they were the most talented. Not because they were the biggest. But because they were the most prepared. The most focused. The most committed to showing up and getting better every single day.
They trusted the process. And it paid off.
What Does “1% Better” Really Mean?
Getting 1% better doesn’t sound exciting.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t guarantee overnight success. You won’t go viral for it on Instagram or blow up on TikTok. But it’s real, and it’s powerful.
It means showing up to the gym even when you’re tired.
It means choosing reps over rest when everyone else is chilling.
It means watching film, studying plays, getting up shots—even when no one’s watching.
For our basketball moms, it means making the time—whether it's 6PM drop-offs or late-night pick-ups. It means packing the snacks, cheering from the bleachers, and believing in your kid even when they don’t believe in themselves.
And together, that 1% becomes something unstoppable.
Moms: You’re the MVP Behind the Scenes
Let’s pause and talk directly to the basketball moms for a second.
You are the heartbeat of this whole journey.
Your kids might be the ones on the court, but you’re the ones driving the ship—literally and figuratively. You’re managing schedules, keeping up with school, feeding hungry athletes, paying fees, booking hotel rooms, and cheering like crazy from the sidelines.
You sacrifice time, money, and energy—and often don’t get enough credit for it. But I see you. Our staff sees you. And more importantly, your child sees you, whether they say it or not.
But the work doesn’t stop at supporting. I challenge you to grow alongside your athlete. Grow in knowledge, in awareness, in connection. Learn the game. Talk to your child about what they’re learning, how they’re feeling, what they’re struggling with. Share the ups and downs of the journey—not just the highlights.
Why?
Because when moms grow, athletes thrive. A child who feels supported, understood, and empowered is more likely to stay the course when things get tough.
Athletes: The Daily Grind Builds Champions
Our 6th grade boys didn’t win the championship just because of their natural ability. That might get you to the court, but it won’t get you the trophy.
They won because of their commitment to the process. Their willingness to do the little things. Their ability to bounce back after losing their first two championship appearances. Their hunger to get it right, and their trust in our coaching staff to guide them through it.
They came to extra practices. They worked on form. They corrected bad habits. They competed in every drill like it mattered—because it did.
That 1% better mindset looks like:
Showing up to every training session on time
Focusing in drills even when you’re tired
Watching your teammates succeed and cheering them on
Staying after to ask questions
Getting uncomfortable in order to grow
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being committed.
Progress Over Perfection: The Long-Term Vision
One of the biggest traps in youth sports today is the obsession with being great now.
Parents compare stats. Players chase rankings. Coaches focus too much on short-term wins. Social media adds pressure to always “look” like you're elite—even if the work isn’t being done behind the scenes.
At No Excuse Produce, we’re not interested in that.
We’re in the business of developing people, not just players.
Because the truth is, most of these kids won’t go pro. But all of them will grow up to be leaders, teammates, professionals, and parents. The lessons they learn here—in the grind, in the wins and losses, in the quiet moments when they choose discipline over comfort—will shape who they become in life.
That’s why 1% better matters. Because it’s sustainable. It’s real. It lasts beyond the scoreboard.
Our Championship Wasn’t Just a Moment—It Was a Milestone
When our 6th grade boys put on those chanpionship shirts at the Gold Rush Tournament, I couldn’t help but feel proud—but not just of the result.
I was proud of the journey.
This same team had faced adversity. They had lost tough games. They had made mistakes. But instead of quitting, they kept showing up. We used every setback as a teaching moment. Every practice was an opportunity to sharpen—not just their handles and shot, but their character.
And that’s what made the win so powerful. Because it wasn’t a fluke. It was earned.
To our parents: thank you for trusting the process.
To our players: thank you for buying in.
To my coaching staff: thank you for never letting up.
This is just the beginning.
Keep the Momentum Going—Off the Court Too
Getting 1% better every day doesn’t stop when the buzzer sounds. It extends into the home, the classroom, and relationships.
Parents—keep pouring into your kids. Encourage them to do the same in school. Celebrate effort as much as outcome. Give them space to grow, to fail, to learn.
Athletes—keep growing as a person. Take care of your body. Respect your teachers. Treat others with kindness. You don’t have to be perfect—but be better than you were yesterday.
Because the championship is great. But consistency is the real trophy.
How We Help Players Grow at No Excuse Produce
At NEP, we’re not just training for basketball—we’re training for life.
Our coaching philosophy includes:
Skill development at every level (Grades 2–12)
Confidence-building programs that focus on mindset
Exposure opportunities for AAU and club team athletes
One-on-one feedback and individualized growth plans
A culture of no excuses, just growth
We’re not for everyone. We’re for those who are ready to work. Who want to be coached. Who want to grow.
And we’re proud to say we’re watching those efforts pay off—one rep at a time.
Final Word to Basketball Moms & Athletes
Let this be your reminder:
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to do it all at once.
You just need to get 1% better… every single day.
That might look like:
An extra five minutes of shooting in the driveway
A kind word of encouragement from mom
A decision to finish strong at practice instead of coasting
A choice to wake up early for training
A moment of belief when doubt starts to creep in
One percent. Every day.
That’s how championships are won.
That’s how confidence is built.
That’s how leaders are made.
And that’s the No Excuse Produce way.
Let’s keep going.
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