Basketball was my sanctuary growing up. It was my acceptance into friendship circles, my outlet, my identity in a lot of ways. I was good, not great, but basketball served me well. The court was where I felt most myself.

In 2016 I attended the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. That trip changed my trajectory. The people I met, the conversations we had, and the innovation happening at the highest level of the game opened my eyes to how much was possible in basketball health and performance. The connections I made in Vegas led me to the Adelaide 36ers, and for the past decade I have been part of basketball health and performance at the professional level.

Working in professional basketball is a masterclass in what works and what does not. I have treated championship level players and development players. I have seen careers extended by smart preparation and shortened by poor habits.

Here is what those years taught me: the habits that separate healthy, high performing players from those who struggle are not complicated. They are just not widely taught at the youth level.

Young players are getting bigger, faster, and more skilled than ever. They are also facing demands previous generations never did. Year round basketball. Multiple teams. School ball, club ball, representative programs. The physical load is immense, and most juniors have never been shown how to manage it.

I have treated too many teenagers for injuries that could have been prevented. Ankle sprains from landing mechanics nobody taught. Knee pain from load spikes nobody was watching. Burnout from treating a growing body like it is indestructible.

That is why Healthy Hooper exists. The book, the sessions, and this site are one project: health and performance literacy for young basketball players. Not just better hoopers. Healthy humans who happen to play basketball.

Basketball gave me my sanctuary. I want to help you protect yours.