Basketball Player Development FAQ

Understanding Basketball Player DevelopmentLearn More about this Course!

What is player development in basketball?

Player development in basketball focuses on strengthening a player's individual skills and overall game for their own benefit and the team's benefit. Core areas of focus typically include dribbling, passing, shooting, spacing, and basketball IQ.

What does player development mean in practice?

Player development goes further than standard coaching drills or offensive and defensive schemes. It also includes shaping leadership skills, coachability, locker room dynamics, and team culture, which makes it a more holistic approach to growing a player's overall game.

How do you actually develop as a basketball player?

Development centers on strengthening the fundamentals that matter at every level of the game, including dribbling, shooting, passing, ball control, spacing, and basketball IQ. These are the same core skills that coaches and player development staff focus on whether they are working with a rookie or a veteran.

How can I learn to develop basketball players professionally?

Formal training, such as SMWW's Basketball Player Development course, covers how to build individualized training plans, use film breakdown as a coaching tool, and prepare players for draft day evaluation.

Who was the GM that drafted Steph Curry?

Larry Riley served as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors when the team selected Steph Curry in the 2009 NBA Draft. Riley now works with the Atlanta Hawks and also mentors students in SMWW's Basketball Player Development course.

About the SMWW Basketball Player Development Course

Who teaches the Basketball Player Development course?

The course is co taught by Larry Riley, Senior Advisor for the Atlanta Hawks and former General Manager of the Golden State Warriors, and Irv Roland, Assistant Coach for the Utah Jazz and owner of Irv Roland Basketball Training International. Few programs offer this kind of direct, weekly access to two working NBA executives.

Who is this course designed for?

It is built for a wide range of people connected to basketball, including coaches, general managers, scouts, journalists, and dedicated fans who want to understand the game from a head coach's perspective rather than a spectator's.

What topics does the course cover beyond on court skill work?

The course goes well beyond drills. It covers organizational culture, leadership style, coaching development, running effective practices, managing players, and even handling media relationships, which gives students a front office level view of what shapes a
winning program.

How does this course complement SMWW's other basketball courses?

Many students pair this course with Basketball GM and Scouting to build a complete picture of both talent acquisition and player development, and SMWW's alumni discount makes stacking additional courses more accessible for students who want that fuller picture.

What if I need one on one assistance?

SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.

Do you have more questions?

You can reach SMWW directly by phone. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States or Canada, call +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or call +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else in the world.