Al Harrington on how making 2,000 shots a day boosted his stock as a prospect: “I went from top 25 to top three in the country”
Al Harrington, a former NBA player, shares his story of how he worked relentlessly to elevate his basketball skills. When asked about the most pivotal moment in his journey to becoming a high-level player, he recounted an unforgettable anecdote that exemplifies his unwavering determination.
“My sophomore year in high school, I had this real awakening. I went to a basketball camp in Maryland,” Harrington explained. “I didn’t play that well at camp. My coach said, ‘You need to go back and you gotta put in the work. You have to find that dedication within you to take yourself to another level.'”
Harrington took his coach’s advice to heart. He transformed his everyday routine, meticulously practicing his shot thousands of times per day. This disciplined approach would become a defining characteristic of his training, significantly impacting his development.
“I came home, and my summer, the rest of my summer, that whole summer, my whole summer going into junior year was making 2,000 shots a day, that’s the only thing I did. Every day,” Harrington elaborated. “Literally just 2,000 shots a day. If it took three hours, four hours, whatever. Just 2,000 shots.”
The dedication Harrington displayed during that summer wasn’t solely motivated by a desire to improve his skills; it was fueled by a burning desire to overcome a particular obstacle in his life.
“My dad passed away my junior year in high school. He was my everything. That’s why I dedicated the 2,000 shots a day to him, because it was something that was so meaningful to me. And that’s what made me able to carry through and do that,” he added.
This transformative period in his life didn’t only lead to a significant boost in his game; it also propelled him to prominence as a college prospect.
“Going into my junior year of high school, I was probably in the top 25 in the country. But by my senior year, my shooting ability had increased exponentially,” Harrington stated. “I ended up being ranked top three, the top player in the country. That hard work I put in definitely helped.”
Harrington’s journey showcases that dedication and an unwavering pursuit of excellence are the cornerstones of true success. By channeling his grief and dedicating himself to a demanding routine, Harrington transformed his potential into tangible results. His remarkable journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide.
It’s a testament to the transformative power of dedication and how hard work can catapult someone from the ranks of the average to the pinnacle of their field. His story resonates deeply, proving that sheer determination, fueled by a purpose, can overcome even the toughest obstacles and reshape destinies.
