Advertise on podcast: The Mind Game of Basketball:1 on 1 with yourself

What does it really take to build a career at the highest level of basketball while staying true to yourself? In this episode of "The Mind Game of Basketball: 1 on 1 with Yourself," Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade welcomes Italian international and EuroLeague forward Nicola Akele for an honest conversation about the mindset required to pursue excellence. From leaving home as a teenager to chase his dream to competing in the EuroLeague and representing the Italian National Team, Nicola reflects on the experiences that shaped him, not only as a player, but as a husband, a father and a person. He shares how the sacrifices never truly felt like sacrifices because they were driven by purpose and how maturity helped him develop a deeper appreciation for both the opportunities he earned and the moments he had to leave behind. Together, Nico and Nicola explore the importance of gratitude, confidence, and perspective, discussing why reaching the highest levels of basketball should never be taken for granted. They examine how confidence is built long before success becomes visible and why believing in yourself often comes before having proof that your dream is possible. What happens when athletes define themselves entirely through basketball? How can they compete with complete commitment while maintaining balance away from the game? Nicola shares how separating his identity from his performance, supported by his faith and his family, has helped him navigate both success and adversity with greater perspective. The episode also highlights the unseen sacrifices shared by the people closest to elite athletes. Nicola speaks openly about balancing professional basketball with family life, missing important moments, and the importance of remaining grounded despite the pressures and expectations of competing at the highest level. This conversation is a reminder that the journey to becoming a better player is inseparable from the journey to becoming a better person. Topics discussed: Chasing a childhood dream The sacrifices behind elite performance Gratitude and perspective Building confidence before results Identity beyond basketball Balancing competition and personal life The mental side of professional basketball Personal growth through adversity Winning the 1-on-1 with yourself

What does it really take to reach the NBA? In this episode of The Mind Game of Basketball – 1 on 1 with Yourself, Mental Performance Coach and host Nico Bourgade welcomes Rafal Juc, International Scout for the Denver Nuggets, for an in-depth conversation about what truly shapes a basketball career. Drawing from their shared international backgrounds, Nico and Rafal discuss how basketball brings people together across cultures when they share the same passion for the game. From there, they explore the realities of player development and the qualities that matter long before a player reaches the NBA. Rafal shares what NBA organizations really look for beyond talent, why environment plays such a decisive role, and how parents, youth coaches, and the people surrounding a player can influence a young athlete's development. The conversation also explores the mental side of basketball, how it is viewed within an NBA organization, how the Denver Nuggets approach player development, and why there is often a gap between knowing what should be done and consistently applying it. In this episode, you'll discover: What NBA scouts really look for beyond talent The truth about player development The influence of parents and youth coaches Why environment is one of the strongest drivers of long-term success How the Denver Nuggets approach the mental side of performance Why execution, habits, and consistency matter more than good intentions Whether you're a player, parent, coach, scout, or simply passionate about basketball, this episode offers valuable insights into what it really takes to develop at the highest level. If you're a parent raising a young athlete, you can also discover Nico Bourgade's book, More than a Champion: The Essential Guide for Parents Raising Young Athletes, available here

Florent Piétrus, c'est 20 saisons au plus haut niveau, 230 sélections en Équipe de France, un titre de Champion d'Europe, plusieurs titres de champion en France et en Espagne, une EuroCup remportée avec Valence, et une réputation bâtie sur l'engagement, le sacrifice et l'esprit d'équipe. Quand un joueur avec un tel parcours s'ouvre pour partager son histoire, son vécu et sa vision du haut niveau, on écoute. Bienvenue dans le premier épisode en français du podcast The Mind Game of Basketball, 1 on 1 with Yourself, créé en 2022 par Nico Bourgade, coach en performance mentale pour basketteurs. Au cours de cette conversation authentique, Flo revient sur son arrivée à Pau à seulement 15 ans et le choc culturel vécu en quittant sa Guadeloupe natale. Ensemble, nous explorons les aspects mentaux qui ont façonné son parcours : les valeurs qui lui ont permis de durer plus de vingt ans au plus haut niveau, sa manière d'aborder les défis, les responsabilités, les attentes et les sacrifices liés à une carrière professionnelle. Nous parlons également de sa relation avec ses frères, de sa vision du rôle de père, de leadership, de transmission, et de la manière dont toutes ces expériences ont influencé l'homme autant que le joueur. Enfin, Flo partage son regard sur la préparation mentale et sur la place qu'un coach en performance mentale peut occuper dans l'entourage d'un basketteur de haut niveau. Un épisode riche en enseignements, en authenticité et en réflexion pour tous ceux qui souhaitent mieux comprendre ce qui se passe dans la tête d'un champion lorsqu'il construit, jour après jour, une carrière d'exception.

Welcome Luca Virgilio, General Manager of Nebraska Men’s Basketball. From his early days in Rome, Italy, to working under Coach Fred Hoiberg, and learning from a legend like Chris Mullin, Luca takes us inside the reality of high-level college basketball. In this episode, we break down: The hidden pressure behind NIL contracts The cultural differences between countries and within teams Why your network can make or break your career How well-being impacts performance at every level of an organization How Nebraska integrates sports psychologists, and where the limits might still be This is a deep dive into the mental, cultural, and strategic side of building a high-performance program. 🎯 A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone navigating pressure and performance. A great episode to start Season 2 of The Mind Game of Basketball, 1 on 1 with yourself, hosted by Mental Performance Coach, Nico Bourgade.

In this episode, you'll hear how Coach Oliver Kostić has shaped his coaching philosophy—both as an assistant and as a head coach. Having worked alongside masterminds like Coach Pesić with the Serbian national team and learning from world-class players such as Jokić, Mičić, and Bogdanović, Coach Kostić brings a wealth of experience and insight. In this conversation with Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade, he shares the core foundations of his values, what drives his pursuit of excellence, and how he maintains his mental well-being and a sense of balance over time. Enjoy this episode—we're confident you'll gain valuable insights from it. For more, visit Nico Bourgade's website: www.themindgameofbasketball.com

Coach of the season 2023-2024 in Lithuanian LKL, while coaching Juventus Utena, Oliver Kostić was also the assistant coach of the Serbian National team for the last two International campaigns under Coach Pesić, being a part of their successes both in the last Olympics and the last World Championship. After having coached for over several decades in some of the most recognized organizations in Europe, he is nowadays the actual Coach of Kuwait National Team. Oliver Kostić and mental performance coach Nico Bourgade unveil how they ended up working together and what made that collaboration a very positive one. Great tips for the people looking to set up a mental performance program within their organization. From wine to submarines' anecdotes, it will always lead you back to basketball, and you will hear it all with the very unique Oliver Kostić.

Dive in the head of the very unique Jonas Mačiulis, former Euroleague champion with Real Madrid, and Lithuanian National Team member, also a former player from Zalgiris, Milan, Panathinaikos, and AEK Athens. Now a sports director at the Lithuanian club of Nevezis, listen to how his playing experience impacted his standards and how he focuses on details, the way to behave, and how to act like professionals both on and off the court. Enjoy Jonas' anecdotes on how to manage egos and get the best out of players' performances, the importance of communication between players, and the role of experienced players. Jonas will explain in details the importance of working with professionals who have experience in basketball, to both have credibility in their work and to create a bond between the player and the mental performance coach. You will also benefit from advice for youth basketball players on the importance of becoming aware of who they really are and what will help them stand out from the competition.  Do you want to learn more about working on your mental game? Visit Mental Performance Coach, Nico Bourgade's website www.themindgameofbasketball.com If you want to spread the word to young basketball players, coaches, or parents, take a look at the mental guide, "1 on 1 with yourself" already published on 4 continents and used by some of the best programs and Federations in the world.

It is a real treat for every basketball lover around the World who will benefit from Coach Blatt's outstanding experience. Not much to add, as his resume speaks for itself... As head coach: FIBA EuroBasket champion (2007) EuroLeague champion (2014) EuroCup champion (2018) FIBA EuroChallenge champion (2005) 5× Israeli Super League champion (2002, 2003, 2011, 2012, 2014) LBA champion (2006) ABA League champion (2012) Italian Cup winner (2007) 6× Israeli Cup winner (2002, 2003, 2011–2014) EuroLeague Coach of the Year (2014) Russian League Coach of the Year (2005) 4× Israeli Super League Coach of the Year (1996, 2002, 2011, 2014) Russian Federation Order of Friendship award recipient (2014) As assistant coach: 4x Israeli Basketball League champion (1993, 1999–2001) 3x Israeli Cup champion (1999–2001) SuproLeague champion (2001) EuroLeague champion (2004)

In the 23rd episode of "The Mind Game of Basketball, 1 on 1 with yourself" podcast, Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade welcomes Kostas Chatzichristos, Director of Performance at Fenerbahce, as well as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Greek National Team. Kostas, also the co-founder and Director of the Euroleague Strength and Conditioning Coaches' Association (ESCCA) shares great insights on what separates top organizations in the Euroleague from others. From his past experience at CSKA Moscow, winning two Euroleague titles and participating in a total of 6 Final Fours to his arrival at Fenerbache Istanbul last season, listen how a positive environment but also struggles are handled by such great teams.  You'll hear how performance is being studied, discussed and planned to find a way to achieve great successes both on and off the court. Hope you enjoy... To find out more about Kostas Chatzichristos, visit his website https://kostaschatzichristos.com/ To get in touch with Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade, visit https://www.themindgameofbasketball.com/home or send him an e-mail at [email protected].

Nico Bourgade invites Benas Matkevičius in today's episode of "The Mind Game of Basketball, 1 on 1 with yourself podcast". Listen to Benas' in take on mental performance in basketball and how the Lithuanian National Team had a successful World cup, beating Team USA, finishing at the sixth place while playing basketball in a way that gave joy to not only an entire country but that also deserved respect from all around the world. I invite you to follow Benas and learn more in his great podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBenasPodcast If you want to learn more on mental performance services, you can reach out to Nico by visiting his website: https://www.themindgameofbasketball.com/home

In this episode, Nico Bourgade invites one of the greatest shooters in Euroleague's history: Jaycee Carroll. Learn how he built a mindset to become such a consistent and successful player through the years with one of Jaycee's most important tool: vivid imagination. Lots of great insights that cover mental health, mental performance and basketball IQ, all in one. Hope you enjoy. To get in touch with Coach Nico Bourgade, visit www.themindgameofbasketball.com or send him an e-mail to [email protected]

In this episode, Nico Bourgade welcomes Dr Jack Lesyk, who is the director of the Ohio Center for Sport Psychology, and former Sport Psychologist for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Learn how Jack gives us insight on what NCAA players might struggle with going into the NBA, his 9 mental skills that have helped him guide athletes from 14 years old to pro level for on the court performance as well as in life. To learn more about Dr Jack Lesyk, visit his website: https://www.sportpsych.org/ Interesting in working with Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade, visit https://www.themindgameofbasketball.com/home

Meet Uros Ninić, one of the top individual skills Coaches over in Slovenia. Listen to how Coach Ninić takes the mental game into consideration and his approach while developing players' skillset all over Central Europe. Another great exchange with Coach Nico Bourgade and a great insight from another Basketball lover whose passion for the game only has equals his knowledge. You can find Coach Ninić at https://newerabasketball.com/ Interested in developing your mental game, get in touch with Coach Nico Bourgade at [email protected] or visit his website directly here https://www.themindgameofbasketball.com/

Listen to Coach Kostas Flevarakis share his philosophy with Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade through an episode where the passion for the game is everything... From the Greek League to Sopron in the Hungarian League, from being an Assistant to a Head Coach, Coach Flevarakis has been spreading his knowledge for decades. Hope you enjoy listening to his core fundamentals that made him a very successful Coach and human being. To know more about Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade, check out his website below: https://www.themindgameofbasketball.com/

Dave Hopla is a legendary shooting Coach, known and recognized from all in the world of Basketball. His shooting records are more amazing one from another with one being 1,234 free throws in a row without a miss. Overall, Hopla makes more than 98% of the shots he takes. In 2007, he made 11,093 of 11,183 shots he took--a 99.19 shooting percentage. He always does shooting demonstrations at various camps he works, and oftentimes he goes the whole day without a miss. At a 2007 camp in Los Angeles, for example, he made all 272 shots he took. Listen to his conversation with Mental Performance Coach Nico Bourgade and how he built his confidence, developed his work with the players from NBA superstars to young hoopers around the globe and the secrets to becoming a shooting machine consistently. A very precious moment shared for the love of the game... You can reach Dave and Nico directly by e-mail [email protected] and [email protected] www.themindgameofbasketball.com/home