Alan Stein is the founder and owner of Stronger Team as well as the Head Performance Coach for the internationally renowned Nike-Elite DeMatha Catholic High School basketball program. Alan’s 15+ years of training experience make him one of the world’s leading experts on improving basketball athleticism. We were lucky enough to get Alan to take a few moments out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions, to provide some insight to the success that he has helped numerous players achieve.
You’re regarded as one of the most esteemed strength and conditioning coaches in the basketball world. You’ve worked with countless players who have gone on to dominate the league such as Kevin Durant. Tell us a little bit about how you got into the position you are currently in?
I’m very fortunate to have gotten in the basketball performance space at an opportune time (early 2000’s), in an opportune place (DC area) with two opportune programs (Montrose Christian HS and DeMatha Catholic HS). I’m thankful to make my living doing the 3 things I am most passionate about – basketball, performance training and having a positive influence on young people. Coach Stein and the basketball team in the weight room at Dematha Catholic. At DeMatha High School you coached current Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo. What separated Victor from the other players his age?
Victor has/had a tremendous work ethic, high humility and a deep respect for the process of what it takes to be a great player. He was willing to pay his dues as he ascended from a non-start on the freshmen team to an NBA lottery pick.
Which of the players currently at DeMatha do you predict will follow in the footsteps of Victor Oladipo and Jerami Grant and make it to the NBA?
We have two current players that have all of the tools to be outstanding players at the highest level – Markelle Fultz and D.J. Harvey. If each continues to work on their game, allow themselves to be coached and works EVERY DAY on becoming the best player they are capable of… I am confident you will hear Adam Silver call their name in the very near future.
What three pieces of advice do you have for young players who are aiming to reach the NBA someday?
Don’t focus on the NBA. Focus on becoming the best player you are capable of. If you keep your focus on that… the ‘rewards’ will follow.
Find what you do best (shooting, rebounding, defending, etc.) and work every day to make your strength even stronger.
Stay hungry. Stay humble.
Coach Alan Stein and LeBron James. During the Kobe Bryant Nike Skills camp you trained several of high-school and college guards, you reportedly said that you immediately knew that the unknown 16-year-old Stephen Curry would go on to become a superstar. What made you think this?
Steph stayed after every single workout and wouldn’t leave until he swished 5 free throws in a row. That pretty much sums it up!
As a strength and conditioning coach, how important is lifting weights and what age should young players start training in the weight room?
Players as young as 9 or 10 should begin strength training (which does NOT have to include ‘weights’ – their own bodyweight is more than sufficient) as a part of an overall performance training program and should continue this on a year-round basis for their entire career.
How should players balance their time between skills work and strength and conditioning work in your opinion?
Generally speaking, a player should spend one hour working on their body (performance work) for every 4 hours they spend working on their skills (so 20%).
Nutrition can play such a big part in building strength for athletes. Do you advocate a specific diet for basketball players?
I don’t. But I do recommend players view their body as a Ferrari… and to only put ‘premium fuel’ in it! When you eat well… you look well, feel well and perform well.
Do you agree that injuries are becoming far more of a common occurrence in todays game? If so, what do you personally think are the causes for this?
Players are wearing their bodies out by playing way too many games at a young age and not participating in a well balanced, structured, comprehensive performance training program. Who will be this season's MVP? Who do you think will take home the NBA championship this year?
Hard to bet against Steph Curry and the Warriors.
Which current young players (HS/College/NBA rookies) do you predict are stars of the future?
I love LaVine and Wiggins in Minnesota.
Finally, what one piece of advice do you have for all basketball players out there who want to improve their game?
Work on your craft EVERY SINGLE DAY. Build your success brick by brick.
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