Summer 2023. I took 12 boys from a small village under my wing.
Most of them couldn’t dribble with their left hand, their passes were flying all over the gym, and the “champion mindset” wasn’t even in the picture.
We started from the very basics.
We worked systematically, patiently, day by day.
I noticed how some of them started taking it seriously.
They worked hard, stayed focused, took responsibility. Slowly, others joined in.
All they needed was direction.
A challenge.
Sometimes I had to make them a little angry. Other times, just be there, support them, and believe in them when they didn’t yet believe in themselves.
Even though everyone had written them off, they never gave up.
And we started winning.
With each win, their confidence grew.
Then came 2024 — along with new expectations.
We were one game away from advancing into the GOLD group – the top nine teams in Slovakia.
We stayed in Silver.
But that didn’t break us.
On the contrary – we found a new goal.
For four months I reminded them:
“At the end of the season there’s a play-off. If the Silver champion beats the 8th place team from Gold, we fight for medals.”
We won Silver without much trouble.
In the play-off, we defeated Svit and advanced to the Final 8. The Slovak Championships were held last weekend in Pezinok.
Even before the tournament, many had written us off.
They said we had no chance.
That we would finish last.
I admit — I took it personally.
And as always with me — the more someone tells me I can’t do something, the faster I want to prove them wrong.
We lost the first game to Prievidza by 30 points.
They were clear favorites, dominated the whole tournament, and no one got within 25 points of them.
But we kept going.
We played tough games against Handlová and Košice – and won both.
We finished 5th.
From absolute zero, in just two years, we made it into the top of Slovak basketball.
Looking back, I see a clear parallel between sports and business.
The same pressure.
The same excuses.
The same moments where you decide whether to push forward or retreat into comfort.
It’s easy to say:
“I don’t have what it takes.”
“I’m not ready yet.”
“I don’t have the right conditions.”
But the truth is, most people quit the moment it gets hard.
When obstacles, failures, doubts, and uncomfortable emotions come.
And that’s exactly where everything breaks.
That’s where the difference shows between those who quit and those who endure.
These boys had no advantage.
Nothing that gave them a head start. But they didn’t quit.
And they had someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves.
Often, I was harder on them than anyone else would have been.
I didn’t give them the coach they wanted – but the coach they needed.
And that’s exactly why I’m writing to you.
Maybe you’re at the point where you’re convincing yourself you still need more time.
Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect moment. But that moment won’t come.
What will come are just more excuses.
Another week without progress.
Another month slipping by.
Another year eaten away by regrets that you’re stuck in the same place.
So stop waiting.
Stop underestimating yourself.
Stop being afraid of your own potential.
Because if not now – then when?
And if not you – then who?
Lift your head. Grit your teeth. And join me.
Today.
1 spot left for 1:1.
Always in your corner
Pali “Coach and Trainer of Champions” Lošonský
