Dyami Starks is one of the Midwest’s premier basketball trainers. His approach to training combines professional-level insights with data-driven development strategies. Starks also serves as the player development coach for All Iowa Attack, the director of Starks Elite AAU program, and as an assistant women’s basketball coach at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.

Dyami was a Division I standout at Bryant University and enjoyed a professional career that included stops in Australia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Latvia.

On this episode Mike and Dyami discuss the metaphorical totem pole of recruitment, and how college coaches prioritize retaining their current players and recruiting the transfer portal over pursuing high school talent, thereby reshaping the recruiting dynamic. We look at the misalignment between what players think college coaches value and what the coaches actually value including the following six categories.

1. Mental Capacity
2. Intangibles (e.g., leadership)
3. Skill
4. IQ
5. Strength & Conditioning
6. Instincts

Dyami explains the critical idea that effective leadership on the court does not solely rest on a single individual; rather, it thrives when all players embody leadership qualities, allowing them to elevate one another.. The discussion extends to the significance of athletes understanding their roles within a team framework, fostering mental resilience and adaptability. Ultimately, Dyami advocates for a holistic approach to player development and why players need a deep appreciation for teamwork and leadership.

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Be sure to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Dyami Starks, trainer & player development coach for All Iowa Attack.

Website – https://dyamistarks.com/

Email – [email protected]

Twitter/X - @dyamistarks

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