The Work That No One Sees
No spotlight, no scoreboard—just the kind of work that builds character, connection, and resilience.
At this point in the preseason, the little injuries start to show up. There are tired days, days where it’s harder to stay focused through a full practice. But these are the most important days. They shape who we become as a team. They build the foundation of trust that we’ll need later in the season, when we’ve played 30 games and everyone’s worn down. These are the days that define us.
We have to stay sharp. There’s no time to relax. Staying focused on the plan and trusting the process is everything.
We were supposed to have a game this week, but it got canceled. That hit us hard emotionally. We were looking forward to playing someone else, to stepping into a real game environment. Right now, it’s just training. These are the dog days—when you put your head down and keep working, even when the reward feels far away. Nothing is promised, so you keep showing up.
The other team’s bus broke down, so instead we had a couple of tough practices. One focused on game-style play and actions, the other on offensive and defensive schemes. We ran full-court 5-on-0 for conditioning, and finished with shooting drills while tired. That kind of work brings a team closer. It builds bonds through shared effort and helps us learn how to perform under pressure.
I think that applies to everyone. When you’re tired, can you still show up for your family? Can you go to work and provide, even when you’d rather stay home? Can you take each day with a sense of joy and gratitude, even when it’s hard?
We have to stay sharp. There’s no time to relax. Staying focused on the plan and trusting the process is everything.
We were supposed to have a game this week, but it got canceled. That hit us hard emotionally. We were looking forward to playing someone else, to stepping into a real game environment. Right now, it’s just training. These are the dog days—when you put your head down and keep working, even when the reward feels far away. Nothing is promised, so you keep showing up.
The other team’s bus broke down, so instead we had a couple of tough practices. One focused on game-style play and actions, the other on offensive and defensive schemes. We ran full-court 5-on-0 for conditioning, and finished with shooting drills while tired. That kind of work brings a team closer. It builds bonds through shared effort and helps us learn how to perform under pressure.
I think that applies to everyone. When you’re tired, can you still show up for your family? Can you go to work and provide, even when you’d rather stay home? Can you take each day with a sense of joy and gratitude, even when it’s hard?
We also had a meet and greet this week. A few of us went up in groups while a speaker asked questions. It was a chance for people in the town—business leaders, friends of the team—to see us face-to-face, hear our stories, and connect. Afterward, we hung out in regular clothes, shared a few snacks, and laughed together. It was another reminder of how important it is to relate off the court. That’s what makes a team strong.
This weekend, we play our first cup game. The cup works like an in-season tournament. If you lose, you’re out. If you win it all, it can open doors—moving up a league, personal success for players and coaches, and a strong mark on the resume. It’s a big opportunity, and we’re ready to chase it.
Ask Mason
Are you learning to speak any new languages? Have you had a Belgian waffle?
I’m trying to pick up a bit of Dutch and French as well as Flemish. All the above are pretty common here, but surprisingly a lot of people speak really good English so that has made the transition pretty easy when people can understand you in the grocery store or help you read a sign. And yes, I definitely have had a couple Belgian waffles!
A Look Behind the Grind
From candid moments with teammates to quiet scenes around the neighborhood—and yes, even breakfast—here’s a glimpse into my week off the court. These are the small, steady pieces of the journey that shape the bigger picture.
