Closing The Gap: Opportunities and Challenges in Youth Basketball W/ Alexis Burke #3

**About The Guest(s):** Alexis Burke is a former collegiate basketball player who played at the University of Illinois and Rutgers. She now runs her own business, Hold the Rope Training, and coaches on the circuit for Essence, a Nike EYBL team.​ **Summary:** Alexis Burke shares her insights on the importance of building strong fundamentals in youth basketball and the impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules on young athletes. She emphasizes the need for athletes to focus on skill development and building confidence in order to succeed in basketball and in life. Alexis also discusses her own experiences as a player, including transferring from Illinois to Rutgers and the valuable lessons she learned during that time.​ **Key Takeaways:** - The fundamentals of basketball are often overlooked in youth basketball, leading to a lack of skill development. - The NIL rules provide an opportunity for young athletes to learn financial literacy and gain valuable life skills. - It is important for athletes to focus on skill development and building confidence in order to succeed in basketball and in life. - Building strong relationships and creating a supportive team culture are essential for success in basketball and beyond.​ Order Your Merch or Purchase A Book: www.itsjustdifferentpod.com Ashley on IG: _thisisashleyr Alexis on IG: _alexisburke Its Just Different on IG: itsjustdifferentpod Alexis Business Page: holdtheropetraining