Episode 21 - "The Rise of Skills Trainers in South Dakota with MJ Hrabik"

In Episode 21 of The State of Hoops: a South Dakota Basketball Podcast, host Todd Schlekeway sits down with MJ Hrabik, founder of Metaballic Hoops Academy, to explore the growing impact of year-round skills training on player development across the state. As AAU season ramps up and the offseason becomes increasingly critical, the conversation highlights how access to individualized training is reshaping the way South Dakota athletes improve and compete.MJ shares his basketball journey, from his early love of the game to his playing career and transition into coaching and entrepreneurship, along with the inspiration behind launching Metaballic Hoops Academy based in the Britton, SD area. He dives into his training philosophy, detailing how a blend of in-person instruction and digital tools, including a custom app, allows him to reach and develop athletes in both local and regional settings.Closing out the episode, the discussion broadens to the rise of skills trainers across South Dakota, why it’s happening, what it means for players and programs, and how families can navigate this new landscape. The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at [email protected] and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod