Michiels: “Competitiveness, character create true pros”

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"Talent might get you noticed and can give you an opportunity at the pros, but it’s competitiveness and character that keep you at the top, ensuring a long, successful career”.

For Belgian skills coach Joerik Michiels this is the lesson at the heart of everything he teaches.

For more than 15 years, he has travelled to more than 40 countries, worked with the NBA, FIBA, basketball stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and national federations in an attempt to change the way young players think about the game.

“Our goal was simple: make hard work cool again,” Michiels said.

“Taking this approach global allows me to share this mindset and help more players grow.”

Michiels founded Elite Athletes and Elite Academy in Antwerp to give players somewhere to train seriously during summer. His philosophy revolves around the belief that mindset is what separates the good athletes from the great ones.

"The biggest quality I see in pros is competitiveness,” he added.

"Kids can learn that success isn’t just about skill, it’s about mindset, staying disciplined and consistent over many years."

Australian junior basketballers will have the chance to experience these teachings this school holidays, as Michiels is Down Under at the NBA Basketball School Australia’s September and October camps across the country.

These camps are also designed to connect Australian players to a wider pro pathway.

NBA Basketball School Australia regularly takes teams overseas, including to the NBA Basketball School Abu Dhabi Tournament Experience. One of the standout athletes in 2023, Isaiah Jorgenson, has since gone on to help Australia win gold at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams brought home gold in 2023 and 2024 at the Abu Dhabi tournament, and this year, seven Australian teams will travel to compete.

Michiels said this was exactly why these camps were so powerful.

“NBA Basketball School Australia gives players a unique opportunity to learn from experienced coaches in a professional environment, practice game-like situations, and develop both their skills and mindset," he said.

"It’s a chance to be challenged, inspired, and part of a community that values growth, effort, and excellence.”

The camps run from September 22 to October 10. Dates and locations of the camps are listed below.

Gold Coast: with special guest global player development coach Joerik Michiels

• September 22, 2025 at Somerset College

Brisbane: with coach Joerik Michiels

• September 23-25, 2025 at The Lakes College

Sydney

• September 29 to October 3, 2025 at Cranbrook School

Melbourne

• September 24-25 at Mullum Mullum Stadium
• September 29-30 at Caulfield Grammar with Joerik Michiels‍
• October 1 at Olive Road - The Art of Finishing Clinic with Joerik Michiels‍
• October 2-3 at Diamond Valley with Joerik Michiels

Canberra: with special guest global player development coach Joerik Michiels

• October 7-10, 2025 at Radford College

For all camp info and to book a spot, please visit: https://events.humanitix.com/host/nba-basketball-school-australia

Or https://nbabasketballschool.com.au/