Guest Contributor: Joe Abunassar, Founder of Impact Basketball, former Division 1 Basketball Coach, and 21x Ironman Finisher
Every year, the NBA Draft and its preparation are among the most anticipated events in basketball. Fans closely follow their favorite college athletes as media outlets analyze skills, size, and measurables. Yet, the internal preparation athletes undergo often remains unseen from fans.
What are NBA teams looking for?
How do players prepare? What exactly does this rigorous process entail?
In 1998, I began training players for the NBA Draft, including future NBA icons like Tyronn Lue, Al Harrington, and Andrae Patterson. Approaching my 27th NBA Draft in 2025, I've observed that despite shifts in the NBA landscape, one critical factor remains unchanged. And that’s how important hydration is to the success of a player throughout the process.
At Impact Basketball, emphasizing hydration and water quality has significantly influenced athlete readiness and career success. Our training program and guidance has produced numerous #1 picks, lottery selections, and hundreds of first-round draft picks. The significance of hydration during the NBA Pre-Draft period underscores its universal importance for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike.
Inside the NBA Draft Preparation Process
Players typically spend 8-10 intense weeks at Impact Basketball preparing for NBA team evaluations, which include basketball drills, live gameplay, physical tests, and medical assessments. The workouts, occurring six days a week, involve:
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90 minutes of skill training each morning
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90 minutes of performance training (strength and mobility)
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Another 90 minutes of afternoon skill training
Players then spend the final 3 – 4 weeks prior to the Draft visiting specific NBA cities to participate in intense, max-effort workouts as well as interviews. These workouts are usually every other day, so the travel and the intensity is high.
This relentless schedule demands optimal hydration. With extensive sweat loss and frequent travel to various NBA cities, players must constantly replenish fluids. While electrolyte drinks offer benefits, pure, high-quality water remains foundational.
Our mantra at Impact Basketball: "DRINK, DRINK, DRINK." Partnering with Eternal Water over the past decade has ensured our players have continuous access to naturally pH-balanced, great-tasting water, vital for performance and recovery.
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How Hydration Enhances Performance
Even slight dehydration severely impairs athletic performance, increases fatigue, and heightens injury risk. In the intensely competitive pre-draft evaluations, one "off" day can cost athletes opportunities and millions in future earnings. Hydration specifically enhances:
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Oxygen Delivery: Better cardiovascular efficiency
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Blood Flow: Enhanced muscular strength and endurance
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Tissue Pliability: Reduced injury risk and greater mobility
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Temperature Regulation: Prevents overheating and performance dips
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Cognitive Function: Sharper decision-making and quicker reactions
How Hydration Accelerates Recovery
Recovery is equally critical during the pre-draft phase. Unlike Olympic athletes training for a few performances, NBA hopefuls undergo 10-15 maximal efforts within a condensed 4-6 week window. Constant hydration aids recovery by:
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Flushing lactic acid through improved blood flow
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Enhancing oxygen delivery to replenish muscles
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Keeping muscles flexible for consecutive high-intensity workouts
Players consistently report substantial performance improvements and quicker recovery due to proper hydration.
The Big Picture: Hydration for Everyone
Witnessing young athletes achieve their NBA dreams on draft night remains unparalleled. At Impact Basketball, meticulous attention to hydration and nutrition often distinguishes between success and falling short.
While most aren't training for the NBA, hydration universally impacts health and performance. Proper hydration promotes enhanced physical stamina, mental clarity, faster recovery, and overall healthier living for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is hydration critical for athletes preparing for the NBA Draft?
Proper hydration contributes to peak physical and cognitive performance, quicker recovery, and reduces injury risks during intense training and evaluations.
Is plain water enough for hydration during NBA training, or are electrolyte drinks necessary?
Quality plain water like Eternal Water is foundational for hydration. Electrolyte drinks can supplement water intake, especially during prolonged, intense exercise or heavy sweating.
Does hydration influence cognitive performance and reaction time during basketball games?
Yes, proper hydration significantly boosts cognitive clarity, decision-making speed, and reaction time, directly impacting on-court performance.
Can proper hydration benefit non-athletes?
Absolutely. Staying well-hydrated boosts energy, improves mood and cognitive function, accelerates recovery from daily activities, and promotes overall health.
Author Bio
Joe Abunassar, a former Division 1 basketball coach, founded IMPACT Basketball. Known for comprehensive athlete development—skills, strength, nutrition, and mental conditioning—Joe has mentored top basketball talents across the NBA. Explore more at IMPACT Basketball.
