When a Caterpillar Turns Butterfly

Hi! As I said earlier, I'm a 24-year-old 6'7, athletic individual with a 7’2 wingspan and gift for basketball that I had never known about.

I finally became fully aware of my potential in general after living a personal experience utterly unrelated to basketball.

I started to manifest it when competing with and dominating highly talented, athletic and skilled players, even though I had stopped playing basketball seriously years ago.

I discovered that my level adapts to the environment I am playing in surprisingly fast, but I was the first to struggle to understand and accept this idea.

I decided to synthesize and break it down as a blog.

I invite you to follow my journey that I represented through introspection, storytelling, and a short sample of clips to illustrate the story.

These clips show highlights of the few sessions I recorded, game situations, and workouts.

Let’s go!

A bit of History

A Lifelong Love for Basketball

I fell for basketball with all my heart since I discovered it. The game's complexity contrasted with such a simple principle fascinates me.

I have been watching the NBA frequently since 2012. I've been among the biggest fans of NBA2Ks, especially the MYTEAM mode, where you can build a team and control each player and strategy.

Throughout my growth, I've learned about the roles and different ways to play basketball. I've also studied some players who inspire me, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Kobe Bryant, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler.

Initial Challenges and Role Confinement

I started playing basketball in Liege in 2010, in my small neighborhood club. I played as a center since I was the tallest on my team.

I never liked this role but loved basketball, so I thrived to improve and became a crucial piece of my team every time.

I was also trying new things to get new skills progressively, but it was challenging since coaches wanted me to stick to my role and its traditional functions: get rebounds, play inside defense, set screens, and score from inside on occasion.

Newfound Versatility and Multidimensional Game

After seven years, I left my club and played with the University of Leuven in Brussels in 2017, and there, I realized my potential and how versatile I could be without too much effort.

Nobody tried to restrict me to a specific role, and people respected my game; I could finally play how it made sense for me to play, in a psychologically safe environment.

I played center at the beginning, then progressively became a forward and even a point guard towards the end of the year.

All of that while staying effective and winning games against competitive teams.

I was proud to tell my dad that good players and coaches called me Kevin Durant.

Struggles and Dropout

I decided to return to Liege in 2018 to pursue my studies, and I signed up at a small club close to home, thinking that I could move away from the center position this time.

Unfortunately, I met the same issue: people couldn't see past my height.

I was doing everything at the training to prove I could take on another role: shooting from far, attacking the rim with speed, showing a good court vision and understanding of the game, and making impressive plays from the outside.

Despite all of that, I would eventually never get the chance.

My self-esteem was affected; I started thinking that I was maybe not good enough, and it became a self-fulfilling vicious cycle.

My overall level decreased from the previous year, and it was a massive blow that made me move away from playing basketball in clubs.

I even forgot about the level I used to have, as if it was just a fantasy in my head.

I don’t blame any individuals implied in these events; this is how the system is built.

American Epiphany

Everything changed when I arrived in the US and started competing with every good player I could meet, from New York to Boston.

I couldn't help but see that despite my mediocre center formation in Belgium and being highly rusty, I could compete with and even outclass talented, skilled, and athletic American players.

I honestly couldn’t believe some of what I was doing effortlessly on the defensive and offensive end; that’s part of why I decided to film myself at some point.

To analyze and understand, but also to accept and never forget.

I felt like I was on my hill, alone most of the time. I realized that I had many different ways to win, many different ways to impact the game.

How? I’ll dive into it on next page.

Offensive Breakdown

1 vs 1 Situation- Diverse Strategies and Moves in the Arsenal

I'm an extremely versatile offensive player.

I can do it all when necessary. When the intuition takes over.

I am creative, and my curiosity made me enterprising.

The more difficult the challenge becomes, the better I get; it’s bigger than basketball.

I'm a facilitator by nature, not a scorer, though. I prefer to keep my energy on playing defense and make good plays for others. I score only when the team needs it, or when I have a great opportunity.

In these moments when my focus is on scoring, I read and analyze my defender, along with the team defense configuration, and I adapt to that.

For example, if a tall or heavy defender guards me, I will blow by or create separation to shoot over.

If a smaller defender guards me, I would shoot over without separation or use my strength to get close to the rim.

In the video bellow, starting from 0:19, there is my last recorded one v one game at MIT against a random student (6’5 forward).

Here is a 3 vs 3 in which my team was down and without offensive rhythm so I had to take over and play isolation to get some momentum.

The Initial Nest - Playing Center/Power Forward

As I said earlier, center/power forward is the only position I officially played in a club for a long time. I've quickly become terrific in that role, so playing this position became my comfort zone.

I have multiple moves to eliminate defenders from the low to the high post, along with good footwork.

My lack of confidence growing up pushed me to look to create opportunities for others at the post systematically, and I became pretty good at it.

From my experience, the role is the most exhausting and physically challenging. There is so much contact on offense and defense.

I felt more limited and less efficient when playing in that position, until I mastered the fade-away shoot and developed other moves to avoid wasting too much energy.

Finding my Wings - Becoming a Slashing Forward/Guard

When I first discovered a glimpse of my potential in Brussels, I realized that a slasher type of game style was the most convenient option, so I developed that side.

I was relatively light and mobile for my height (200 lbs).

Outside of the post, my shooting game was not great, but I was quick, explosive, agile, strong, and durable.

I’ve always known that I could beat most defenders especially in a triple threat position, because my first step is pretty quick and my decisions can be hard to predict. It is worse now that I have a jump shoot that I trust.

Even when defenders are able to anticipate that I’m going for the drive, it is still very challenging to stop me without help and without committing a foul.

I can get close to the rim in many ways, I adapt everything depending on the defense and the context, and I also have multiple options in my bag to finish there, I have a pretty good touch.

I could vary my pace without trouble and finding a balance in the air has never been complicated for me.

I also have a good enough ball control and no problem to dribble the ball hard.

Therefore, it is possible for me to blow by most of my defenders, especially if a screen is set for me or if I have more land to take off.

Nowadays, I don’t ask for a screen when I play for fun, unless a lockdown defender guards me. It became a comfort zone I generally don’t want to get into, just like playing at the post against average players.

The Rise of a Floor General - Evolving into a Point Guard

At 6'7, I've seen myself playing the point guard position or being the primary ball handler in Brussels and US fields.

The reason is that I was sometimes the most comfortable player with the ball in my hand under pressure and that I’m a true strategic leader.

As you will see in the videos, I use my attributes to run fastbreaks as soon as I have the occasion.

If my defender is behind me and the last men are not great rim protectors, I do not hesitate to finish myself, though. It is a bucket or a foul in most of these cases.

I am also more willing than most to pass the ball for the best shot possible.

Making my teammates feel confident is more important to me than individual prowesses on the court.

I took advantage of my slashing qualities and added strategic/organizational abilities and court vision acquired from maturity, game situations analyzed and memorized, and often playing chess.

I use my gravity at the post or when driving to get good looks to open teammates.

The role allows my natural elder brother's leadership to shine, but it has its downsides for me:

The first one is that the closed-minded members of basketball communities I try to thrive in, unable to see beyond the fact that I'm tall, have a hard time allowing me to grow in this role in peace.

Then, you will see in the videos that I can dribble the ball at a high pace when I need to, but it has never been my thing, just like shooting from far.

It is still a new position, so I need more concentration in game situations. I take this role only when there is no choice or my goal of the day is to get out of my comfort zone, but I’m better than average.

I am currently working hard on it specifically, because point guard would be my dream position; I prefer to make plays for others over scoring myself.

When it Rains, it Pours - Mastering the Long Range

As I said, I had never been a shooter, and nobody taught me to shoot from afar. But I've always known deep inside that I could be very good at that; my hand-eye coordination and intuitive understanding of shooting mechanics are as good as they get. It allows me to be a good passer. My hands are also relatively small compared to people of the same size.

In May 2023, I started a journey to craft a solid enough shoot. My aim was never to become a shooter, I just wanted to be good enough not to be left open and, therefore, to create more opportunities for the other aspects of my game.

Today (in September 2023), I shockingly reached a level that allows me to shoot confidently and efficiently in-game, from a very long distance, unbalanced, off the dribble, off one leg, contested, and even with my left hand.

I have multiple ways of shooting from deep in my arsenal because when I realized that I could do better than just shoot open 3s, I started working to make this initial weakness one of my deadliest weapons.

The crazy part is that I haven’t even shot 2,000 3s since the start of this journey. I was mainly focused on school and had to keep time for my other passions.

I can shoot in 2 or 1 motion, depending on the situation.

Today, I’m an excellent shooter and shot-creator if warmed up.

I don't have the fastest natural release, but I can shoot it very fast if needed, especially off the dribble or moving; it has rarely been necessary because:

1. The average players rarely expect me to shoot, “I don’t look like a shooter”; I’m wide open or have enough space most of the time.

2. If they overcommit, I blow by them and attack the rim or stop for a midrange shoot.

3. They rarely have the quickness, length, and anticipation to defend it effectively, even when they take my shot seriously.

4. I’m tall and have long enough arms to shoot over most defenders without being bothered if they don’t defend tight enough.

So it's all about me and my focus in general, and I’m highly focused when I’m competing.

I can really shoot from very deep. I didn’t learn to do it, I just discovered that I can, almost as easily as I can shoot a basic 3.

I started to train it not with the expectation of shooting them in game, but because it makes every other jumpers easier:

I can also shoot while moving, fading away, or off the dribble, which is pretty useful in 1v1 situations. This is not the way I usually play, but that is something I can do if needed:

My Hidden Strenght - Midrange Specialist

Even though I didn't have the confidence to shoot them a lot playing in my Belgian club, I have always felt like I would be a good midrange shooter.

Sometimes, I felt like I should shoot, but then it was a battle between my intuition and limiting beliefs.

My father trained me specifically on this part of the game and helped me build my confidence.

When I realized and accepted who I was, my intuition finally won this war and took over forever.

Today, I can confidently shoot midranges in many ways, naturally, effectively, and without overthinking.

This is a shot that I rely on mainly if other areas of my game are neutralized. It’s very useful against great defenders/defenses because it’s not expected and it’s easier to shoot over them than it is with a 3 pointer.

I can score more than 10 free-throws in a row on good days.

Off-ball movement

As you may have noticed from the clips, I’m not the type of player who absolutely needs the ball in hand to be effective on offense.

I try to often reposition myself, depending on my teammates’ needs and movements.

I change my pace to get positional advantages over my defender, or to get me open for a shot or a drive to the basket.

I don’t hesitate to set a screen when I see a good opportunity for a teammate; they do not need to ask.

I either fight for rebounds on offense or position myself to stop the fastbreak. It depends on my team and the way the opposite team plays.

Defensive Breakdown

A Defensive Swiss Knife

Anybody who played against me knows I'm a witty and tenacious defender.

Since I started playing, I've always guarded the opposite team's best players, from point guard to center, unless there is a particular circumstance.

I am not afraid of getting "embarrassed"; I play to win, not to look good.

I'm quick on my feet and have enough reflexes to defend effectively and even shut down guards, probably due to my kickboxing experience.

I am tall, strong and have a long enough wingspan to guard effectively most forwards and centers.

I'm also a leader on defense, reading strategies, and communicating how to defend particular cases with my teammates.

I'm highly aware of everything happening on the floor, and I analyze each player and system run to adapt.

It may not look seem obvious going through the blog, but I tend to put way more energy on defense than offense, I only score when it’s really needed.

I can be a pest for team offenses and individual players.

Finally, I'm a great help defender, with superior reading, timing, and baiting for blocks and interceptions.

Final Words

The Intangible Difference

The most crucial aspect of my game is mental toughness. It comes from my life experiences, the things I've learned, and personal development.

I rarely see players wiser than me on the court. I always control my emotions, don't panic, and, most importantly, know my worth, so I don't play to prove it.

As you may have noticed from the clips, I’m a cold-blooded in clutch time, and I have a zone in which I always end up at some point…

If I get in this zone, it’ll be challenging to neutralize me or my team if a legal defense is being played.

In that state, I can get either a bucket, a foul or a good opportunity against majority of individuals/systems.

I’m also defending against the best player on the opposing team most of the time, and I do my best to disturb their game without being dirty.

I have a lot of ways to make a difference.

My resilience and discipline are elite; I work hard to get what I need, and this is again bigger than basketball.

I’m an excellent chess player and fighter. If you explore the rest of my website, you’ll see that my versatility transcends basketball.

Make no mistake; having said all of that, I’m also a very coachable player. I can focus on any role the team needs.

I need to catch up, I know I have much more to learn and discover, and I’m super excited and prepared for it.

To put it simply, I’m currently a very competitive player with a unique combination of basketball traits, and I could be a plus to any team if I’m given some time to adapt, depending on the level the team competes at.

Not where I want to be yet

One of my main weaknesses is my left hand. It's not weak to the point where it gets targeted and exploited, but it needs to be better to create problems easier.

I can still score inside and dribble with my left hand against good defenders, but at a different level than the right. It’s also not in my tendency to finish with the left hand even though I know I can (even when it’s difficult), it’s just a bad habit that I’m working on.

I struggle with the dribble when lockdown perimeter defender with a long wingspan is playing aggressively on me sometimes.

I don't automatically lose control of the ball like I used to, but it prevents me from strategizing because avoiding the pressure still requires effort and concentration.

I struggle to shoot 3’s from the corner. I can sometimes do it, but I’m less confident than from the wings or the front. I don’t have enough experience yet to take them in a serious game.

I was bigger when I was younger (I used to eat a lot more and go to the gym), so I know I can get bigger and have a better nutrition without too much trouble, it just hasn’t been my priority these past few years. I’m willing to change my size as long as it doesn’t compromise aspects of my game like speed and mobility.

I have a great offensive potential and innate abilities but I feel like I need more practice; everything can be more fluid and automated.

Each part of my game is constantly progressing, even the already competitive ones.

I'm a very efficient learner and I’m still looking for my ceiling.

Future Aspirations

I open my atypical journey to those who envision the boundless potential of the human spirit and soul, those willing to be a part of a story of metamorphosis and relentless pursuit of mastery.

I hope to find someone to help me grow and advance in my unfinished basketball journey.

While I'm still young, I aspire to play among professionals someday.

I’m trying to get into the circuit and get noticed to progressively accelerate my growth.

For now, I market myself as a defensive small forward, like Kawhi Leonard when he started with San Antonio. Depending on the need of a team that would be interested in my profile, I’m willing to focus on any offensive task. I’m here to learn.

I’m wholeheartedly convinced that I have everything in me necessary to be an outstanding professional, despite my unconventional journey and the backlog that comes with it but not only that.

I’m sure also that I have a potential as great as those of the best this sport has ever seen. It may sound pretentious, but I know deep down it’s the truth and I would not even consider doing all of this if I wasn’t convinced.

I just didn’t get the chance to grow in conditions that allow me to develop my gift, and I’m trying to remedy this before it’s too late, and it’s not.

I just need mentorship, to be surrounded by the right people and get in the right environment to reach my prime and be successful.

I need to start somewhere.

Trust me, I’m on my way to do something big.

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By Bruno Nchimi

If you are curious

If you share my vision and passion

If you find resonance in my journey and aspirations

If you believe in the transformative power of love, dedication, and resilience

Whoever you are and whatever the reason that brought you here

I invite you to connect!

You can also learn more about me through other sections of my website!