Testimonials

Ben took up the opportunity to train with Athletic Development Coach Matt Shepherd at Assist PT in Lilydale with a goal of gaining more lean mass to help him work toward his goal of attending college in America.  21 months later, Ben was signed to the NCAA Division II Powerhouse Team, Georgia Regents University Jaguars.

When Ben returned from his first season playing for the Jaguars, we caught up with him to get an update on his journey and how training with Matt gave him the competitive edge he needed!

This was another case where a clients dream turned into reality!

Shep has had the little saying of  “no days off “which I have adopted in my lead up to going to college“

With a 6’5 wing, Ben has been a dominant force in the VYC – boasting averages of 15.1points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, 1.4 steels per game and 1.2 blocks per game.  His ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes him arguably the league’s best two-way player.

Matt explains, “I wouldn’t have expected Ben not to achieve an outcome like this because he is coachable and dedicated to his goals. From day 1 he has turned up for strength and conditioning training 2-3 times per week without missing any sessions, been putting in extra sessions on the court, following all the nutrition guidance we’ve given him and managed his body with extra release work outside of his training sessions.  Ben’s dedication to his goal have been second to none and as we like to say, he has been stamped as conditioned beyond game ready”

As a shooting guard, it’s unusual to be 4^th in the league for blocks, so we had a little chat with Ben.

My time at Assist has given me more confidence in my bodies ability. I’ve seen my strength and speed in my legs increase, which has helped me to lead that stat. Moving laterally has been a big thing for me personally because when I started, I wasn’t the quickest laterally but since training here at Assist I’m pretty much able to keep in front of anyone. I’m definitely feeling stronger, more explosive and quicker on the court now”

Coach Matt Shepherd created a program that not only complimented Ben’s goal but also helped support his body on the court for improved performance and greater recovery.

I think the program I’ve gone through here would be ideal for someone aged between 16-18 with intentions of going to college as I feel training for this 2 year period has put my body in a good position to cope with the riggers of college basketball and training” says Ben.

Matt goes on to explain “the benefits of this program do carry over to anyone of any age or anyone wanting to improve on court performance.  It’s the training cycles and consistency that has given Ben improvements in his athleticism. We have cycled programs to peak him for his season and now the VYC Finals.