# @dj_shipley85 on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DTki2atjtlc
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/45494045-dj-shipley85-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/98c51b7e0c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-01-16T12:08:22.000+00:00

## Caption

Surrounded by Giants, Literally-

A few months back, Coach Cam from the Houston Rockets hit me up about coming out to speak to the team. I’ve been fortunate to work with a few of pro organizations, football, hockey, but basketball hits different. I didn’t grow up playing, but I grew up watching. Over the last few years I’ve gone deep into the stories, The Last Dance, Court of Gold, Starting Five.

One thing always shows up… obsession. The quiet hours. The refusal to meet minimum standards and expect exceptional results. The greatest players know progress happens before anyone arrives and long after they leave, routine, recovery, skill work and how all of it serves the group. Individual success that doesn’t translate to the team is empty.

Walking into the Rockets’ facility knocked me on my ass. Pristine. Professional. World-class. From coaches to dietitians to strength staff, phenomenal humans. You feel the support immediately, and with it, the expectation of absolute performance. It should be intimidating. It means you’ve earned the opportunity.

Sitting with the guys and talking about professionalism, obsession, and mastery was special. Every decision matters, what you eat, how you train, how you recover. Maximize the opportunity now so you don’t live with regret later.

I’m on the wrong side of 40, and I’m honest about the lessons I learned the hard way. Times I didn’t maximize my opportunities. I tried to give those lessons to these guys now.

Some of the greatest players in the room are closing in on two decades at the highest level. That’s not luck, that’s discipline and consistency. Everyone wants to be a superstar. 
How about hitting a high level and sustaining it for 20 years while putting the team first and building culture.

Grateful to Coach Cam, Coach Ime, and the entire Rockets organization. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Train, play, and recover like this is your last shot, because one day, it will be.

How far are you willing to go?
The entire way.

Appreciate you boys. Stay healthy. Stay obsessed. Be a pro.

#mindset #skillset #beapro #rockets #humbled

## Stats

- **Views:** 6,077
- **Likes:** 13,172
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 177

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Houston Rockets | @HoustonRockets | https://gondola.cc/HoustonRockets | NBA Team |
| Leigh Vo | @leigh.vo | https://gondola.cc/leigh.vo | Photographer |

## Tags

skillset, mindset, humbled, rockets, beapro

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