You know, when I first started following Collin Sexton’s journey, I remember thinking, "This guy’s got something special." Fast, relentless, and with a work ethic that’s just off the charts—it’s no surprise he’s become one of the most exciting NBA players to watch this season. But how did he get here? Let me walk you through what I’ve observed over the years, step by step, because honestly, his rise isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about the little things, the mindset, and the grind. And if you’re looking to level up your own game—whether on the court or in your career—there’s a lot to learn from his approach.

First off, let’s talk about his foundation. Sexton didn’t just wake up as a star; he built his skills brick by brick. I’ve always believed that mastering the basics is non-negotiable, and he’s a prime example. Back in his college days at Alabama, he was already putting in extra hours on ball-handling drills and defensive stances. I remember reading about how he’d stay after practice, working on his weak hand until it felt natural. That’s step one: identify your weaknesses and attack them head-on. For Sexton, it wasn’t just about scoring—he knew he had to round out his game. And that’s where a lot of aspiring players slip up; they focus only on what they’re good at. But here’s the thing: if you ignore the gaps, they’ll haunt you when the pressure’s on. I’ve seen it happen—guys with killer offense but shaky defense never last long. So, take a page from Sexton’s book and make your weaknesses your strengths. It’s tedious, I know, but trust me, it pays off.

Now, moving on to his adaptability. One of the biggest hurdles Sexton faced was transitioning to the NBA’s pace and physicality. I’ll be honest—when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, I had my doubts. The league is full of giants, and he’s not the tallest guard out there. But instead of shrinking, he used his speed and agility to his advantage. Step two is all about playing to your strengths while evolving with the game. Sexton studied film relentlessly, picking up on opponents’ tendencies. For instance, he improved his three-point shooting from around 31% in his rookie year to nearly 40% in recent seasons—that’s a huge jump, and it didn’t happen by accident. He worked with coaches to tweak his form, and I think that’s a lesson for anyone: don’t be afraid to seek feedback. In my own experience, whether in writing or sports, getting an outside perspective can reveal blind spots you never knew existed. And let’s not forget the mental side; Sexton’s confidence is unshakable. Even after a bad game, he bounces back like it never happened. That resilience? It’s something you can’t teach, but you can cultivate by setting small, daily goals.

But here’s where it gets interesting—and I’m going to tie in something from another sport to drive this home. You might have heard about the returning Chatchu-on Moksri, who was feted as the other best outside hitter in volleyball, alongside Wimonrat Thanapan as the other top middle blocker. Now, why am I bringing this up? Because Sexton’s rise reminds me of athletes like them who excel by mastering their roles while staying versatile. Moksri, for example, isn’t just a power hitter; she reads the game, adjusts her spikes, and supports her team defensively. Similarly, Sexton has evolved from a pure scorer to a more complete player. He’s not just driving to the hoop anymore—he’s facilitating, drawing fouls, and even improving his off-ball movement. Step three is about expanding your role without losing your identity. I’ve seen too many players try to do everything and end up mediocre. But Sexton? He knows when to take over and when to involve others. In fact, last season, he averaged over 24 points and 4 assists per game—numbers that show he’s balancing aggression with teamwork. And that’s a key takeaway: whether you’re in sports or business, understanding your core value while adapting to team needs is crucial. Oh, and a quick tip—watch his footwork. It’s subtle, but it’s what allows him to create space against taller defenders. I’ve tried incorporating some of those moves into my pickup games, and let me tell you, it makes a difference.

Of course, no journey is without setbacks, and Sexton has had his share. Injuries, roster changes—you name it. But step four is all about perseverance. I remember when he suffered a knee injury a couple of seasons back; some critics wrote him off. But he used that time to study the game mentally and came back stronger. That’s something I admire deeply; in my own career, I’ve faced rejections, and it’s the ability to bounce back that separates the good from the great. Sexton’s routine includes not just physical training but mental conditioning—meditation, visualization, you name it. He’s said in interviews that he visualizes game scenarios before bed, and I think that’s genius. It’s like rehearsing success in your head before it happens. If you’re not doing something similar, you’re missing out. Also, let’s talk numbers for a sec—though I might be off by a decimal or two, the point stands. His player efficiency rating climbed to around 18.5 last year, up from 14 early in his career. That’s not luck; it’s the result of consistent effort.

Wrapping this up, it’s clear that Collin Sexton’s story is a blueprint for anyone aiming high. From honing fundamentals to embracing adaptability, and learning from peers like Moksri and Thanapan in other sports, his path shows that growth is multidimensional. As we watch how Collin Sexton became a rising NBA star to watch this season, remember—it’s not just about the highlights or the stats. It’s about the daily grind, the mindset, and the willingness to evolve. Personally, I’m excited to see where he goes next, and if you take even one of these steps to heart, you’ll be on your way to your own breakout year.