Protected: Hunter Dickinson: Lessons from the Next Level

July 3x, 2025

Hunter Dickinson on NBA Summer League, Setbacks, and Standing Out

Hunter Dickinson, an NBA Summer League player, offers advice on transitioning from college to pro basketball. Hunter began training with Evolution Basketball in 4th grade.

The Reality of NBA Summer League

“The NBA is just… different,” Hunter said. “The spacing is so spread out. And honestly, I had a team that didn’t really pass, so it was tough. Dudes were hunting their own shots trying to get points.”

NBA Summer League, he explained, isn’t about perfect basketball — it’s about standing out in a crowded room of hopefuls.

“Unless you’re a draft pick or a two-way guy, the deck is stacked against you,” he said. “They don’t give you much opportunity, so it’s hard to stand out.”

So how do you make an impression?

“It’s hustle plays,” he emphasized. “Rebounding, especially offensively. Diving on the floor. Picking up 94 feet. That’s how you get noticed.”

Understanding Your Game

One of the biggest transitions for Hunter has been adjusting to a new role.

“I’m used to always having the ball in my hands,” he said. “Now I’m figuring out how to play off others. Picking my spots. Knowing when it’s my time.”

That means embracing being great at one thing.

“The pros are all about that,” Hunter said. “You don’t want to be good at a couple things and not great at one. Being a knockdown shooter and average defender can get you a long way.”

Work Is the Constant

When asked about advice for younger players dealing with setbacks or a lack of recognition, Hunter didn’t hesitate:

“It always goes back to the work. Life’s gonna hit you with all kinds of craziness. But battling through adversity — that’s the most important trait you can have.”

His mindset? Give yourself 24 hours to feel it. Then get back to work.

The Evolution Connection

Reflecting on his time with Evolution, Hunter noted the impact of targeted development.

“What I learned with Evolution is they do a good job at making you really good at one thing,” he said. “Alex is great at really attacking the one skill you need to get better at.”

That detail-oriented approach — the same philosophy we bring to our Advanced Training & College Prep programs — helped Hunter sharpen specific parts of his game that translated to the next level.

Final Takeaway

For every player looking to make the jump — whether it’s from rec to travel, JV to varsity, or high school to college — Hunter’s message is clear: Understand your strengths, play with effort, and never stop grinding.