Professional/ BBall FAQ
Frequently Asked (Basketball – Related) Questions
The questions that are most oft asked of me…
- Tell us, succinctly, who you are as a basketball player.
Since I stay in Miami when I’m not away playing, I’ll put it like this: I am the best basketball player in Miami, that is not signed to the Miami Heat. - What are you measurables?
I’m 6’4″ (193.04 centimeters), and anywhere between 175-190 pounds (79.4 – 86.2 Kilos). My wingspan is several inches longer than my standing height, though I haven’t done an official measurement ever. Same for my vertical leap- never officially measured, but I can jump pretty high, I think. Just call me “long and athletic.” - Where do you play?
I play professional basketball both internationally and domestically; outside of that you can find me in the local gym wherever I happen to be living at the time. I also participate in local rec leagues, pickup games and such, so let me know if you’re in my area, if either a) you can play; or b) you’re willing to be my camera man for a day or two. - I have a question to ask you about basketball.
Then ask the question, dammit. - What’s it like to play overseas?
It’s fantastic to be able to do what you love for a living- what better way to live life? Basketball is fun to me, I love the competitive aspects of it, and I love the attention and responsibility that comes with being a paid pro player. - How can I send you a question about basketball?
Email me here. - Who are your favorite players?
Myself; Michael Jordan; Kobe Bryant; LeBron James; Dwyane Wade; Allen Iverson; Baron Davis; Steve Francis; Charles Barkley; Gilbert Arenas; Tracy McGrady; Vince Carter; Amare Stoudemire; Kevin Garnett; Chris Paul; Magic Johnson; OJ Mayo; Shaquille O’Neal; Gary Payton; Tim Duncan; and I’m sure many more that I haven’t thought of at the moment. - How did you develop into the player you are today?
Through a lot of practicing, sweating, and hard work. I have, and still do, spent hours on the court, in addition to the weight room and field/ treadmills/exercise bikes to develop into what is till an unfinished product. Every on-court experience I’ve ever had ha played a part in making me into me. The things I give the most credit to for making Dre Baldwin the player I am are: 1) my ambition- I have always set lofty goals for myself, and usually find that my peers don’t aspire to go even halfway as high as I expect of myself. 2) competitive instincts- I have both long- term and short- term competitive natures- meaning that I love the challenge of a trash- talking player in a pickup game, and I also always have in mind that guy I know from 10 years ago whom I must go farther than in basketball just to prove a point. 3) persistence. I could name at least 10 different times over the past 12 years that i could have easily looked at my basketball situation and said, “Fuck it. Time to do something else.” Or, as many ex-players like to say, “I gotta be realistic.” Well, realistic to me is that that personal trait that I mentioned in #2 above won’t let me stop when there are others I know that I still have to beat. It would be literally impossible for me to stop what I’m doing now- mentally, physically, and emotionally, I’m in too deep. Energy and persistence conquers all, and I have no shortage of either. - How old were you when you first dunked?
I was 16. - Do you think I can make it (overseas, to the NBA, to play in college, to be a respectable player, etc.)?
If YOU think you can make it, I do too. If you are asking me, then you need to re-assess your mentality, and it doesn’t matter how old you are, what level you play at, where you live, or anything else. If you don’t buy into yourself, nobody else will. - Can you tell me what I need to do to become better?
This answer, of course, is relative- each player has their own areas of improvement. But as a general response, the most important thing you need to do, is GET UP AND GO WORK ON YOUR WEAK- ASS GAME. Any player that is weak any any particular area, is weak at it because they haven’t put in the work to be good at it. Simple and plain. - Can you write a workout program for me to follow?
No, but if you’re in the greater Miami area we can speak about some training. If you ask me a question (as any of you who have come from YouTube have seen), I will definitely answer it to the best of my knowledge and I won’t mislead you if I don’t know the answer. Here’s an easy-to-remember workout plan for ya: get on the court, by yourself, and practice until you’re too tired to continue. Go home, rest, and do the same thing again the next day. Follow this, and eventually, people will be asking YOU for help. - Who taught you how to play?
I taught myself how to play. Really. By age 18 I had been cut from 3X more teams than I had actually made; never payed a game of AAU basketball, never had any type of basketball mentor; don’t have any older brothers or cousins who play bball; No older guy from the neighborhood who took me under his wing because he saw potential in me, none of that. I saw that I could be good at ball if I kept at it, and I have. The rest, as they say, is history. - Where did you go to school?
JR Masterman middle school; GW Carver High School Of Engineering and Science; Penn State Abington; Penn State Altoona. - Can you help me get (overseas, into a college to play, on an AAU team, etc.)?
No. I’m not an agent or coach. Nobody handed me a spot in college or the pros. If it would’ve been easy for me, then it would be easy for you. If you really want to play at a certain level, you will. - Who are the best players you’ve played with/ against?
Alvin Williams, Anthony Parker, Cuttino Mobley, Stevie Graham, Eddie Griffin, Jason Williams, Tim Hardaway is the short list.
- How did you start your career?
First, I made a decision that it was GOING to happen. From there — Going to a pro camp; using that video to get with an agency; the agency getting me a deal; networking with other professional players; lots of long mornings, afternoons and nights in the gym alone. - How did you make it to being a professional player while barely playing in high school?
Where you play at, where you’re from, what team you’re on… all these things can play a role in your development from HS to the pro ranks, but if these factors are not in your favor, that’s no excuse for not making it. I knew I had the skills to be where I’m at now back when I was 17; I also knew it would take time to develop what I had. Most importantly, I KNEW I would be here long before anyone else would even say I was a good player. - Someone told me (some training technique or program) (works, doesn’t work, will injure me, etc.)… what should I do?
You should do it yourself and form your own opinion. - Are you going to the NBA?
Yes. - Do you lift weights? What do you do, how much weight? How many (name of random exercise) can/do you do?
Yes I lift weights. As for the details- I am not a trainer, so doing what I do wouldn’t necessarily be the best thing for you. If you really want to get your body in great shape, join a gym and talk to a trainer. That’s what they get paid for (But, if you know me personally, maybe we can talk, haha). - Can you train me?
Click here.
- Why do I always seem to not be good enough when I play against other/ better/ more experienced players?
The answer is right in front of you: Because, instead of practicing (or lifting weights, or doing cardio…), you’re on the computer while the players that consistently hand you your ass are working on their game. You’re garbage because you have not put in the work. I’m glad you are visiting my site- now get off the internet and make something happen! - How much money do you make playing overseas?
Probably the most oft-asked question from adults when they learn that I play pro ball. The answer, naturally, is none of your damned business. But, if your daughter is selling Girl Scout cookies, I’ll support it and purchase 2 boxes of Do-Si-Dos. My sister was a Girl Scout and I love those cookies! - How much time do you spend practicing? What do you practice?
I practice for as long as it takes for me to improve my game in whatever aspect I happen to be working on at the time. And anything you ever see me doing on the court, has been practiced. So that’s your answer. I don’t time my workouts, and the amount of time you spend on the court does not, necessarily, directly relate to your abilities. Meaning, an hour of intense, focused work beats 3 hours of bullshitting. And no, I cannot tell you how much time you should spend practicing. - I just made and posted a vid on Youtube. Can you watch it and tell me what I need to work on? First off, refer to question #17 above. Secondly, if I watch it and tell you, “You’re garbage,” are you gonna quit? Give the game up? It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks of your game. As long as YOU believe you can play the game, play the damn game and keep working. And if you really want me to watch your vid, post it as a response to one of mine. I won’t take it personal. It’ll also help draw some viewers to your vid, free of charge. Don’t mention it.
- My (brother/ cousin/ boyfriend/ boy) plays in/ at (name of random country, professional league or university), and you should do (fill in the blank) if you want to make it to the NBA.
Well, if your cousin truly does play for the New York Knicks, have him write me and he and I will talk. You? Good job delivering the message. Now go away. - Does/ do (such-and-such exercise program or technique, accessory, equipment, popular footwear) actually WORK?
NO. the only thing that “works,” in terms of your improvement, is YOU. No pair of shoes, accessory, or trendy workout does anything- they are inanimate objects or ideas that are impartial. Alone they do nothing. If you work, they will work. Get it? - You’re (a good player/ a great player/ an OK player) and all, but why do you have to talk shit about players that aren’t as good as you are?
Well, just like your opinion of my abilities, it’s called Freedom of Speech. And there’s always a reason, though I’m not required — and most of the time, not particularly inclined — to explain that reason to anyone. But most of the time there is a shot fired my way before my retort closes the case, so to speak. - You aint shit, you’re garbage. I live near you and I’ll destroy you in a game.
I do not do the Internet shit talk unless I know you to be a real person (i.e., I’ve seen/ met you in the flesh before you made this comment/ sent this email). And if you really are better than me, that means you’re really good, and you ain’t worried about talking down on another player– you would be too busy working on your own game.
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hey dre, i got a Q. Im 13 years old, 5’5 , maybe 5’6, not so tall. I have a 22-24 inch running vertica;. and can touch a 9’2 rim. (im supposed to b 6 feet tall) U think i will be able to dunk when im a little older. (with some hard work put into it)?
if YOU think you’ll be able to dunk, so do I.
i never said i think id be able to dunk, haha. But is my vertical good or above average for my age or do i need to work on it more? thats what i meant i guess.
I didnt say i think ill be able to dunk, haha. I guess my question is: Do you think i’m above average or averagee for a basketball player my height and age???? and another question. How old were and tall when u 1st got rim?
my point being, it doesn’t matter my opinion if you will or won’t be able to dunk in some years with practice. If YOU believe your practice will lead to the ability to dunk, it will.
i have no idea what “average” would be for height/ jumping ability; if you look around you may find that information. What I do know is I was 16 when I first dunked a ball.
hey dre wassup I’m a up and coming basketball player and everything u wrote on ur website was true cuz I’m going through a lot trying to make it pro but its not stopping me I’m trying to do everything I can to get my name out there, that’s y I have this on question how did u make ur website what was the process u had to do to get ur own website, so if u can get at me with the answer I would appreciate it.
hey dre..
if this is you lol which i think it is..
i have a question that no one seems to have an answer to and i figured you might seems how yu have a great gf which ive seeen on yur myspace ..anyway my bf plays in the ibl..and its very possible that he is going to get signed overseas because he is really good. i have been with him for a year and some monthes and im wondering when and if he makes it…will i be able to go with him?…or am i stuck in the states missing my bf and limited to email???
go to GoDaddy.com and sign up for a domain name! it’s that simple.
well it depends on the team he’s with; every situation is different. if he makes it clear tha he wants you with him then that may affect his signing with certain teams who may not be able to provide such accommodations.
oh ok.
well you must have met your gf over there.
but i would never try to jepordize him being happy so i guess ill just stay here and visit.but thanks so much for the advise..maybe you will play my bf one day lol =]
no problem! na i did not meet my gf over there.
Man dre big ups, i love how you answer the questions, your doing the right thing, alot of “ballers” fill peoples head with the wrong shit. Keep doing what your doing man, and i cant wait to play you in the NBA
thanks a lot, i appreciate it!
I really like the way you think. I’m 13 and I’m gonna be in the NBA(just so you know). Some of the thinks you say are spot on to my thought. If you really think you can make it you can. At the moment I’ve been sick for 4 days… lol…. it’s really killing me because I haven’t played any ball in 4 days now ;( Anyway good job, I know you have spent hours in the gym, in the weekends, in holidays, whatever, while everyone else have quitted or been home at the computer… that’s what seperates you and me from the pack
hope I don’t talk to loudly about myself lol 
but I’m gonna play you in the NBA some day …
thanks a lot! im glad you are enjoying my site. and i feel what you’re saying exactly. keep working and keep me updated!
You said you’re going to NBA! That’s my boy, I respect you for that. I have same dreams (or is the nightmares?).
See you there
thanks! stay tuned.
Yo Dre i appreciate all the hard work u put into ur game, AND your fans. its gunna pay off for u when u go to the NBA i know it. But im here to ask u a question about dunking. im 16, and im 5’9”. i can hang from the rim, and without the ball i can get my whole hand over the rim. but with the ball i get rim stuffed.. any advice?
thank you! all i can tell ya is to keep workin on it; try dunkin a tennis ball then a volleyball then a bball
yo dre,
i practice hard everyday and i got a good shot and good handles but im not that quick. it hurts my game alot. what should i do to get quicker and stuff cause i could be a completly different player if i was
hey dre did you do any workouts with your legs to make you jump higher
if you happen to visit pittsburgh in your pro ball career i would like to play you one-on-one
try jumping rope; and look at nike’s SPARQ website
na im not a trainer
gotcha!
hey dre. im 14 years old and have a great pure shot, good dribbling, and good passing. i have real good machanics, but in games i don’t play as well as i think i can with my skills. any advice?
play in more games to gain experience.
Hey Dre,
I have a question…I am 15 years old and i just finished my freshmen season. My problem is that I live in a foreign country because my parents are ambassadors. How can I be noticed by NCAA scouts because i wanna play college ball in the US?
When did you start your “journey to the nba” and this blog?
i would guess u should attend a camp for youth players who wish to play in the USA… where or how, i dont know.
2005.
what do you think about streetball nd basketball freestyle ?? ( cause there is people who thinks dat its garbage )
i like it, though i enjoy playing “regular” bball the most. ill play pickup games any time though
Hey Dre, I live in Canada (RED DEER , ALBERTA ) and somehow I cant manage to find a camp/gym that would assist me to play in the USA someday. Do you somehow know a place where I can go?
na i don’t. look around o the net for info
Found 1, they actually play tournaments. Still thanks a lot man.
Adult League
whats the most points you have ever dropped in college or nbdl game?
any of these teams, i mean:
PSU Abington
PSU Altoona
Lithuania
Harlem Ambassadors
Mexico
Montenegro
Germany
40.
I put in the work, but my only problem is blancing workingout in the weight room and in the gym. I think it’s best to ball and then workout, but i’m not sure if that fucks with muscle memory. And I need to lift weights im a 5’7 shooting guard.
try to do them separately if you can. if not lift first then grab a quick snack.
i have to admit that im a GP lol. but if i do practice hard… i will be good. right dre?
depends on your God-goven talent and current abilities. but you can do anything you set ur mind to!
thnx dre!!
hey im 16 and a pretty good but kind of streaky shooter but I can never get backspin onto the ball. I make sure to use fingers, not palm and to use my wrist but any tips on how to get that backspin?
get ur fingertips on the laces and snap ur wrist!
thanks for the site man!! good luck hope u make it to the nba
thanks dude i appreciate that!!
nice answers man. loved reading them.
i appreciate you reading ‘em
Dre, u are really inspiring. i watched a vid of you to work on my handle and its turned out great. I saw some other ones and they been just wat i needed to hear. Its snowin in illinois but in the summer im goin to work untill i puke so i can make jv or varisty as a freshmen. Ur proof of hard work about to pay off. When ur in the nba im buying your jersey.
Jack, glad i could help. thanks a lot!
hey dre, my trainer said that weight lifting affects a person’s shooting. So when did you start to lift weights?
What do you think is the most effective way of drawing fouls when you’re in league games and you are using most? shot fake, going in the air head-2-head, or just faking them that you’re trying to avoid the contact like stepping back, and side step, but you really want him to foul you? i hope you got it..
my vertical leap is now improving yo.. i may try to do the pullups you want.. i love the kobe move.. it doesn’t need those flashy ball handling moves..
anyway, thanks..
hey thanks for the comment.
i started lifting when i was in college. every player in the NBA lifts weights, so take that for what it’s worth.
all of those things draw fouls, so have all of em in your repertoire.
ok, thanks mah man! when you were a kid, what are the problems that you encountered that almost made you quit playing basketball? i hope you did understand..
i never “almost quit basketball.”
How important do you honestly think 3 point shooting is?
I”m a reallly good mid-range shooter, but when other teams play zone and I have to shoot a 3, I’m no good.
Would you say having range/good 3 pointer should be an asset for every guard (shooting or point)? Thanks
yes.
Yo dre, i live in canada and my family is pretty tight on cash. Im a Point guard and i practice about 3 hours a day. but there’s this league 4 youth (im 13) thats pretty expensive (430$ for everything included) im wondering if i should subsitute practice for work and go pay myself in or just not join (my parents said they wont pay). luv yur site and the way you answer your questions
thx bye
thank you. that is a decision about your life; you need to make it for yourself. and stick with the decision you make!
Hey Dre you mentioned a summer workout that you are holding in Miami this summer is there anyway I can get into your summer workout.
where did i say that? first im hearing of it.
here you go you mentioned it on this page starting next summer (2010), I think I will get into basketball training with players in my area (Miami). You know how to reach me. Regular fitness training will also be available.
that’s correct. u looking to train? email me.
http://dreallday.com/?page_id=6042
Hey dre what positions can u play?
all of em
hey dre im lovin your site and your vids. everythin is helpfull and they all answer my questions except one though. should i weight lift and do bball practicing the same day or should i do them seperate days? which one do YOU think is more convenient? i hope i dont get that “whatever is comfortable with you” response lol.
thanks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAp-DHE9UkU&feature=PlayList&p=6271095BA788D7A7&playnext_from=PL&index=21
Dre I just watched this video and I’m already your fan
you talk like my twin brother man,,, we are from Brazil and he plays Varsity basketball for his high school in Washington and everytime I talk to him he says “get off the phone and go work on your game if you wanna be like me” hahahha thanks man
ur brother is a smart man.
omg, uhh… sorry if i offended you if did… i dont want to be on bad terms.
PS: dont put this on the site lol i jus wanted you to know that i respect you and sorry if i did anything. i still think you’re great!
no need to apologize. thanks for visiting my site!
Hey dre whats good?
Im an all around player but not that fast, i just need a tip to guard players who are quicker than me, and they have fast ball handling…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7yNrWE0Eg0&feature=PlayList&p=6271095BA788D7A7&playnext_from=PL&index=9
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=92404A5A0726D2FE
if those dont work, call for help defense. or guard someone else. or youll just get scored on a lot.
Hey dre i live in miami and was wondering if I could train with you
sure
Is this your email (dreupt@hotmail.com)? Thanks
dre (at) dreallday dot com
Do you answer all your messages on facebook?
depends on the message
Hi Dre,
First,congratulation, youre a great player. If you are looking for a prestigious club, I advise you to go to csp Limoges France. Great basketball place!
You seem to have the same shot as D Wade, same size as well.
Just one advise: please stop to touch your shoes each time you have the ball: first because it is annoying, second, because, one of these days, you will be bitten just because of that..:)
Hey Dre ,
Ive been watching your vids , and been learning and been working hard, extremely Hard. I’ve tried out for some Representative clubs made it once to d-league other time been let down , which made me learn from my mistakes and get stronger and better a basketball , over the summer and winter here in Australia ive been working from drills and exercises and i have to thank you heaps for this , because i thought i was at my peak , but your drills kept me moving up.
Thank you for making your videos , once you make it to the NBA I’m buying your jersey.
Next year im going down to the US do you mind if i Vs you One on One? im not trying to be cocky , my goal right now is to verse you , and i don’t care if i lose , i’ll learn from my mistakes
Cya Dre
thanks for the message. best of success to you! if we ever meet you’ll get your game.